Experts Weigh In On Current Job Market Trends
January 8, 2021
Given the change of course that has happened in the world, we wanted to provide expert opinions on what aspiring graduates can do to start off their careers in an uncertain economic climate. We wanted to know what skills will be more important, where the economy is doing relatively well, and if there will be any lasting effects on the job market.
Companies are looking for candidates that can handle the new responsibilities of the job market. Recent graduates actually have an advantage because they are comfortable using newer technologies and have been communicating virtually their whole lives. They can take what they've learned and apply it immediately.
We spoke to professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the job market for recent graduates is heading, as well as how young graduates entering the industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.
Our Panel of Experts
Montana State University
Bethel University
Lancaster Bible College
Maryville University
University of Lynchburg
University of Lynchburg
University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Thresholds
California State University - Fresno
The University of Findlay
Idaho State University
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Mental Health Specialists?
Edward Dunbar: Yes. Prior to this pandemic our graduates had little to no training in telehealth (distance-based counseling), and there was a steep learning curve for people who graduated and entered the field prior to the pandemic. For our current students, we have been able to assist them with developing the skills for multiple modes of counseling (telehealth, in person counseling, etc.). Additionally, the increase in mental health issues, addiction issues, domestic violence, and unemployment will affect our graduating students for years. They will need to be well-versed in treating higher acuity issues and helping clients from low SES. The pandemic has also highlighted the social systems and systemic injustice/racism which has made our students look more closely at the role of power/privilege and oppression in addictions and mental health counseling.
What type of skills will young Mental Health Specialists need?
Edward Dunbar: Additionally, new graduates will need knowledge and skills in telehealth, integrative care and medicine, trauma, and case management. Whereas prior to the pandemic students had limited knowledge of the importance of client case management, the pandemic has required students to learn about community resources and helping clients with concrete short term goals.
What experience really stands out on Mental Health Specialist resumes?
Edward Dunbar: Crisis counseling, suicide prevention training, and case management
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Mental Health Specialists?
Dr. Amy Evans: The pandemic certainly will have lasting impact on graduates in counseling, as we will see shifting expectations related to training and experience with telemental health for all counselors. Additionally, there is the impact on mental health of so many because of the pandemic across the world, including grief and loss, depression, anxiety, alcohol and drug concerns, as well as many other mental health concerns individuals may be experiencing. There continues to be a strong and growing need for counselors! Mental health counseling will continue to see growth in relation to job prospects for many years to come.
What type of skills will young Mental Health Specialists need?
Dr. Amy Evans: Graduates in counseling will find experience with telemental health as well as diversity as highly important for counselors entering the field. If an individual does not have specific experience working with those different than them, showing additional training in diversity and multicultural competence shows the desire to learn!
What experience really stands out on Mental Health Specialist resumes?
Dr. Amy Evans: What tends to stand out for applicants is often a variety of experiences. Showing one's experience with both group and individual counseling as well as any crisis intervention work helps to highlight skills the counselor may have developed. Volunteer experience that shows the passion a counselor might have for advocacy is also helpful. Carefully crafted resumes that show one's fit for the particular job is always important!
Grace Palmisano
Lancaster Bible College
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mental Health Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Grace Palmisano: Since the pandemic started, mental health concerns have skyrocketed as the pandemic disrupted the regularity of peoples' social and work lives. There is an increase of depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, addictions, and sadly suicides during the pandemic as people encounter loneliness, social isolation/distancing, loss of loved ones, unemployment, financial struggles, etc. Because of this, more people are seeking mental health services to help them cope through this pandemic.
So job opportunities in the mental health field will steadily increase as the need for mental health services have increased, even for therapists themselves. It is a strange time for therapists to also share similar experiences and stresses as the client when it comes to the pandemic. Because of that, there is additional stress for therapists to care for their own mental health needs while supporting their clients'. The complications are that most mental health positions do require formal education and training, which can slow the process down. Nevertheless, there are training opportunities in communities that seek to provide first-aid mental health training to the community just to be informed and even just know the "basics."
What skills stand out on Mental Health Specialist resumes?
Grace Palmisano: For those seeking mental health fields, skills that stand out on resumes: possess strong self-awareness and emotional stability, critical thinking, interpersonal/relational skills, communication skills, problem-solving, creativity, and genuine interest and concern for humanity. Some of these skills can be developed, but other skills are a "must-have" even before entering into the field of mental health as one is working with all kinds of people. Carl Rogers shares that counselors ought to possess and demonstrate qualities of unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruency. These are essential ingredients that make a therapist effective in the field and helps build therapeutic alliance. More importantly what clients innately want in therapy is not just a "clinical expert" but a human being who relates and understands them as a human person.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Mental Health Specialists to find work opportunities?
Grace Palmisano: Check out major counseling agencies in your areas as most public agencies have the ability and capacity to hire new therapists, straight from graduate school. Through counseling agencies, you have opportunities for training, professional development, and clinical supervision which is needed for the licensure process. Positions in family-based services, mobile therapy, or drug and alcohol areas are great launching pads for unlicensed therapist who seek to work their way up to obtain their LPC and hopefully go into private practice. Other places are behavioral hospitals which will give you a plethora of clinical experience of seeing variety of diagnoses first-hand. You can also check some of private counseling offices in the area if they are willing to take on new graduates. Just be mindful, that a variety of clients may be limited due to insurance and going through private practices often starts out slow as it takes time to build caseloads and professional reputation.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mental Health Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Michael Kiener Ph.D.: The pandemic accelerated the use of telehealth services. Rehabilitation counselors with advanced technology skills as well as knowledge of ethical and legal issues regarding telehealth will have an advantage in the job market. Supervisors that have a skill set to onboard and mentor employees virtually will also have an advantage. Agencies that provide crisis counseling may also experience an increased demand for counselors.
What skills stand out on Mental Health Specialist resumes?
Michael Kiener Ph.D.: Regardless if you are counseling in person or virtually effective professionals will need to develop empathetic therapeutic relationships with their clients. Rehabilitation counselors that have experience working with post-traumatic stress and other forms of trauma will be highly valuable. The increased use of working remotely will require individuals to develop new technology skills and rehabilitation counselors who can work independently will be successful. Finally, volunteering, participation in professional organizations, and internships will help make individuals stand out when applying for jobs.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Mental Health Specialists to find work opportunities?
Michael Kiener Ph.D.: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics there is a need for over 12,000 more rehabilitation counselors nationwide and the growth in the profession is faster than the average of all occupations. The pandemic will only add to this demand. Rehabilitation counselors have the unique scope of practice to provide both mental health and vocational counseling. Areas of the country that experienced high unemployment rates could benefit from rehabilitation counselors helping displaced workers find new employment or transition to new careers. Moreover, rehabilitation counselors could provide mental health counseling to front line workers who have been managing the pandemic since March.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Mental Health Specialists?
Jeanne Booth Ph.D.: I do believe there will be an enduring impact from the coronavirus - not just on graduates, but on the mental health profession. Graduates will have personal experience with many of the stressors that might bring clients in for counseling services. So, it is my hope that all practitioners moving forward will have increased empathy and understanding that will contribute to their efficacy with clients across a spectrum of concerns.
As a profession, mental health counselors will need to be sure that they have engaged in appropriate self-care to mitigate any of the psychological effects of the pandemic they may be experiencing themselves. And, finally, there has been a huge expansion in the teletronic delivery of mental health services during Covid times. Even as face-to-face counseling becomes more widely available and returns as a viable and available option, electronic services have earned an acceptance that did not exist prior to the pandemic, and that delivery model will continue to be far more prevalent than it was before.
What type of skills will young Mental Health Specialists need?
Jeanne Booth Ph.D.: As I just mentioned, counselors will now be expected to have skills specific to online delivery of services. The ethical challenge will be that this skill set should be founded upon solid, professional training in teletherapy, not just offering services without related pedagogy, experience, and supervision. Also, because counseling practice will have undergone this "sea change" everyone in the profession will need increased measures of two qualities that were always inherent in the professional practice: flexibility and the ability to cooperate and collaborate both within an agency and across a service community.
What experience really stands out on Mental Health Specialist resumes?
Jeanne Booth Ph.D.: Specificity is an essential highlight that stands out on a resume - particularly as it relates to experience in the field. That means enough detail to clearly articulate professional skills. So, for example, not just a mention of facilitating small groups, but rather the topic of the group, the theoretical approach, etc. And, perhaps more importantly, outcomes. Applicants will really stand out if they can reference engagement in evidence-based best practices and then have data that demonstrates the success they have had in application and facilitation of those practices.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Mental Health Specialists?
Daniel Hall Ph.D.: I do believe there will be an enduring impact from the coronavirus - not just on graduates, but on the mental health profession. Graduates will have personal experience with many of the stressors that might bring clients in for counseling services. So, it is my hope that all practitioners moving forward will have increased empathy and understanding that will contribute to their efficacy with clients across a spectrum of concerns.
As a profession, mental health counselors will need to be sure that they have engaged in appropriate self-care to mitigate any of the psychological effects of the pandemic they may be experiencing themselves. And, finally, there has been a huge expansion in the teletronic delivery of mental health services during Covid times. Even as face-to-face counseling becomes more widely available and returns as a viable and available option, electronic services have earned an acceptance that did not exist prior to the pandemic, and that delivery model will continue to be far more prevalent than it was before.
What type of skills will young Mental Health Specialists need?
Daniel Hall Ph.D.: As I just mentioned, counselors will now be expected to have skills specific to online delivery of services. The ethical challenge will be that this skill set should be founded upon solid, professional training in teletherapy, not just offering services without related pedagogy, experience, and supervision. Also, because counseling practice will have undergone this "sea change" everyone in the profession will need increased measures of two qualities that were always inherent in the professional practice: flexibility and the ability to cooperate and collaborate both within an agency and across a service community.
What experience really stands out on Mental Health Specialist resumes?
Daniel Hall Ph.D.: Specificity is an essential highlight that stands out on a resume - particularly as it relates to experience in the field. That means enough detail to clearly articulate professional skills. So, for example, not just a mention of facilitating small groups, but rather the topic of the group, the theoretical approach, etc. And, perhaps more importantly, outcomes. Applicants will really stand out if they can reference engagement in evidence-based best practices and then have data that demonstrates the success they have had in application and facilitation of those practices.
Kim Jones Ph.D.
Professor, Chair of Clinical ConcentrationUniversity of Arkansas at Little Rock
School of Social Work
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mental Health Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Kim Jones Ph.D.: As a result of the pandemic, the need for mental health services will increase due to the devastating impact the pandemic has had. The pandemic, with its resulting stress, social isolation, loss of loved ones, and income, has resulted in increased levels of reported depression, anxiety, and alcohol and drug use. It has also negatively impacted children's emotional, educational, and psychological well-being.
It is reported that one in five U.S. citizens (47 million) have a mental health condition. These individuals are particularly vulnerable to relapse and a worsening of their conditions due to the stressful impact of the ongoing pandemic. The pandemic, in many instances, has also interrupted their usual regimen of mental health care.
Social workers will see a 13 percent growth rate in jobs between 2019 and 2029.
What skills stand out on Mental Health Specialist resumes?
Kim Jones Ph.D.: The necessary skills for today's market include the ability to implement evidence-informed mental health approaches, the ability to display empathy, knowledge of crisis intervention models, organizational skills, good work ethic, both verbal and written communication skills, cultural competence, and the ability to adapt to changing technology.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Mental Health Specialists to find work opportunities?
Kim Jones Ph.D.: Social workers are employed across all areas and locations within the U.S. Social workers can be found in medical and health-related settings, mental health agencies, schools, and in both the public and private sectors. States with the highest paying social work positions include Nevada; California; Connecticut; Washington, D.C.; and Oregon.
What general advice would you give to a Mental Health Specialist?
Chris Noone: The need for dedicated, compassionate social work and mental health professionals has never been greater. There is a significant increase in mental health problems worldwide, including PTSD, due to the pandemic. Social work and mental health staff have stepped up and are making a difference with sophisticated, evidence-based approaches, such as providing trauma-informed care. They quickly adapted to doing virtual teletherapy sessions and outdoor/walking visits with social distancing. The good news is they have more tools available in their toolkits, such as apps they can use with clients to help coach: meditation, breathing exercises, goal visualization, etc. Their work is more than essential right now and in the long-term.
Lynette Bartucci
Lynette Bartucci, M.S., CRC, APCC#7835 Clinics Director / Adjunct FacultyCalifornia State University - Fresno
Clinical Rehab Mental Health Counseling Program: CSU, Fresno Foundation- Ticket to Work Employment Network
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Mental Health Specialist job market given the pandemic?
Lynette Bartucci: In my opinion, the most significant trends we will see in the job market, given the pandemic, are more mental health counseling positions, associates, and licensed professionals. This pandemic was abrupt and unexpected, it leads to job loss. If still working, the concept of working from home, while caregivers also take on educators' role. Within this change includes parental stress, increased conflict, and possibly divorce. The suicide rate has also increased. The emotional and mental health recovery of COVID-19 essentially seeks mental health professionals' assistance shortly, if not right now.
What Mental Health Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lynette Bartucci: I would recommend they try to enhance/include computer skills, such as Microsoft programs, including Excel and PowerPoint, and programs such as Zoom. Due to the pandemic, we continue to see a trend of "work from home" options needing essential computer and technology skills. Also, to polish up on grammar and appropriate English vocabulary. Again, a lot of communication needs to be done professionally through emails, texts, memos, and documents.
What general advice would you give to a Mental Health Specialist?
Lynette Bartucci: General advice includes keeping an open mind and open options for a secondary career change, if needed. At one point, everyone believed that the medical profession was a secure employment field to be in. If this pandemic continues, will we continue to see the trend for medical work? Always seek a job you are passionate about and have something secondary on the side that you also thoroughly enjoy.
What experience really stands out on Mental Health Specialist resumes?
Dr. Robin Walters: In our field, several things stand out for social workers - first of all, it is essential to have volunteer experience. This indicates that you are willing to go above and beyond in your service to others. This is the hallmark of our profession, and we all are motivated to do this without reward and recognition. Field experience is also essential - our program here requires over 500 hours of field experience during a student's four years with us. This is far beyond our accrediting body needs; however, we see great value in having this as a goal. They have to experience two different placement types; this allows them to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. All of this adds to the value of their degree at the University of Findlay and prepares them for what is beyond the general expectation to have experience going into the field.
How do you envision technology impacting Mental Health Specialists in the next 5 years?
Dr. Robin Walters: Considering the current environment, technology has become of the utmost importance for our field. We have had to learn how to exchange old methods for something newer and more flexible. This has been critical in meeting people where they are, which has been a physically different place than we are used to. It will be vital that we have more training in this area on all of the platforms and the ethics that we need to consider when communicating this way.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Mental Health Specialists?
Dr. Robin Walters: The graduates have had to learn how to adapt and grow in an environment that has been very unsure and uncomfortable. One of the positives of this is that we have had to model flexibility and a positive outlook, it has been challenging, yet we have had to adjust to survive. These are relatable and transferable skills that are required in the workforce, particularly in the field of social work. One of the difficulties has been learning to be more self-sufficient, ask for help when they are struggling, and in general, trying to balance school in this new environment - again, all of this will be beneficial to them as they move into the professional realm of things.
Logan Lamprecht Ph.D.
Clinical Assistant Professor, Counseling Clinic DirectorIdaho State University
Counseling Department (ISU Meridian Campus)
What general advice would you give to a Mental Health Specialist?
Logan Lamprecht Ph.D.: As they are starting their careers as professional counselors, most counseling graduates will likely work in a community practice, which I think is invaluable for continued professional development. I have seen several graduates try to go right into the private way, which can be enticing, due to the pay difference, but can challenge the trajectory of the student's growth - in addition to cutting themselves off from collegiality and informal consultation opportunities that are built into a team environment in community practice. There are several challenges to being professional, away from the support of a training environment, and having healthy boundaries and acceptable self-care practices in place are vital to the practitioner's longevity and ability to provide competent care.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Mental Health Specialists in the next 3-5 years?
Logan Lamprecht Ph.D.: Continued training for working in tele-counseling settings and confidential software for tele-counseling sessions seems more and more likely, as the field of counseling continues to adjust to providing care in virtual environments.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Mental Health Specialists, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Logan Lamprecht Ph.D.: Most beginning counselors will make between $35,000 to $45,000 per year. This number depends on the number of hours a new counselor wants to work and how they might vary their time across different practices. After a professional counselor becomes independently licensed (LCPC), this number can range between $45,000 to $120,000. This depends on their skills, marketability, and advanced practice licensure that the counselor seeks post-graduation.
