List of Careers in Human Services
The field of human services involves helping others facing difficult situations to help them get their lives in better working order. You see these types of careers within school systems and in the community at large. They are often regarded as the “un-sung heroes” because of their commitment and efforts towards helping society, one person at a time.
Other People Are Reading
-
Social Worker
-
With a bachelor’s degree in human services, the doors are open to apply for a career as a social worker. Social workers deal with those with personal, substance abuse or mental problems that prevent them from optimally functioning in society. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2004 a social worker’s median yearly income was $34,820.
Social Services Assistant
-
If you have an associate’s degree in human services, you can obtain a position as a social services assistant, helping social workers in clinics, hospitals, offices or group homes. Typical duties include helping people to transition into society, performing research assistance and administering legislative policy.
-
Peace Officers/Law Enforcement
-
Law Enforcement, or “Peace Officers,” include the following: police, correctional and probation officers, as well as deputies and sheriffs. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that in 2004 a probation officer earned a median yearly income of $39,600. A bachelor's degree in human services is needed for a probation officer position. Psychology and sociology classes are helpful when working in the justice environment.
Counselors
-
Counselors are primarily found in elementary and secondary school settings, helping students access human services. They help entire families as well to rebuild their lives. Along with social workers, the job outlook for counselors is expected to rise at a faster rate than the national average until 2014. Economists ascribe two main reasons for this job outlook to rise. One is due to the struggling U.S. economy, which adds societal strain, affecting the home lives of children. The other factor is the increased number of children born after the 9/11 event. A career in this area requires a bachelor’s degree in human services.
Eligibility Worker
-
An eligibility worker's main role is qualifying applicants and recipients for public assistance programs. They must process a variety of paperwork along with compiling an eligibility database. Time sensitivity and legal deadlines make punctuality a requirement. For the education and experience requirements, you must have a high school diploma or GED and one year of work experience determining eligibility in a social service office in one of the following government assistance programs: Food Stamps, Foster Care or Medicaid. Alternatively, you can have a combination of both education and experience which total three years in the accounting, finance, clerical, teaching or legal fields.
-
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
