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THIS IS NOT THE END…IT IS REALLY JUST THE BEGINNING

Lori Falk-Skover, MA, LPC, NCCCentral Michigan University

falks1ll@cmich.edu

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WHERE ARE YOU IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL

JOURNEY?

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OVERVIEW Preparing for graduation Credentialing Getting the job The wide range of school counselor

experiences within the schools

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Preparing for Graduation Complete/Submit application for graduation

Timeline: Applications due Dec.1 for May Graduation; April 1 for August; July 1 for December

Graduation audit conducted by campus personnel to ensure you met program requirements

Attend Commencement Ceremonies (May/December only; August-no ceremony)

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Preparing for Graduation (cont’d.) Degree you are applying for: Master of Arts Program: Counseling; School or Professional For more information go to:

http://www.cel.cmich.edu/student/graduation/default.html

You may also call 1-800-950-1144 for information

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USEFUL WEBSITE INFORMATION CMU Off-Campus Programs:

http://www.cel.cmich.edu Off-Campus Library Services:

http://ocls.cmich.edu Writing Center:

http://webs.cmich.edu/writingcenter

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Definition of Counseling Public Health Code Excerpt (Act 368 of 1978)

333.18101 Definitions.*(d) “Practice of counseling” or “counseling” means the rendering to individuals, groups, families, organizations, or the general public a service involving the application of clinical counseling principles, methods, or procedures for the purposes of achieving social, personal, career, and emotional development and with the goal of promoting and enhancing healthy self actualizing and satisfying lifestyles whether the services are rendered in an educational, business, health, private practice, or human services setting.

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Definition of Counseling Public Health Code Excerpt (Act 368 of 1978)

333.18101 Definitions.*Exclusions*(d) The practice of counseling does not include the practice of psychology except those preventive techniques, counseling techniques, or behavior education techniques for which the licensed professional counselor or limited licensed counselor has been specifically trained. The practice of counseling of counseling does not include the practice of medicine such as prescribing drugs or administering electroconvulsive therapy. A counselor shall not hold himself or herself out as a psychologist as defined in section 18201. A counselor shall not hold himself or herself out as a marriage and family counselor providing marriage counseling pursuant to section 1501 of the occupational code, Act No. 299 of the Public Acts of 1980, being section 339.1501 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

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TITLE and SCOPE OF PROTECTION Public Health Code (Excerpt) Act 368 of 1978

333.18105 Practice of Counseling; conditions; use of words, titles, or letters. Sec 18105.

(1) A licensee shall not perform any acts, tasks, or functions within the practice of counseling unless he or she is trained to perform such acts, tasks, or functions.

(2) Effective October 1, 1990, a person shall not engage in the practice of counseling unless licensed or otherwise authorized under this article.

(3) The following words, titles, or letters or a combination thereof, with or without qualifying words or phrases, are restricted in use only to those persons authorized under this part to use the terms and in a way prescribed in this part: “licensed professional counselor”, “licensed counselor”, “professional counselor”, and “l.p.c.”.

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Getting Credentialed*Credentialing Requirements

-Michigan School Counseling Licensure

-Professional Counseling Licensure

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CREDENTIALING SYSTEMS

*Certification

*Registration

*Licensure

*Endorsement

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CERTIFICATION Voluntary way for a profession to recognize the

education/training of individuals

Name/Contact information listed in nationwide directory for referrals

Counseling: NCC-Go to: http://www.nbcc.org/cert/apps.htm for complete information

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REGISTRATION State regulated

Protects your title

Guarantees a minimum level of approved education/training. e.g. LLPC, LPC

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VOLUNTARY CREDENTIAL: CERTIFICATION

Voluntary method for the profession to recognize the education/training of individuals (requires continuing education)

National Certified Counselor (NCC). Go to:http://www.nbcc.org/cert/apps.htm for complete information

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LICENSURE More rigorous and prestigious Regulated by State Protects Title Guarantees a minimum level of approved

education/training Defines a scope of practice which is reserved

and protected

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COUNSELING SCOPE OF PRACTICE

A scope of practice defines what a professional does

When scope of practice is “protected,” this means the only people who can do activities included in the scope are people who hold that profession’s license

See Licensure Law and Rules

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BENEFITS OF LICENSURE Allows one to legally practice counseling

outside of the school setting (not required for those who only practice in a school setting)

Allows one to identify self as a “licensed professional counselor”

Highlights one’s training and accomplishments

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EXAMINATIONS TO COMPLETE CMU-Comprehensive Exams in six (6) core

areas: Theories, Careers, Groups, Techniques, Professional Orientation (Ethics), & Research. (no charge for comps.)

Michigan Department of Education Exam: MTTC #51-Guidance Counselor

National Counselor Exam (NCE): Required for becoming an LPC in Michigan and for NCC

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SCHOOL COUNSELING CREDENTIALS

Regulated by State Department of Education

Guarantees a minimum level of approved education/training

Defines a scope of practice which is reserved and protected

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ENDORSEMENT Adding the NT Endorsement on Teaching

Certificate (valid for teachers only). - Process may take 6-8 weeks

- Students need to have passed the MTTC#51- Guidance Counselor Test- Students need to have completed specific course requirements

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CONTACT INFORMATION Information/Questions re: School Counselor

Credentialing & Legal vs. Illegal Hiring withinthe State of Michigan. Contact:

Beatrice M. HarrisonHigher Education Consultant

State of Michigan, Department of EducationEmail: harrisonb@michigan.gov

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FOUR SCHOOL COUNSELING CREDENTIALS

NT Endorsement on Teaching Certificate (valid for teachers only).

School Counselor License (SCL) for NON-teachers

Preliminary Employment Authorization to Work as a School Counselor (PEASC)

Temporary School Counselor Authorization (TSCA)-only for out of state candidates

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LICENSURE Regulated by State Department of

Community of Health Protects Title Guarantees a minimum level of approved

education/training Defines a scope of practice which is reserved

and protected

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PEASC Option for students in School Counseling Permits you to work as a School Counselor

prior to completing your Master’s Degree Only valid for only three (3) years Two types:

- with a teaching certificate- without a teaching certificate

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Types of Credentials for MichiganSchool Counselors

MANDATORY for Counselors the State of Michigan: one (1) of the following:

NT Endorsement (18 SB-CEUs/6 semester hours or combination of the two to renew certificate)

School Counselor License (18 SB-CEUs/6 semester hours/combination of the two to renew certificate)

Preliminary Employment Authorization to work as a School Counselor (PEASC; only valid for 3 years AND you have to declare K-9 or 7-12)

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Types of Credentials for Michigan School Counselors

Options to consider: Limited Licensed Professional Counselor

(LLPC; no CEU requirement) leading to… Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC; no

CEU requirement) National Certified Counselor (NCC; 100 CEU

clock hours every 5 years)

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BECOMING an LLPC Requires completion of a 48 hour master’s degree

program in counseling (with specific content required)

Requires submission of an Application to the Michigan Department of Community Health (Board of Counseling)-A Professional Disclosure Statement must accompany your application-Identification of an LPC Supervisor-Fingerprinting and a background check

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BECOMING an LPC Requires:

-Holding the LLPC for a minimum of two (2) years-Accruing at least 3000 hours of counseling experience-Passing of the NCE Exam-Having regularly scheduled supervision sessions with an LPC who is trained in the function of supervision

*supervision must begin immediately upon receipt of the LLPC and must continue until

the LPC is received

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Do I have to get a supervisor? I have a Master’s in counseling but I am NOT

counseling and I don’t have an LLPC I am an LLPC but I am NOT counseling right

now I am an LLPC and I am counseling I am a school counselor but NOT an LLPC

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Rules regarding the Limited Licensed Professional Counselor License:

Supervision Requirements in Licensure Law (Public Health Code, Part 181)

•Section 333.1811: limited license; restricted practice•Individuals with limited license [Limited Licensed

Professional counselor; LLPC] may practice counseling only under the supervision of a licensed professional

counselor [LPC]

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Supervision Requirements: Administrative Rules

Rule 338.1752 Rule 2 (3.a) -Must engage in “practice of counseling” as

defined in the scope of practice -Work with a broad range of the population -Work in an organized education, business,

health, private practice, or human services setting

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Supervision Requirements: Administrative Rules (cont’d.)

R338.1754 (3) Disclosure of Supervision -Name of supervisor must be provided on

professional disclosure statement that is submitted with licensure application

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Requirements for Your Supervisor: Administrative Rules

R338.1751 Rule 1(n) -“Supervisor” means a licensed professional counselor

[Licensed Professional Counselor; LPC] who shall have training in the function of supervision. Effective 1/1/05.

No legal definition/no standards for supervision training in our Michigan Counselor Licensure law!

-Does your supervisor have training in supervision? -How do you determine if your supervisor is adequately trained? -Get the details (in writing)

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Administrative Rules re: Number of Hours of Experience Required

R338.1752 Rule 2

•Experience obtained after graduate degree obtained

•Minimum of 3000 hours over NOT less thantwo years (1500 hours; NOT less than oneyear for those with 30 semester hours in

counseling beyond master’s degree)

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How many hours do I have to see my supervisor prior to obtaining my LPC? Where? When? How?

R 338.1752 Rule 2

-Accrue at least 100 hours of supervision in the immediatePresence of the supervisor (50 hrs. for those w/ 30 sem.

hrs. beyond MA)

-Effective 1/1/05, the supervision begins upon issuanceof limited license and continues until full licensure is

issued

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How long do I have to be supervised?(Public Health Code, Part 181)

Section 333.18107: Professional counselor license [LPC]; qualifications-at least two (2) years of counseling experience under the supervision of a licensed professional counselor…(1.c)

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The Fit Just as it is important for there to be a fit

between the school counselor and students, as it is important there be a fit between the LPC supervisor and you, the school counselor/LLPC supervisee.

Remember this is minimum of a two year professional commitment!

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Getting the Job-Networking-Interviewing *Preparation *The Interview-NT certification vs. SCL-My Space? Facebook?

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Networking Present yourself well at all times. Contact family, friends, classmates, administrators, counselor

educators and co-workers to inform them of your career goal, e.g., List at least 25 people who could help you with your job search.

-Express interest but make clear you’re not expecting them to have a job for you OR to help you find one - Ask for additional people to talk to and for permission to use their name

- Follow-up each lead and afterward, send or email a thank you - Become known

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Networking Join and become active in professional organizations.

American Counseling Association (ACA)www.counseling.org American School Counselor Association (ASCA)

http://www.schoolcounselor.org/Association of Michigan School Counselors (AMSC)

http://www.michiganschoolcounseling.org/Michigan Counseling Association (MCA) http://www.michigancounselingassociation.comMichigan School Counselor Association (MSCA)http://www.mich-sca.org/

Local county counseling association(s). (Oakland Counseling Association, Macomb County Counseling Association, Wayne County, etc.)

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Networking (cont’d.) Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops Reading Professional Literature

-books-journals

Obtaining additional formal education/post-graduate courses

Volunteer where you would like to work

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Resume? Portfolio? Have multiple copies of your updated résumé and cover

letter available. Be sure they are specific to the job opening.

Take your portfolio and multiple copies of a summary of your portfolio.

-Description of you -Experiences/Activities

(Range/Kinds)-Samples of writing-Consider including samples of projects/papers completed during your coursework and/or internships.

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A Good Resume… Summarizes your relevant abilities, skills,

education, and accomplishments. Makes an employer think you are the best

person to meet the needs of his or her school. Passes the 15 second test. Earns you an interview! Tips for resumes: Do’s & Don’ts; Scannable

Resumes

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Does it matter whether you are a certified teacher?

NT certification(endorsement added to teaching certificate)

vs.School Counselor License (SCL)

(for non-teachers working in schools)

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Preparing for the interviewBegin now to look for a job!

See suggestions in websites below: Introduction to the Job Search for School

Counselors http://www.mnsu.edu/cdc/resources/workshops/teachers-schoolconselors.pdf

Job Search Tips for School Counselors

http://www.rivier.edu/departments/cardev/job_search_tips_for_school_couns.htm

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Preparing for Interview (cont’d.)Practice responding to potential questions… Possible interview questions for school counselors

http://www.schoolcounselor.com/resources/interview.htm Selected interview questions for counselors

http://www.fordham.edu/images/student_services/career/grad_ed_handouts/selected%20interview%20questions%20for%20counselors.pdf

Interview questions for school guidance counselorshttp://myweb.uiowa.edu/mooss/support_pages/Interview2003.htm

Buzz words: Relationship, Rigor, Relevance, Advocacy, National Model, Action Plans, etc.

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Preparing for an Interview You learned of an opening!!

1. Do NOT tell anyone2. Review the criteria for the specific position3. Research the school & district (enrollment info,

MEAP/ACT scores, mission statement, strategic plan, diversity, socio-eco status, special population information, awards received, etc.)

4. Ask who will be interviewing you (individual or group of people)

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The Interview Your appearance Be punctual Handshake Be able to give examples and relate answers to the school counselor position

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Seek answers to sample interview questions from the professionals…

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Potential Areas of Conflict1. Ivory Tower vs. The Job2. Differences in Descriptions of School

Counselor Role and Expectations3. Caseload Size4. Personality Issues5. Other Challenges

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CMU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Join the CMU Alumni Association at http://www.cel.cmich.edu/alumni/

SUPPORT CMU BECOME ACTIVE

DISPLAY YOUR DEGREE WITH PRIDE

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Facebook? MySpace?

THINK BEFORE YOU ACT!!!

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Words of Wisdom

Know Thyself

Subscribe to the Code of Ethics

Be Honest

Ask Relevant Questions

Thank Interviewer(s)

Follow-up