Melissa Smith, MSCP, LICDC, LPCC, NCC
Leadership and Advocacy
Leadership and Advocacy
CACREP Doctoral Competencies (2016):
a. Theories and skills of leadership
b. Leadership and leadership development in professional organizations
c. Leadership in counselor education programs
d. Knowledge of accreditation standards and processes
e. Leadership, management, and administration in counseling organizations and other institutions
f. Leadership roles and strategies for responding to crises and disasters
g. Strategies of leadership in consultation
h. Current topical and political issues in counseling and how those issues affect the daily work of counselors and the counseling profession
i. Role of counselors and counselor educators advocating on behalf of the profession and professional identity
j. Models and competencies for advocating for clients at the individual, system, and policy levels
k. Strategies of leadership in relation to current multicultural and social justice issues
l. Ethical and culturally relevant leadership and advocacy practices
Leadership and Advocacy Competency
Artifacts of Leadership and Advocacy Competency
Artifacts 1-4 were completed during COUC 890 Leadership and Advocacy in Counselor Education:
“This doctoral-level seminar course is designed to foster professional identity as a counselor educator and leadership/service to the counseling profession. There is a focus on leadership principles and theories, including their application to counselor education. Students will work from a self-reflective model in order to discover and assess their own leadership skills and potential and to consider how that potential can be applied to the field of counselor education. Professional, ethical and social advocacy issues are also addressed throughout this course”
Artifact 1: Personal Philosophy of Leadership and Advocacy
After examining the various theoretical approaches and models of leadership and advocacy, I developed a personal philosophy of advocacy and leadership. At the conclusion of the philosophy, I indicated a personal action plan to remain committed to ongoing personal and professional growth as I develop my leadership identity.
Artifact 2: Personal Social Justice Action Plan
This personal social justice action plan was developed based on my philosophy of leaders. Through this process, I developed a clear understanding of my values and established a set of personal principles that will guide my professional and personal growth as I advocate and promote the development of an equitable society.
Artificact 3: Advocacy Group Project and Presentation
For this group project, I was placed in a group with other Chi Sigma Iota executive leaders and tasked to develop an initiative that could improve CSI at Liberty. We decided to propose a master group that all divisions of CSI at Liberty could access and share resources. This proposal was accepted and has been enacted.
Artifact 4: Interview of an Important Leader in our Field
This assignment was personally impactful as it allowed me the opportunity to ask questions of my previous supervisor turned friend. While completing this assignment, I felt like I had grown substantially.
The artifacts presented above demonstrate mastery of all competencies for Leadership and Advocacy.
Artifact 5: Leadership Review
As evidenced by the above capstone project, my time in COUC 998 Research Internship was spent as a leader.
The artifacts presented within this assignment demonstrate mastery of all competencies for Leadership and Advocacy.
Leadership and Advocacy Reflection:
Reflect on the process of developing leadership level knowledge, skills, and practices in this competency. What has been especially impactful/meaningful/important to you personally and professionally?
The process of developing leadership level knowledge, skills, and practices in the Leadership and Advocacy competency involved embracing a transition from counselor to counselor educator. Additionally, it required learning how to be a servant leader.
In October of 2023, I had a professor reach out to me and ask me to interview to be a Chapter President for CSI: Rho Eta Sigma. She saw my progress from counselor to leader and wanted to provide me to opportunity to experience leadership. Her belief in me has been incredibly impactful and has guided the way that I choose to lead and advocate for members of the chapter I serve.
Describe an area of strength that you have developed while in the program in this area of competency. What is one way you plan to utilize this strength in your vocation?
As stated above, an area of strength that I have developed while in this program is the ability to be a servant leader. Since entering this program, professors and colleagues have shared their view of me as a leader and it has greatly improved my own perception of my ability to lead. I plan on remaining a leader in this field and using that skill to find ways to support counselor educators and counselors in training.
Describe an area of challenge/growth opportunity in this area of competency. What is your plan to develop excellence in this area?
An area that I intend to grow further in order to develop excellence in leadership and advocacy is obtaining positions within state or national counseling associations. My plan is to seek the opportunity each time it becomes available.
Reflect on how faith in Christ relates to this competency.
Faith in Christ is directly related to this competency because He is the ultimate leader and advocate. Christ is found in each of the five competencies and if I reflect His will in all that I do then I will be able to help those he calls me to.