Optional · 1 of 3

Training that opens doors

• Crisis prevention and de-escalation

  Courses such as nonviolent crisis intervention or therapeutic crisis intervention. Most residential employers require one before they let you work a shift alone.

• Mental health first aid

  A short course written for adults who work with teenagers. Widely recognized and often free through a county.

• Trauma informed care

  Standard language in this field now. Agencies usually pay for the training and expect you to use it in your notes.

• Applied behavior analysis basics

  Opens work with autistic young people, which pays better and hires constantly.

• Professional level certification

  The Child and Youth Care Certification Board's top tier needs a portfolio, an exam and $345 the first time. Some employers pay a stipend for holding it.