A guidance director is one of the guidance personnel who have the overall responsibility for guiding all the personnel in any guidance and counseling office. Reviewing and improving the guidance and counseling program each year, attending national and regional conferences, prepares yearly budget plan are some of the numerous and wide-ranging activities of a director. A director should have a strong work ethic, excellent organizational skills, flexibility, ease and experience with computers and a willingness to coordinate efforts with others while a guidance counselor assists people with personal, family, educational, mental health, career decisions and problems. They help students plan for college and career. A counselor’s overall function is to talk to students, listen to problems, help them develop coping skills and learn to become good problem solvers and decision-makers on their own. They play a major role in the social, emotional and academic development of their students.
The one who develops tests is a psychometrician. He/she identifies and selects test in coordination with the director, he sets the schedule of testing services either individually or by group. He also administers, corrects and interprets test results. He’s the one responsible for keeping test materials and test results. Another guidance personnel is a researcher who designs, formulates and conducts research projects. He collects, manage and analyze information and organize data which are presented in oral/written form. They usually use interviews, questionnaire and focus groups to investigate sample populations’ views on specific issues. The results may be used to shape policy/to examine the effectiveness of existing policy.
The person who makes appointments and travel plans is the guidance secretary; they make sure that the information that leaves the office is right wherein they spend a lot of time using computers. They might do some of their work at home.
In guidance and counseling we also have the auxiliary personnel like the psychologist who studies the human mind and human behavior. Psychologists have different areas of specialization which are the clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, industrial, developmental, social and experimental/research psychology. Clinical psychologists aim to reduce psychological distress and enhance/promote psychological being. They work with people of all ages who experience mental or physical health problems. They assess a client’s needs, abilities and behavior using a variety of methods. Counseling psychologists assess and evaluate individual’s problems through the use of case history, interview and observation and to provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational and vocational development and adjustment. They usually select, administer and interpret psychological test to assess intelligence, aptitudes, abilities or interests. School psychologists are experts in special education and they have a large role in the eligibility process for special education. Developmental psychologists explore the influence of the environment vs. genes, a comparison often referred to as “nature vs. nurture.” The primary caregivers in the area of mental health are the psychiatrists. They assess and treat mental illnesses through a combination of psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, hospitalization and medication. Psychotherapy involves regular discussions with patients about their problems then, the psychiatrist helps them find solutions through changes in their behavioral patterns, the exploration of their past experiences or group and family therapy sessions. Psychoanalysis involves long – term psychotherapy and counseling for patients. Psychiatrists frequently work as part of a multi – disciplinary team composed of psychologists, nursing and other disciplines to provide holistic or comprehensive medical and counseling services to patients.
Other auxiliary personnel are the social workers who work with people who are socially excluded or experiencing crisis. They provide support to enable service users to help themselves. Over 50% of social workers work with young people and their families. They may also work with the young offenders, people with mental health problems, school non – attenders, drug and alcohol abusers, people with learning and physical disabilities and the elders. They participate in multidisciplinary teams and meetings like child protection and mental health. They maintain accurate records and prepare reports for legal action, give evidence in court and participate in training, supervision and team meetings.
