After graduating in 2013, I began working for The Key Program as a “Therapeutic Training and Support” and “Therapeutic Mentor”. The positions are part of the Massachusetts Children's Behavioral Health Initiative, which is an interagency initiative with the mission to “strengthen, expand and integrate Massachusetts state services into a comprehensive, community-based system of care, to ensure that families and their children with significant behavioral, emotional and mental health needs obtain the services necessary for success in home, school and community.” I generally work with youth (ages 5-21) and their caregivers to assist them in meeting their particular goals. Because every family has their own unique situation and goals, my work greatly varies from client to client. Typical parts of my job are, planning a community based activity for a client, assisting with an In-home Therapy session, assisting a family with coordinating with other service providers, and helping a client or parent navigate systems (school/IEP, DCF, DMH, etc.) My sociology degree provided me with a “big picture” view and very global perspective that has allowed me to be empathetic when working in direct care. Studying under the passionate professors in the UML Sociology Department also taught me to be investigative and innovative. These skills are vital to having an understanding of the population you are working with and being creative, but still effective in how you are improving the issues before you, no matter if they are on an individual level or systematic. My advice to current students: don’t be afraid to talk with professors and other community leaders. Networking helps you know what career options are out there and what employers are looking for.
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