Vocational counseling is all about helping people identify the kinds of work they can do, build their skills, and work through employment barriers. Orion counselor Tricia Cleavelin puts it another way: “It’s our job to help people be ready to go out and conquer.”
She and her colleague Jason Person have over twenty years’ combined experience in vocational counseling. When it comes to providing the right kind of support for each program participant, they know what’s at stake.
“Really, we’re working against hopelessness and despair,” Jason says. “It’s the biggest challenge we face. But that’s why I love Orion so much, the company is willing to make investments in people as much as the work we do.”
For Tricia and Jason, part of helping program participants is working with Orion Staff to ensure a collaborative environment.
“We’re a ‘we’ here at Orion. We’re all on the same team,” Tricia said. “The mentors have production goals they have to meet along with doing their part to teach our participants good work habits. If Jason and I can assist in any way, we will.”
The relationship between counselor and participant is an intimate one, dependent on honesty and the ability to see through adversity.
If someone has a great attitude and wants to succeed, I’m all in. But when someone’s attitude is poor they often can’t realize how much that gets in the way of their success.
– Tricia Cleavelin / Orion VOCATIONAL COUNSELOR
“Attitude is key, a lot of people have a hard time coming to terms with that,” Tricia says. “If someone has a great attitude and wants to succeed, I’m all in. But when someone’s attitude is poor they often can’t realize how much that gets in the way of their success.”
“I realize that I’ll never be able to motivate someone with what I want. It has to come from them,” Jason adds. “We guide people to make the best decisions for themselves, and when it’s in their hands that’s when they realize the power they have.”
