As a substance abuse counselor, you assist individuals who are addicted to drugs by helping them to identify behaviors and problems related to their addiction while providing alternative coping strategies. You work closely with family members and offer therapeutic discussions, job assistance and practical solutions. Substance abuse counselors recommend that addicts participate in a support program, which will aid in recovery by creating a support system. The U.S. Department of Labor Statistics expects counselor employment to increase by 18 percent between 2008 and 2018, which is faster than the average of all occupations.
Social and human services assistants work with psychologists, social workers and other medical professionals as mental health assistants, youth counselors or psychiatric aides, for example. In addition, they determine the clients' eligibility for benefits and services and help to acquire them. A social and human service assistant monitors and maintains records and progress to case managers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects social service assistant jobs to increase due to the aging population and number of substance abuse and mental health cases.
As an occupational therapist assistant, you work in a variety of environments, such as community hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and private practices, offering rehabilitative services to people with mental, physical, emotional, or developmental impairments. An occupational therapist assistant helps injured people re-enter the work force by teaching them how to compensate for lost motor skills. Additionally, they document and report client progress regarding effectiveness of treatment and assist in insurance billing.