Whether you are just starting your career or are trying to make a change after years in the workforce, deciding to attend college is an important step in your professional development. Deciding on which program is right for you, however, can be somewhat difficult when there are so many possibilities available.

One exciting option is to pursue a program in addiction and community service work, with the intention of working in this important field upon graduation. But how do you know if this is the right path for you? Read on to learn more about some of the traits that make a student likely to succeed in this area.

Empathy Will Help You Excel After Community Service Worker Courses

Addictions and community service workers work closely with clients, often on issues that are difficult to manage and deeply personal. Having a high degree of empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person – is an important characteristic for these professionals as it allows them to connect with clients and build trust. If you are a particularly empathetic person, then this could be an ideal career path for you.

Empathy is an important trait that allows community service workers to connect with clients

Use Self-Awareness to Thrive During and After Healthcare School

Being in tune with the feelings of others is not the only skill required of students in addiction and community service programs. These individuals must also be in touch with their own feelings in order to ensure that they do not cloud their decision-making, induce bias, or cause overly emotional reactions to scenarios faced on the job. Emotional self-awareness will help you be a more effective community service worker.

Being Able to Set Boundaries is Important as a Community Service Worker

Because addictions and community service workers work so closely with clients, the ability to set clear and appropriate boundaries is extremely important. Boundaries allow you to maintain a healthy emotional distance from your work, which can prevent burnout and poor decision-making. Additionally, demonstrating good boundary-setting behaviour can set a good example for clients who are in the process of improving their interpersonal skills.

Knowing how to set proper boundaries will benefit both you and your clients

Organizational Skills Matter in Addiction and Community Service Programs

The ability to stay organized is a trait that will be greatly beneficial to you during community service worker courses and in your career thereafter. During your studies, keeping your course materials orderly will greatly aid your efforts.

During your co-op work placement, demonstrating organizational skills will be a great way to stand out to your supervisor and earn positive feedback. Finally, as you begin your career, solid organizational skills will help you thrive in a professional environment.

Perseverance Will Push You to Succeed in Community Service Worker Courses

Community service and addictions work is rewarding, but also intense and often stressful. This is reflected in the training these professionals receive, as they cover a rigorous curriculum to prepare them for the job. Perseverance will allow you to push through the harder parts of your studies and work in order to access their many rewards.

In addition, perseverance will help you inspire your clients to meet their goals in difficult circumstances. With these traits, you can be confident that addictions and community service worker training will help you on your way to a career in which you excel.

Do you want to know more about the role of addictions and community service workers?

Contact Willis College to speak to an advisor about this healthcare school program.