The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health launched a campaign Tuesday aimed at encouraging middle and high school students and young adults to consider careers in the mental health field.
The “Do Worthwhile Work” campaign introduces young people to mental health-related jobs and career paths, including positions requiring varying levels of education, starting with a high school diploma.
The campaign comes as demand for mental health workers is expected to grow. Most mental health occupations are projected to grow by at least 4% from 2022 to 2032, while employment of substance use, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to increase 18%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“As the nation’s largest mental health department, we are always looking to hire skilled, caring and empathetic people who want to serve as purpose-driven, public mental health employees,” LACDMH Director Lisa H. Wong said in a statement.
“The Do Worthwhile Work campaign for youth plants a seed of interest and encourages students to identify and develop those soft skills they already have that could seamlessly translate to a long-term rewarding career in the field of mental health — and, hopefully, with us at the Department of Mental Health.”
The department developed the campaign with input from focus groups made up of young people and school guidance staff.
Officials said campaign materials include a website, short-form videos, an audio advertisement, posters and booklets highlighting mental health careers and their education requirements. The materials are being distributed to Los Angeles County schools and promoted through social media and advertising.
The campaign website also includes a quiz designed to direct students toward mental health positions based on education requirements and starting pay, along with “Spend the day with me” videos featuring people working in various careers at the department.
The youth campaign is an expansion of the department’s existing “Do Worthwhile Work” recruitment effort aimed at attracting professionals and other prospective employees to mental health-related positions, the department said.
More information is available at doworthwhilework.com/youth.