Switching careers is always tricky, especially in a crimped job market. For those seeking some how-to advice, local jobs expert Terri Carpenter offers practical tips. To see more of her "Ask the Experts" advice, go to: www.sacbee.com/ask.

I am an intelligent, quick-learning, 56-year-old woman with experience as a technical publications specialist, HR benefits administrator and retail store manager. All were obtained without a college degree. Nine years ago, I took a part-time job as a high school instructional aide and found my niche! I love working with teenagers, even ones who are troubled.

Sadly, I suddenly find myself on my own financially. I need to make more money but don't want to give up working with kids. I'd love to go back to school but am too old to pay back tuition aid. Can you suggest an area I may not have explored to continue working with teens? Any possibilities of grants so I can go back to school and follow my late-found dream?

For financial help, visit your local One Stop Career Center to ask about applying for grants to return to school or train for a vocation working with teens. (For details: www.sacramentoworks.org.)

Also, there are many nonprofit organizations and churches with youth programs that might need your skills, either as a paid employee or a volunteer.

The community services center 2-1-1 Sacramento lists organizations that offer programs for young people. Visit those websites to look for job postings. (To contact 2-1-1 Sacramento, go online to www.211sacramento.org or dial 2-1-1.)

You can also look for volunteer opportunities at the Volunteer Center of Sacramento (www.volunteersac.org or 916- 567-3100) and Hands On Sacramento (www.handsonsacto.org or 916-447-7063).

Additionally, the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency (SETA) offers an extensive list of youth organizations and would be a great resource for your job search. It's at www.seta.net.

I have a degree in health education, a teaching credential and a master's in education. Through my experience working with middle school students, I've found that I like researching, data collecting and creating projects. Rather than be confined to a classroom, I would like to work more with adults in a related science field or in a supportive role. Do you have any suggestions?

With your background, I suggest looking into opportunities at university research hospitals, such as UC Davis Medical Center or UC San Francisco. The UC medical centers regularly post research and project management-type positions under the "career" section of their websites.

Additionally, you could look at nonprofit health organizations that have a research component, such as the Public Health Institute, which is based in Oakland but has several Sacramento offices.

Lastly, many hospitals and health care organizations, such as Kaiser Permanente, hire health educators. Check their websites for current job openings.

For more on health care jobs, go to: www.healthjobsstarthere.com.

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Call The Bee's Claudia Buck, (916) 321-1968.

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