Are there any jobs working with abused/neglected/needy children that doesn't require a degree?

[ChristusG]

I'm asking for someone that I know. They have a heart for working kids who need love....abused, abandoned, neglected, etc. They have some college but a degree is just not in the picture right now. Are there any jobs available in this type of field without having a degree? Maybe just training or something? I thought that maybe someone here may have some ideas since I was coming up blank.

[Ravin]

Yes. My sister worked at a shelter run by Catholic Children's Services for years. She hasn't got a degree, just a G.E.D. and heart for the work (having been a resident of that same shelter before becoming part of our family).

 

There's also foster parenting--though foster/adopt is the preferred model, there are also emergency, respite, and therapeutic foster parents.

[SJ.]

You could work/volunteer for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate).

[ChristusG]

It definitely needs to be a paid position.

[ChristusG]

The catholic children's services....does she need to be catholic?

 

And the CASA.... I actually looked into that earlier but I couldn't tell if it was volunteer or not.

[Harriet Vane]

There are agencies that provide supervisors for foster children visits, whether sibling visits or parent-child visits. One such agency I was familiar with called them homemakers, but I think the terminology has changed since then.

[Ravin]

No. It was a faith-based nonprofit, but like many such worked to take care of children in state care.

 

Many workers need training but not a degree. Positions with "aide" in the title are a good place to start.

 

ETA: a background check/fingerprinting are also going to be necessary.

[Mrs Mungo]

She would need to find out the services available in *her* area. There are many, many different city/county/state/non-profit agencies across the country that do not require a degree for all types of paid employment.

[tabinfl]

House parent at a group home or youth ranch?

 

Homeless or domestic violence shelter? She might be able to start in a clerical or similar position & then get more school under her belt.

[Crimson Wife]

A lot of jobs working with disabled children don't require a college degree. Most of the clients hopefully are not abused or neglected, but they definitely need love, patience, and understanding. A good place to start is the local Easter Seals branch.

[Element]

Well, this job may not put her working with children directly, but (sadly) a legal advocate or paralegal at a not-for-profit legal service center will spend the vast majority of his or her time helping women and their children get out of abusive relationships/households/marriages. In some states you do have to have a degree to work in this capacity, but in some you do not.

 

[6wildhorses]

She may be able to get a job as a paraprofessional helping special needs students at a school. My son has a special place in his heart (as do I!) for the paraprofessionals who have helped him over the years. They have made a tremendous impact on our lives.

[katilac]

CASA is volunteer.

[Laurie4b]

. Positions with "aide" in the title are a good place to start.

 

ETA: a background check/fingerprinting are also going to be necessary.

 

This. The pay will not be great. But if she eventually wants to go back to school for a degree, the experience will be helpful.

 

[Sparkle]

Another thought is that some Family Courthouses have child care centers, where the children stay while their parent(s) have their court dates. My best friend is the co-ordinator/director at the one in my city. That might be a decent place to look for a child care position.