Do you have a passion for helping others in the community, and do you see yourself working hard to improve the lives of families around you? If so, then a human services career might be the perfect fit. This rewarding and challenging career field gives you the chance to directly support people in need in your community.
“Human services is a broad interdisciplinary career area that can include social workers, psychologists, child welfare specialists, parenting services, and advocacy programs. People working at human service agencies and organizations will likely be caring and empathetic people who enjoy working with others.”
Human Services Career List
This career path may take you to a variety of settings, including schools, government offices, clinics, community centers, and even businesses. While there are many career opportunities within this field, here are 7 common options that people interested in the human services field could consider.
1. Case Worker
Case workers perform duties in a variety of settings and have the opportunity to work with different specialized populations. They focus on building rapport with the identified clients while delivering services. Case workers can be found in residential settings, in-home programs, or office-based services, working in a variety of programs that address different social problems. These programs may be preventative or intervention-based for voluntary or mandated clients. Case workers perform tasks like connecting clients with resources and developing treatment or service plans that align with the goals of the program. Case work can be an entry-level position in the human services field. Learn more about case worker salary potential and job outlook at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
2. Health Education Specialist
Health education specialists play an important role in helping to improve health, education, and safety outcomes in local communities. Many specialists will have close contact with clients and perform tasks like offering prevention programs, collecting relevant data, or advocating to local legislators about their target issue. Many of these professionals also work as part of a team. Learn more at the Bureau of Labor Statistics about health education specialist salary and job outlook.
3. Substance Abuse Counselors
Substance abuse counselors may also work in health clinics, rehab facilities, or within non-profit organizations. These professionals work with those struggling with substance use disorders, helping them find freedom from this debilitating disease and achieve or maintain sobriety. These specialized counselors may work alongside medical professionals, in community government offices, or in addiction rehab facilities. Many of these positions require a state credential. Find the latest substance abuse counselor job outlook and salary information at the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
4. Social and Community Service Management
Today’s communities have many services and social programs offered to local citizens and neighborhoods. Some human services careers focus not on working directly with people, but rather on managing these programs. A social and community services management career focuses on developing, funding, and analyzing these types of programs. Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information on job growth and salary potential.
5. Social Worker
While it may seem misleading, graduates of human service programs could start a career in social work. Most positions specifically require a bachelor’s degree in social work or higher, however, in some cases, a career in a relevant field is appropriate. Social workers offer assistance and case management to those within the community who have the highest need for help. They may work with government agencies to help homeless or low-income families and individuals. They may work within schools to assist at-risk children. They may address addiction or chronic health issues in hospital and clinic settings. They may work to support the best interests of children and family in legal cases. For current information on average pay and job growth, please check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
6. Crisis Support Worker
Crisis support workers play an important role for clients in their most significant times of need. When the client has been a victim of a violent crime, domestic violence, or sexual assault, they are faced with coping and healing mentally and physically as well as navigating the legal and logistical aspects to follow. Crisis support workers in these situations act as a supportive counselor (not to be confused with a licensed counseling professional) and may also advocate for the client in their journey. Other crisis worker positions specialize in supporting people experiencing grief, mental health crises, or suicidal thoughts. Regardless of the population you are serving, you could find yourself answering hotline calls, meeting with clients, running support groups, or attending court hearings to support clients. Check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information on the crisis support worker profession.
7. Rehabilitation Counselors
Rehabilitation counselors work with clients who have developmental, emotional, or physical disabilities. Their goal is to help these clients live as independently as possible based on their physical or mental needs. Rehabilitation counselors may use their human services training to connect their clients to the community supports they need to live a more fulfilling and independent lifestyle. These professionals may work in rehab centers, nursing homes, community-based youth organizations, and many other settings where high-risk individuals live or spend time. Some of these positions may require a state license. For more information about potential earnings and job outlook for rehabilitation counselors, check out the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Many of the human services jobs on this list could be financially and emotionally rewarding. Health and human services careers give you the opportunity to help people when they need it most. With any of the careers on this list, you will be able to devote your time to helping your community, one family or citizen at a time.
A bachelor’s in human services from Post University could provide the opportunity to build the skills needed to work with individuals, groups, and entire communities in the human services field. However, many positions in the health and human services field may require certification or licensure. This requirement applies to both online and in-person programs. Requirements for credentialing may vary from state to state.
Many of the human services jobs on this list are financially rewarding, but all are emotionally rewarding. Health and human services careers give you the power to help people when they need it most. With any of the careers on this list, you will be able to devote your time to helping your community, one family or citizen at a time.
The Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any professional credential, such as licenses for clinical psychology or therapy.
Post University assists in researching and providing information regarding licensure; however, each state has different requirements for such licensure outside of the required education. Such state requirements may include licensure exams, background checks, certain work experience, and more. It is ultimately the responsibility of each student to manage their own licensure process and to ensure that all requirements are met in order for the student to obtain licensure. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body and does not guarantee licensure. Requirements for licensure are subject to change without notice.
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Please note jobs and/or career outcomes highlighted in this blog do not reflect jobs or career outcomes expected from any Post program. To learn more about Post’s programs and their outcomes, please fill out a form to speak with an admissions advisor.