This is the perfect job for young students either part time or full time. It is also a perfect summer job. Many of the part time positions don’t require any formal training or degrees. Often times they don’t even require you to be of 18 years of age. The work is simple and common respect and courtesy will be sufficient for job training. Specific instruction regarding the individuals and the activities you’ll be asked to do will be given prior to starting. This job appeals to students and younger population because of the type of work and flexibility. Because most positions are part time a large amount of employees are students and summer hires; it is a great teenager job for the same reasons. The pay is relatively good and looks great on a future resume. Many who are interested in this job are students going into human resource jobs or some kind of healthcare job.
Another avenue of special needs aide work is teenager volunteer work. Although you’re not getting paid for the time you spend working you are gaining a lot of irreplaceable experiences. Those experiences and knowledge are essential for a career in special needs work. When you get done with your schooling and are ready to start in the work field that experience and knowledge you gained from volunteering will give you a huge advantage.
This type of work isn’t for the faint of heart or the shy. Many people you’ll be working with will have abnormal behaviors that can be difficult to deal with. Being mentally and emotionally prepared for a job like this are essential to being able to sustain a professional stance. Some of the situations will be hard to handle and can distract and weigh on your personal life. Many health care professionals struggle with this and working with special needs patience are no different. Because a lot of work is part time job or a summer job and attracts teenagers it should be carefully thought over before jumping into it. Parental permission will be needed if you are under age and a decision like this should be made with a lot of thought and parental advice.
This type of job will only be an hourly position and the pay will probably not be much more than minimum wage. If you are planning on making this your career you will start out at a higher pay grade and have more of a steady full time position. The job outlook for this career is very good and job openings are easy to find. An associate or a bachelor will assure a full time position and will also allow you to be able to operate and create your own special needs programs. Whether you make this your career or just a part time job you have an opportunity to see a side of the health care profession most don’t get to see.
Some special needs aide work can also be correlated with colleges and universities as a work study program. Human resources or medical careers require on the job shadowing or field work. A work study program can provide a learning experience while earning an income. Other programs allow you to earn college credits while volunteering or working in a special needs program. Be sure to ask the program if they offer any partnerships with the school you’re attending.
Working in a special needs aide program can be one of the most incredible jobs you’ll ever have. The more you give to the work and put in the more you’ll receive in return. It takes a very understanding and patient person to do this kind of work. The people you’ll be working with are simple and impressionable so teaching by example will be the best teaching tool. Whether you choose this as a full time career or a part time summer job you’ll learn lots and understand more about yourself. People skills are essential with this job and they can be strengthened greatly in this job. It is a lot of work and will probably leave you feeling drained sometimes. Keeping a professional detachment is key and understanding your role in the program. Approach the job with enthusiasm and know that you can make a difference if you try.
