Careers That Help Your Community

As we look ahead to 2021, some tough realities are coming into view. The Coronavirus pandemic has had a devastating impact on the lives of the most vulnerable in our society, as governments and councils have directed their attention to other admittedly crucial challenges presented by the economy and facing the virus head on. But while the headlines have been dominated by protective equipment, furlough schemes and vaccines, the people in our neighborhoods who need our help on a daily basis have slipped under the radar. If you want to find a productive, effective and rewarding way to help those less fortunate next year, here are some career paths to look at.

Homeless Outreach

While programs were put in place to get homeless people off the street during the worst of the pandemic, some of those are now coming to an end. Up to 12,000 people in California alone are facing going to back to a life on the streets following the end of Project Roomkey, and local housing associations, shelters and community outreach programs will be more desperate for help than ever. There are a huge number of career options available that range from care coordinators and security to specialist and program directors, so have a look at your local programs, homes and institutions to find a path that’s right for you.

Mental Health Care

Fewer than 50% of adults with a mental illness diagnosis receive the treatment that they need in a typical year, and this year has been far from typical. The long-term impact of the pandemic on those suffering from mental health issues remain to be seen, but in the short term, it’s a fact that there are not enough trained professionals to meet the demand. If you want to stay local, why not consider training as a mental health support worker to help make the day to day lives of those in need near you a little easier? If you don’t have a medical degree, there are courses you can take to train as a counsellor to help those dealing with grief, depression or addiction issues. If you’re working in healthcare and want to pivot to mental health, you can train as a psychiatric nurse. If you want to learn more about this role, visit Wilkes University for support resources.

Elderly Care

We’ve all seen the statistics about how much more vulnerable the elderly have been to COVID-19, and we’ve all been faced with hard choices about how to help, visit and stay in touch with our loved ones during the pandemic. Those figures and those heart-breaking losses have been a reminder of how much work there is still left to do in providing proper support and care for the older generation, and there are always roles that need filling in care homes and support centers around the country. From administration to live-in care, you can find a full or part time role that will allow you to make a tremendous difference in the lives of people who deserve your time, empathy and attention.