From the 19th century to the mid-20th century, orphanages in the USA were the primary way to provide care and shelter for children whose parents were deceased, unable to care for them or had abandoned them. In the mid-20th century, foster homes and group homes replaced orphanages to some extent in America. However, children who become wards of the state are still often placed in orphanages, where they are provided with food, clothing, shelter and care; they are educated outside of the orphanage. Orphanages often rely on volunteers to help with the care of the children, due to poor funding.
Teachers
A career as a teacher in an orphanage can vary depending on the size and scope of the institution. Teachers help in teaching English language skills to children for a few hours daily. They also engage children in a variety of activities, like sports, games, art, story telling, music and crafts. Teachers organize children's schedules when they return from school to cover study time, free time, fun activity time, meal time and bed time. Teachers tutor students and help with their homework, and are instrumental in instructing them in good manners, social behavior and interactive skills. Children also need basic education in English, math, history, science and general studies.
Transition Facilitator
Transition facilitators in orphanages help youth identify career interests, find employment, learn organizational skills, fill out applications, prepare for interviews, conduct telephone follow-ups on interviews and handle telephone interviews. A facilitator works with children to be responsible for their medical appointments and to transport them to the medical facility. He might also provide assistance in linking youth to social security and low-cost housing services. Facilitators teach youth about behavior management, coping techniques and problem-solving skills. They provide emotional support and crisis intervention, as needed. The qualifications for the position include a bachelor's degree, driver's license, good communication skills and the ability to work with children and youth.
Administrator or Manager
A career as an administrator or manager of an orphanage is generally more rewarding in terms of personal satisfaction than monetary benefit. The administrator is the point person who manages all administrative, funding, marketing and management operations for the orphanage. The administrator is responsible for maintaining the book of accounts, liaising with partners who fund the orphanage and marketing the orphanage to source funding. The administrator should have a bachelor's degree, organizational skills, communication skills, financial expertise and problem-solving skills.
Therapist
A therapist's role in an orphanage is to provide crisis intervention services and to try to prevent problem situations from happening. Therapists should be equipped to provide preschool, elementary, middle school and teen services. Part of the job is to assist in enrolling children who need to be in the mental health system. Therapists will prepare applications for the children to be enrolled and develop treatment plans for the children who are enrolled in the system. Therapists provide consultation to any child who needs help and submit progress reports to the management of the orphanage. Candidates need a master's degree in social work, psychology or counseling, registration as a play therapist and relevant work experience.
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