Program Planning and Implementation, Research Paper Example

Introduction

Successful career counseling requires a comprehensive program that encompasses a variety of conditions and reflects the needs of students seeking different career paths. This process demonstrates the importance of planning and organization in order to identify a program that will successfully accomplish the desired objectives. Within this framework, career counseling will offer an opportunity for students to express their desired career objectives and to recognize the importance of external issues that influence career paths, such as families and financial circumstances. In order to evaluate the potential success of a career counseling program, a case study will be considered that will utilize programmatic contents and the challenges of identifying a career path that will lead to successful outcomes for the client.

Analysis

Safe Haven is comprised of shelters and other support systems for victims of domestic violence. The organization anticipates the development of a comprehensive career counseling program in order to accommodate the needs of clients and to boost their self-confidence and courage. The primary objective is to move beyond the role of victim and to claim greater empowerment and decision-making within one’s life. Career counseling is likely to promote greater self-confidence; however, fear and apprehension remain critical challenges for many victims of domestic violence (Chronister et.al, 2008). Achieving successful outcomes for this group requires an understanding of the possible reasons why clients might not complete these programs, such as fear, anxiety, and emotional harm (Chronister et.al, 2008).

One approach to consider with career counseling for domestic violence victims is Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT), whereby women are provided with the tools that are necessary to overcome abuse and to become stronger on the other side (Watcher Morris et.al, 2009). Many women who have experienced abuse may find it difficult to maintain composure in their efforts to be effective in seeking career counseling and advice, even after abuse has ended (Watcher Morris et.al, 2009). As a result, it is important to identify areas where the potential exists to support this population and to enable them to share their visions post-abuse and to determine the direction that their lives should go (Watcher Morris et.al, 2009). This group of women faces an uphill battle based upon these experiences; however, they also reflect the importance of new directions and approaches to gaining much-needed strength and courage using social cognitive theory as a guide (Watcher Morris et.al, 2009).

Women who are victims of domestic violence face other challenges in their efforts to overcome these situations and to move forward with their lives. A critical area of concern is career counseling, which is essential in the process of moving on and overcoming victimization (Collins, 2011). Women in this category typically face multiple challenges in a number of critical areas; therefore, career counselors must provide additional frameworks so that these women are offered critical support and guidance during this particularly vulnerable period (Collins, 2011). From this perspective, women must be provided with a safe and nurturing environment in which career counseling offers an additional level of support and encouragement that goes above and beyond traditional counseling (Collins, 2011). These contributions will play an important role in shaping outcomes and in establishing a greater understanding of the issues that are most relevant to women seeking career advice after domestic violence, such as networking and insecurities regarding interviewing that may pose problems and limit success in the chosen career path (Collins, 2011).

For domestic violence victims, identifying individual strengths and abilities is of critical importance in order to establish a greater understanding of likely career paths. The career counseling approach must address personal fears regarding future employment, as well as one’s skill set and ability to be successful in obtaining a stable career after victimization. A large majority of domestic violence victims find it difficult to reintegrate into a normal routine without difficulties. Therefore, they must be provided with a framework and the support system that is necessary to facilitate some degree of contentment and satisfaction with life after abuse. Most domestic violence victims will likely continue to struggle for a period of time; however, it represents an opportunity to openly communicate and share ideas regarding the direction that their careers and their lives will take in the future. These efforts are instrumental in supporting their growth and strength and their ability to become fully productive members of society. When domestic violence victims identify their career paths and achieve their goals, it is likely that their sense of satisfaction and contentment will improve over time, as well as their courage and level of strength that will propel them forward into the next stages of their lives without fear and apprehension.

Conclusion

Career counseling is a critical path for the lives of domestic violence victims. A successful program will ensure that these individuals possess the ability to achieve success in their endeavors and in identifying their core strengths to determine what type of career is appropriate. It is important to recognize the value of addressing these concerns and in providing an environment for successful outcomes. Career counselors must work well with victims of domestic violence in order to provide a framework for addressing strengths, possible educational opportunities, and potential career choices. These efforts will be effective in supporting the development of new ideas and approaches to ensure that these individuals are provided with a comprehensive support system that may be evaluated to improve success rates and self-esteem.

References

Chronister, K.M., Linville, D., and Kaag, K.P. (2008). Domestic violence survivors’ access of career counseling services. Journal of Career Development, 34(4), 339-361.

Collins, J.C. (2011). Strategy of career interventions for battered women. Human Resource Development Review, 10(3), 246-263.

Watcher Morris, C.A., Shoffner, M.F., and Newsome, D.S. (2009). Career counseling for women preparing to leave abusive relationships: a social cognitive career theory approach. The Career Development Quarterly, 58(1), 44-53.