Welfare Counseling and Guidance Specialist
ふくしそうだん・しどうせんもんいん
Industry & Occupation
Classification
Summary
A professional who responds to consultations from local residents and those facing life difficulties, conducts assessments and formulates support plans, and coordinates collaboration with relevant organizations.
Description
Welfare Counseling and Guidance Specialists work at municipal welfare offices, community comprehensive support centers, social welfare councils, etc., and handle consultations from elderly people, individuals with disabilities, children, and child-rearing families facing difficulties in daily life. They conduct interviews to assess the consultee's situation, analyze needs through assessment, formulate care plans and support plans, and coordinate and guide the use of various public assistance programs and social resources. They promote collaboration with related organizations (medical institutions, caregiving providers, educational institutions, NPOs, etc.) and provide continuous follow-up. They also handle document preparation, reporting, training, and building regional welfare networks.
Future Outlook
With the aging population and increasing diversification of welfare needs, demand for counseling and guidance specialists is expected to expand further. Challenges include improving support quality through remote counseling using ICT and interprofessional collaboration.
Personality Traits
Able to respond flexibly / Calm and composed / Empathetic / Proactive / Strong sense of responsibility
Work Style
Community Comprehensive Support Center / Local Government Public Servant / NPO / Private Welfare Services / Remote Possible / Social Welfare Council Employment
Career Path
Junior Counselor → Senior Counselor → Chief Counselor → Support Team Leader → Welfare Division Manager
Required Skills
Case Management / Coordination with Related Organizations / Counseling Skills / Knowledge of Welfare Systems / Presentation Material Creation
Recommended Skills
Community-Based Integrated Care / Counseling / ICT Utilization (Welfare Support Systems) / Public Assistance Knowledge / Volunteer Activities
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Communication Skills | High-level interpersonal skills are required to build trusting relationships with consultees and collaborate across multiple professions. |
| Planning & Organization | Essential for systematically formulating and managing support plans based on assessment results. |
| Problem Solving | Required to flexibly and accurately derive solutions for diverse life challenges. |
| Stress Tolerance | Mental resilience is necessary to continually empathize with the heavy concerns of consultees. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Financial management or statistical analysis is not required to the extent of specialized roles. |
| Physical Stamina & Endurance | Primarily involves indoor interviews and coordination tasks, with low physical demands. |
Related Qualifications
- Certified Social Worker
- Psychiatric Social Worker
Aliases
- Welfare Counseling Specialist
- Welfare Guidance Specialist
Related Jobs
- Certified Care Manager
- Certified Social Worker
- Life Support Worker
- Psychiatric Social Worker