|
General Information:
- A Bachelors degree in human services prepares individuals for entry-level positions
in the helping professions.
- A Masters degree in counseling, social work, occupational therapy, or related
field, in addition to appropriate professional licensure, is usually necessary
to provide therapy and for advancement to supervisory or administrative positions.
- Complete practicum experiences and internships to determine suitability for
the helping professions and to gain exposure to various practice settings and
clients.
- Candidates should possess empathy for others, an appreciation for diversity,
and an interest in social change.
- Gain experience with a diverse range of clients and client systems including
individuals, families, groups, communities, and minorities.
SOCIAL SERVICES/NONPROFIT
Administration and Planning
Case Management
Advocacy
Program Evaluation
Policy Development
Volunteer Coordination
EMPLOYERS
Public welfare agencies
Federal, state, and local government
Private social service agencies
Group homes
Religiously affiliated organizations
Drug and alcohol rehabilitation centers
DESCRIPTIONS/STRATEGIES
Social services are designed to provide support for poor, disabled, ill, elderly,
or juvenile clients.
Volunteer at homeless shelters, soup kitchens, battered women homes, literacy
programs, or other social service agencies to gain relevant experience and demonstrate
interest.
<< Back to Top of Page
CRIMINAL JUSTICE/CORRECTIONS
Counseling/Therapy
Rehabilitation
Probation
Parole
Youth Services
Victim Assistance
EMPLOYERS
Prisons and correctional facilities
Courts
Police departments
Probation and parole offices
Victim services organizations
DESCRIPTIONS/STRATEGIES
Human services workers in corrections focus on rehabilitating clients and assisting
victims.
Obtain experience by volunteering at a corrections facility or a victim services
organization such as a rape crisis center.
<< Back to Top of Page
GERONTOLOGY
Advocacy
Counseling
Case Management
Programming
Public Policy
EMPLOYERS
Hospitals
Nursing and retirement homes
Senior centers
Hospice
DESCRIPTIONS/STRATEGIES
Gerontology involves working with older adults, healthy or ill, and their families.
Become involved with programs or organizations designed for senior citizens.
<< Back to Top of Page
CHILD WELFARE
Case Management
Advocacy
Service Coordination
EMPLOYERS
Public or private child welfare agencies
Adoption agencies
Foster care organizations
Day care centers and nursery schools
Recreational facilities (i.e., YMCA or YWCA)
Head Start programs
DESCRIPTIONS/STRATEGIES
Child welfare workers strive to ensure the safety and well-being of children
through interventions and programming.
Volunteer at day care centers, children's shelters, camps, YMCA/YWCA, Scouts,
or other agencies that aid youth and children. Take additional courses in child
development or early childhood education.
<< Back to Top of Page
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES
Case Management
Advocacy
Program Planning and Evaluation
Policy Development
Rehabilitation
EMPLOYERS
Community residential homes
State and local agencies
Medical facilities
Mental health organizations
Schools
Employment agencies
Vocational Rehabilitation
DESCRIPTIONS/STRATEGIES
Human services workers specializing in this area help people with disabilities
to adjust to and lead productive lives.
Volunteer at special needs camps, child care centers, schools, or hospitals
to gain experience. Gain experience with and knowledge of a variety of disabilities.
Obtain specialized training in areas such as sign language or assistive technology
for additional opportunities. Earn a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling
for opportunities in Vocational Rehabilitation.
<< Back to Top of Page
HEALTH CARE
Case Management
Counseling
Program Development
Administration
Rehabilitation
EMPLOYERS
Hospitals
Community health centers
Outpatient clinics
Public health programs
Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
Nursing homes
Group homes
Hospice
DESCRIPTIONS/STRATEGIES
Human services workers in health care facilitate the medical and emotional treatment
of patients.
Volunteer in health related settings such as hospitals or the American Red
Cross to gain experience. Supplement curriculum with course work in nursing
or health.
Complete appropriate prerequisites for entrance into professional programs such
as occupational therapy, physician's assistant, or physical therapy.
<< Back to Top of Page
ADMINISTRATION
Management
Policy Development
Planning
EMPLOYERS
Family service agencies
Child welfare departments
Social service agencies
State mental health departments
Employee assistance programs
Probation departments
Public interest groups
Local, state, and federal government
DESCRIPTIONS/STRATEGIES
Administrators are involved with planning, budgeting, public relations, management,
fund raising, and other crucial operating responsibilities that keep an organization
functioning. Obtain a master's degree in social work or related field for additional
opportunities. Gain management experience through internships, part-time employment,
or leadership in relevant student organizations. Supplement curriculum with
course work in areas such as public relations, advertising, accounting, or management.
<< Back to Top of Page
EDUCATION
Teaching
Interpreting
Case Management
Student Affairs
EMPLOYERS
Universities and colleges
Public (K-12) school systems
Private (K-12) school systems
Human service agencies
Private learning centers
Free-lance tutors or consultants
DESCRIPTIONS/STRATEGIES
Human services graduates working in education focus on providing instruction
for a wide range of students including children with disabilities as well as
adult community members. Learn American Sign Language and manually coded forms
of English for specialized opportunities. Volunteer in schools or programs that
serve disabled children. Obtain appropriate teacher licensure for public school
teaching opportunities. Earn a master's degree in rehabilitation counseling,
mental health counseling, school counseling, social work, or college student
personnel. Seek campus leadership positions such as peer mentor or resident
assistant. Obtain a doctorate degree for teaching and research opportunities
in colleges and universities.
<< Back to Top of Page
BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
Human Resources
Management
Sales
Public Relations
Corporate Giving
Development
Employee Assistance Programs
Financial Counseling
EMPLOYERS
Business firms in various industries
Developers of educational products
National foundations and associations
DESCRIPTIONS/STRATEGIES
Graduates of human services programs may apply their skills and knowledge in
the private sector of business and industry.
Earn a minor in business or related field. Develop computer skills particularly
with spreadsheets, databases, word processing, and desk top publishing.
Gain experience through part-time jobs, summer jobs, and internships in business
environments.
<< Back to Top of Page
|
