Marginalized Group Career Counseling

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Grand Canyon University *

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CNL-540

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Psychology

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Dec 6, 2023

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Marginalized Group Career Counseling Marginalized Group Career Counseling Shaunta’ Skinner Grand Canyon University CNL-525 Career Counseling October 31, 2023 In today's complex and ever-evolving societal landscape, single parenthood has become an increasingly prevalent and multifaceted phenomenon. Single parents, 1

Marginalized Group Career Counseling those who raise children without the presence of a partner, often encounter unique challenges that can impact their emotional well-being, parenting skills, and overall quality of life. The journey of solo parenting can be both rewarding and daunting, marked by moments of strength and resilience, as well as times of vulnerability and uncertainty. In this paper, we explore the critical role that counselors play in assisting and supporting individuals who are single parents. As trained professionals in the field of mental health and well-being, counselors are well-equipped to provide guidance, empathy, and practical strategies to help single parents navigate the complex terrain of raising children on their own. The challenges faced by single parents are diverse and can encompass issues related to financial strain, co-parenting dynamics, emotional stress, and personal identity. Furthermore, single parents often grapple with feelings of isolation and the need for self-care in a demanding role that can be both rewarding and exhausting. Counselors, with their expertise in mental health, relationships, and personal growth, are uniquely positioned to address these challenges and offer holistic support. The population of single parents comprises individuals who are raising one or more children without the presence of a partner or spouse. This group includes 2

Marginalized Group Career Counseling both single mothers and single fathers, and they come from diverse backgrounds and circumstances. Single parents may have become sole caregivers due to various reasons, such as divorce, separation, the death of a partner, choice, or adoption. They are a diverse group, encompassing people of various ages, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, and educational backgrounds. It is important for the population of single parents to receive career counseling for several reasons such as learning and maintaining financial stability. Many single parents face economic challenges due to the added responsibilities of raising children on their own. Career counseling can help them identify opportunities for stable and sustainable employment, allowing them to provide for their families more effectively. Being able to advance in a career instead of staying stuck. Single parents may have put their career goals on hold or need to explore new career paths that are better suited to their current circumstances. Career counseling can assist them in setting and achieving career advancement goals. Maintaining and learning how to work life balance. Balancing work and family life can be particularly challenging for single parents. Career counselors can help them explore flexible work options, time management strategies, and ways to achieve a healthier work-life balance. Career counseling also helps with skill development some single parents may need to acquire new skills or update their existing ones to remain competitive in the job market. Career counseling can guide them in identifying relevant training or 3

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Marginalized Group Career Counseling education opportunities which can also lead to learning what emotional well-being is. A fulfilling and stable career can contribute to a single parent's overall sense of well-being and self-esteem. Career counseling can address the emotional and psychological aspects of employment and its impact on self-confidence and self- worth. Career counseling is vital for single parents because it can help them overcome financial challenges, pursue career goals, achieve work-life balance, develop skills, and improve their overall well-being. By offering guidance and support, career counselors enable single parents to not only provide for their families but also build a brighter and more stable future for themselves and their children. In 2020, there were approximately 13.7 million single parents in the United States, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. A single-parent households represented about 24% of all U.S. households with children under the age of 18. Single parents often face employment challenges, such as the need for flexible work hours, access to affordable childcare, and achieving work-life balance. In 2019, the poverty rate for families headed by a single mother was 30.9%, significantly higher than the national average. Data specifically on the utilization of career counseling by single parents is not widely available. The use of career counseling services can vary widely depending on factors like accessibility, 4

Marginalized Group Career Counseling awareness, and their individual needs. It's important to note that the availability and utilization of career counseling services can vary by location, socioeconomic status, and personal circumstances. Single parents who are more economically disadvantaged or have limited access to support services may face greater barriers to accessing career counseling. The Minnesota Theory of Work Adjustment (TWA) is a career counseling theory that focuses on understanding the fit between individuals and their work environments. It provides a framework for career counselors to help individuals, including single parents, make informed career decisions by assessing and addressing their work-related needs and goals. This theory can be especially relevant and beneficial for single parents, considering their unique challenges and circumstances. For single parents, who often face the dual demands of work and family life, finding a job that suits their abilities and values while accommodating their responsibilities is essential. The TWA framework helps single parents explore career options that are compatible with their lifestyle and personal preferences. TWA acknowledges that when individuals experience a good fit between themselves and their work environment, they are more likely to feel satisfied and experience better psychological adjustment. For single parents, finding a career that provides job satisfaction and a manageable work-life balance is crucial for their overall well-being and the well-being of their families. Achieving job success 5

Marginalized Group Career Counseling can be pivotal in providing financial stability for their families. This theory encourages them to seek careers that offer opportunities for growth and success while accommodating their family responsibilities. The evidence supporting the use of the Minnesota Theory of Work Adjustment in the general population and, by extension, within the single parent group, are: Empirical Research, Career Decision Making, Work Life Balance, and Counseling Effectiveness. Studies have shown that when individuals experience a good person-environment fit, they are more likely to report job satisfaction, reduced job stress, and greater work-related well-being. This positive alignment can contribute to enhanced performance and career success. This is beneficial for the general population and particularly relevant for single parents who often need to balance their work and family roles effectively. TWA provides a structured approach to career decision-making, which is valuable for both the general population and single parents. Single parents can benefit from a systematic evaluation of their skills, values, and work environment preferences to make informed career choices that align with their unique needs. TWA's focus on aligning personal characteristics with work environments can be particularly useful for single parents seeking careers that offer flexibility and support work-life balance. Finding the right fit in terms of job characteristics and work hours can enhance their overall quality of life. Career counselors who apply the TWA framework can help individuals, including single parents, better 6

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Marginalized Group Career Counseling understand their career-related needs and make well-informed decisions. By considering the person-environment fit, counselors can assist single parents in finding careers that are not only suitable for their individual strengths but also considerate of their family responsibilities. The Minnesota Theory of Work Adjustment offers a valuable framework for career counseling with single parents and the general population. Its emphasis on person-environment fit, job satisfaction, and job success aligns with the specific needs and challenges faced by single parents as they seek to balance their career and family responsibilities. By helping single parents identify careers that suit their unique circumstances, counselors can contribute to their well-being and the well-being of their families. Counseling single parents using the Minnesota Theory of Work Adjustment (TWA) involves a structured approach to help them explore their career options and make informed decisions that align with their personal characteristics and work environment preferences. Session one will include an introduction and assessment where this is the chance to build a rapport with the individual. Provide an overview of the Minnesota Theory of Work Adjustment, explaining the key components, including person-environment correspondence, satisfaction and adjustment, and job success. Then, identify clients career goals, challenges, and the areas where they seek assistance. Last, introduce assessment tools such as self- assessment questionnaires, personality assessments, and interest inventories, to 7

Marginalized Group Career Counseling help the client gain insight into their skills, values, and career interests. Session two calls for a review of the self-assessment and exploration. Discuss the results of the assessment tool take time to point out and highlight the client’s strengths and weaknesses. Work with the client to clarify their personal characteristics. Dig in to determine that clients work preference such as hours, flexibility, and company culture. Session three, Using the assessment results and client discussions, assess the compatibility between the client's personal characteristics and their current or potential work environments. Help the client identify areas where their skills, values, and work environment preferences align with their current job or potential career choices. Session four, Present various career options that align with the client's strengths and preferences. Discuss potential job opportunities and industries that accommodate single parents. Encourage the client to weigh the pros and cons of each career option, considering factors like job satisfaction, work-life balance, and income potential. Session five, collaboratively set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) career goals with the client. These goals should consider their family responsibilities and personal circumstances. Create a step-by-step action plan to help the client achieve their career goals. Include tasks such as networking, job searching, skills development, and balancing work and family life. Session six, Schedule follow-up sessions to monitor the client's progress, address any challenges, and provide ongoing support. 8

Marginalized Group Career Counseling Offer referrals to community resources, support groups, and organizations that can assist single parents with career development, childcare, and work-life balance. Throughout the counseling process, it's crucial to maintain a supportive and empathetic approach, recognizing the unique challenges single parents face in balancing work and family life. Tailoring career guidance and decisions to accommodate their needs and preferences is central to the success of counseling using the Minnesota Theory of Work Adjustment. Single parents may face a range of environmental and personal barriers that can impede their ability to find work. Disability or health issues including physical and mental conditions may limit a single parent’s job options. The intervention would be to collaborate with the client to identify jobs or industries that accommodate their specific health needs. Explore work-from-home or flexible work arrangements. Substance use history can result in employment discrimination. The intervention would be to support the client in their journey to recovery. This may result in the effort of connecting them to substance abuse counseling. Transportation issues can restrict job opportunities making it harder for them to maintain stability. The intervention would be to help the client identify public transportation options, carpooling, or remote work opportunities. Support them in creating a budget for transportation or exploring the possibility of obtaining a vehicle if feasible. Lack of childcare can make it difficult to get a job 9

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Marginalized Group Career Counseling let alone keep a job. The intervention would be to help the client research and access affordable childcare options. Explore childcare subsidies, Head Start programs, or community resources that can provide support. Intervention plans should be individualized to address the specific needs and circumstances of each single parent client. A holistic approach that combines career counseling with referrals to relevant support services and resources can be effective in overcoming these barriers and helping single parents find meaningful and sustainable employment. To assist a single parent client in obtaining work, it's important to connect them with relevant and local resources that can provide support, training, and opportunities. They can refer to local workforce management centers or even consider going to job fairs where they will have one on one help with the process. Support groups for single parents that will focus on a positive outcome and encouragement. Single parents can also lean of government assistance programs that can also help to provide financial services. By connecting the single parent client with these relevant and local resources, offering guidance and assistance in accessing these services, and providing supplemental materials where necessary, you can help them navigate the job search process effectively and increase their chances of securing meaningful employment. 10

Marginalized Group Career Counseling Spirituality can be an important and deeply personal aspect of an individual's life, influencing their values, beliefs, and sense of purpose (Park, C. L., 2005). When incorporated into career counseling, spirituality can help clients make meaningful and fulfilling career choices that align with their core values and personal sense of calling. Recognize that spirituality is diverse and can take many forms, including religious beliefs, existential reflections, and secular humanism. Approach the topic with an open and non-judgmental attitude, respecting each client's unique perspective. Ensure that the counseling environment is welcoming and inclusive, regardless of a client's spiritual or religious background. Clients should feel comfortable discussing their beliefs without fear of bias or judgment. Encourage clients to reflect on their core values and beliefs. Discuss how these beliefs influence their career aspirations, ethical considerations, and life purpose. Ask open-ended questions to facilitate these discussions. Help clients explore their sense of purpose, sometimes referred to as a "calling." This may include discussing how their work aligns with their beliefs and sense of mission (Park, C. L.,2005). Clients can contemplate whether their career is a means of fulfilling their calling. Lastly, encourage clients to think about how their work can be integrated with their spirituality. This can involve discussions on ethical decision-making in the workplace, finding a balance between work and personal life, and the role of work in their overall life purpose. 11

Marginalized Group Career Counseling In conclusion, the role of counselors in working with single parents is both vital and multifaceted. Single parents, who navigate the complexities of solo parenthood, face a unique set of challenges that demand empathy, support, and tailored guidance. The journey of single parenthood can be a balancing act of resilience, vulnerability, and strength, and it is within this intricate landscape that counselors play an essential role in facilitating positive change and personal growth. Throughout this paper, we have explored the challenges faced by single parents, emphasizing the importance of addressing their needs. Counselors offer a wide range of support, including emotional assistance, practical guidance, skill development, and the fostering of self-care strategies, all of which contribute to enhancing the overall well-being of single parents and their families. We have also delved into the significance of career counseling for single parents, who often confront economic instability and work-life balance challenges. Counselors play a crucial role in helping single parents navigate these issues, enabling them to make informed career decisions, develop marketable skills, and achieve financial independence. 12

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Marginalized Group Career Counseling Reference Behere, A. P., Basnet, P., & Campbell, P. (2017). Effects of Family Structure on Mental Health of Children: A Preliminary Study. Indian journal of psychological medicine, 39(4), 457–463. https://doi.org/10.4103/0253- 7176.211767 U.S. Census Bureau. "Population Data for the United States." 2020 Census. Published May 2021. https://www.census.gov/population/2020census/ . Park, C. L. (2005). Religion as a Meaning-Making Framework in Coping with Life Stress. Journal of Social Issues, 61(4), 707-729. Gardner, K., Kelch, M., & Armstrong, R. (2013). Career and College Resources for Single Parents: A Holistic Approach to Career Counseling. The Career Development Quarterly, 61(1), 87-101. doi:10.1002/j.2161- 0045.2013.00033.x Stack, R. J., & Meredith, A. (2018). The Impact of Financial Hardship on Single Parents: An Exploration of the Journey From Social Distress to Seeking Help. Journal of family and economic issues , 39 (2), 233–242. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10834-017-9551-6 13

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Marginalized Group Career Counseling

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