Family Therapist
Susan Botts - 1997
HDFS Major
Additional Education: Courses audited at a seminary; numerous training workshops through the Philadelphia Child Guidance Center
Job Title: Family Therapist
Employer: Catholic Charities, Lebannon Family Focus Office
Position Description: In-home family based treatment is provided to families who have at least one child/adolescent who is at risk of out-of-home placement. A team approach is used, sharing a caseload but having a designated therapist for each particular family. Services are considered intensive so caseloads are small. Each family is seen two to three times a week for a combination of family, individual, sibling and parenting sessions. This model of family based therapy includes the entire family because in most cases the family is part of the problem as well as the solution.
Salary Range: $27,000 - $30,000 (entry level with BA, BS, or BSW; slightly higher for MSW, MA or MDiv).
Previously Held Positions: Social Services staff at Paxton Street Home; Student Development and Outreach Coordinator at Theological College of Zimbabwe; Mental Health worker in group home for moderately and severely retarded children and adults
Courses Found Most Helpful: Family Dynamics, Strategies of Family Intervention, Marital Relationships, Interpersonal Communication, and internship experience in Foster Care case management.
How HDFS Program Helped to Prepare Her: The program equipped me to be on par with other professionals in my field who have obtained Master’s Degrees. I believe the rigorous program at Messiah is well constructed and beneficial.
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