I dont have a college education, I want to work with people who are mentally disbabled. How do I do it?

Not CRAZY people. I want to work with people who have Downs Syndrome or who are Retarded. How can I get into the field??????I dont have a college education, I want to work with people who are mentally disbabled. How do I do it?
That is also what I do, and I don't have a college degree. I work in group homes that houses the clients. You can go to your mental health or even your Senior and Disabled Services; or go to the Employment agency; or if you have a LIFEWAYS in your town, they also would know. If you have any Mental Health Institution in your area, they would know. Some of the churches might know, your Salvation Army might know. The company I work for now, are teen-agers in mind; even though they are young adults. Some are Autistic, Downs Syndrome, Schziphrenic, mentally retarded for what ever reason. All of these clients that I have now are verbal, where as most of my experience has been with non-verbal. These organizations are always looking for help. Your hospital would know, I think they should any way. Look in the paper under employment ads and see if they are hiring. If you see personal care aides wanted; or work in a challenging inviroment with mentally challenged adults; usually is this kind of work. I hope you find what you are looking for.I dont have a college education, I want to work with people who are mentally disbabled. How do I do it?
Sometimes you can start at an Entry-Level position and go from there... also some employers send their employees to school...
you yourself must become a nut
you can start by being a nursing assistant. some courses take 6 to 12 weeks....you can apply for jobs at hospitals and facilities that take care of those type of people. also some jobs will help you further your career in nursing.
First off, you shouldn't refer to them as ';retarded', mentally handicapped is the pc terminology of today. There are many group homes in communities that mentally disabled individuals live at. They often go out and work in the community- if they are able. Some are not able to do so. Workers work at the home to give them their medications, cook their meals, make sure everything runs smoothly etc. Check with your local Health Dept., they should know id any facilities like this exist in your area and how to contact them for an application.
the group home answer is what i would also agree with. my son is in a group home and they are always needing people who really care about them and want to work with them. they are really sweet kids. i call the other five guys in his home his brothers. as a parent you would be the kind of person i wish was in my son's home because you want to do this.



to the person who said you have to become a nut first....sometimes you find out the hard way what it would be like to have a loved one who is mentally disabled. a car wreck could put you in that shape. hope you would get some nuts to take care of you.
become licensed in childcare and go to different workshops
First off - they are people who have 'special needs' who have 'developmental delays' they can also be known as individuals who are 'mentally challenged'. If you want to work with them, first off learn terminology. If you showed up to work with my child with that kind of talk, you would never get near her!! And many people who have developmental delays have a number of behavioural issues, etc. My child has mental illness and developmental delays, but she is NOT CRAZY!



Volunteering in local schools or Community Living Associations (agencies that run group homes) is always a good start. From there you can learn about possible jobs and/or training. With many families now keeping their children (even adult children) at home, they are often looking for kind, decent caring people to work with them. Some one to take them out, teach them skills, help them at home etc... All you need to do it get out your local phone book and call some of the schools or agencies. But first you have some learning to do about who these people are.
you can become a ese secratary at a school.I know it's not the best job but you get to be around the kids and talk to them.My grandma is a ese secratary.