WHAT YOU NEED TO DO TO WORK IN THE EATING DISORDER RECOVERY FIELD (PART 2)
Many of our blog, Twitter and Facebook friends are constantly asking us “What does it take to work at the Victorian – Eating Disorder Treatment?” Last week we covered the rewarding and challenging aspects of a career in the eating disorder field. This week we are looking at the roles of each position and the schooling needed for each to be on an eating disorder treatment team.
- Karen Kay via Etsy.com
Due to popular demand, today we are looking at the positions on an eating disorder treatment team and the necessary certificates and schooling that go with each. Last week we covered the rewarding and challenging aspects of working in the field. If you haven’t already read that post check it out HERE. If you have, then you already understand the emotional toll it takes to work in the recovery field. Now, we will cover the different roles:
SUPPORT STAFF – The role of Support Staff is to support clients in their day to day living skills. The following goes into the position:
- Observe the preparation of meals
- Eat meals with clients, processing emotions and thoughts during meals
- Work with clients during moments of anxiety and frustration
- Assist in conflict resolution between clients
- Attend recovery meetings with clients
- Remind clients of chores, obligations and appointments
- Dispense medication
- Drive client to appointments and meetings
- Attend treatment team meetings
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology
- California Association of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors, Certificate
- Eating Disorder Treatment Certificate
Shifts:
- Days: 7 am to 3 pm
- Evenings: 3 pm to 11 pm
- Overnight: 11pm to 7am
ART THERAPIST – An Art Therapist uses art as a tool to do therapy with a group of clients. The following goes into the position:
- Create art lesson plans for clients
- Encourage clients to express themselves creatively
- Talk with clients about their created art and what it reveals about their recovery
- Track progress of clients
- Work with clients during moments of anxiety and frustration
- Assist in conflict resolution between clients
- Attend treatment team meetings
- Shopping for art materials
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology
- M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
- Art Therapy certification
*These are the most common requirements, but vary by treatment facility.
Shifts:
- Days: 9am to 6 pm
YOGA TEACHER – A yoga teacher visits the treatment facility and teaches yoga to a group clients. The following goes into the position:
- Creating yoga lesson plans
- Assuring clients are safe during class
- Adjusting clients posture and poses during classes
Education:
- Certified yoga teachers training
- Knowledge of eating disorders and addictions
Shifts:
- 1 to 2 hour classes
*Vary by treatment facility
NUTRITIONIST – A Nutritionist works with each client to reach her nutritional goals. The following goes into the position:
- Assess the clients nutrition and exercise needs
- Create a meal plan for clients
- Create an exercise plan for clients
- Work with the treatment team to create grocery lists and menus for the house
- Work with clients during moments of anxiety and frustration
- Observe the preparation of meals
- Eat meals with clients
- Remind clients of goals
- Attend treatment team meetings
Education:
- Registered dietitian
Shifts:
- Days: 9am to 6 pm
- Some evenings to assist at dinner outings and meals with clients
CASE MANAGER – A Case Manager over sees the client’s entire treatment plan from admit to discharge. The Case Manager is a liaison between the client and parents, spouses, therapists, doctors, nurses and schools. . The following goes into the position:
- Determine clients recovery goals (i.e. return to school, career, family)
- Create a weekly schedule with clients
- Assist client with finding a volunteer opportunity and/or job
- Assist client with returning to school
- Work with clients during moments of anxiety and frustration
- Follow up with clients family with recovery progress
- Remind clients of goals
- Attend treatment team meetings
Education:
- B.A. in Psychology
- California Association of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors, Certificate
- Eating Disorder Treatment Certificate
Shifts:
- Days: 9am to 6 pm
THERAPIST - A therapist works with a client to reveal the underlying themes and behaviors that have triggered disordered eating. Then they work on how to cognitively change these harmful themes and behaviors. The following goes into the position:
- Determine clients family themes
- Determine clients triggers
- Determine clients possible co-occurring disorders
- Assist client with finding their true self
- Assist clients in distinguishing between the ED voice and their true voice
- Work with clients during moments of anxiety and frustration
- Remind clients of goals
- Attend treatment team meetings
Education:
- M.A. in Marriage, Family and Child Therapy and/or
- Doctorate in Psychology
- California Association of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselors, Certificate
Shifts:
- Days: 9am to 6 pm
- On call 24 hours via cell phone for emergency’s
CLINICAL DIRECTOR– A Clinical Director over sees the clinical treatment being done by the facility staff. The following goes into the position:
- Creating and implementing treatment methods for the facility
- Meeting one on one with clients and tracking their progress
- Leading treatment therapy groups
- Facilitating groups and lectures for clients and families
- Work with clients during moments of anxiety and frustration
- Remind clients of goals
- Attend treatment team meetings
Education:
- M.A. Social Work and/or
- M.A. Psychology and/or
- Doctorate in Psychology
Shifts:
- Days: 9am to 6 pm
- On call 24 hours via cell phone for emergency’s
PROGRAM DIRECTOR - A Program Director over sees the entire treatment staff and works directly with the Clinical Director to ensure that the treatment methods are being implemented throughout the program. The following goes into the position:
- Hiring of staff and interns
- Training staff
- Overseeing interns
- Managing facility budget
- Ensuring staff is implementing the proper treatment methods with the clients
- Meeting one on one with clients and parents
- Leading groups
- Work with clients during moments of anxiety and frustration
- Attend treatment team meetings
Education:
- M.A. Social Work and/or
- M.A. Psychology and/or
- Doctorate in Psychology
Shifts:
- Days: 9am to 6 pm
- On call 24 hours via cell phone for emergency’s
Hopefully you now have a better idea of what it looks like to have a career in the eating disorder treatment field. It is an equally challenging and rewarding field to work in!
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