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.
Learn to work well with different types of people.
Cultivate multicultural competence.
Become familiar with government and community resources available for those in need.
Learn about government application procedures and apply early as the process can take at least four to six months.
Complete an internship with the federal government.
Area:
Criminal Justice/Corrections
Sub-Area:
Counseling/Therapy
Rehabilitation
Probation
Parole
Youth Services
Victim Assistance
Case Management
Employers:
Prisons and correctional facilities
Courts
Police departments
Probation and parole offices
Victim services organizations
Private treatment facilities
Group homes and halfway houses
Strategies & Information:
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.
Gain experience as a juvenile probation officer; many states allow reputable citizens to serve as volunteer officers.
Area:
Child Welfare
Sub-Area:
Case Management
Advocacy
Service Coordination
Employers:
Public or private child welfare agencies
Local, state, and federal government including:
Department of Children's Services
Department of Human Services
Child Protective Services
Adoption agencies
Foster care organizations
Day care centers and Head Start programs
Recreational facilities (i.e., YMCA or YWCA)
Strategies & Information:
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, CASA, or other agencies that aid youth and children.
Take additional courses in child development or early childhood education.
Area:
Developmental Disabilities
Sub-Area:
Case Management
Advocacy
Program Planning and Evaluation
Policy Development
Rehabilitation
Research
Employers:
Community residential homes
State and local agencies including:
Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment programs
One-stop career centers
Medical facilities
Mental health organizations
Schools
Colleges and universities
Employment agencies
Strategies & Information:
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.
Learn about a variety of disabilities and accommodations.
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.
Area:
Gerontology
Sub-Area:
Advocacy
Administration
Counseling
Case Management
Programming
Public Policy
Employers:
Hospitals
Nursing and retirement homes
Senior centers
Assisted living facilities
Hospice
Home healthcare agencies
Community agencies serving the elderly
Strategies & Information:
Gerontology involves working with older adults, healthy or ill, and their families.
Become involved with programs or organizations designed for senior citizens.
Join the American Society on Aging.
Supplement curriculum with course work in life span development and aging.
Obtain specialized training and credentials oriented toward gerontology.
Area:
Healthcare
Sub-Area:
Case Management
Counseling
Program Development
Administration
Rehabilitation
Prevention
Education
Research
Hospice Care
Employers:
Hospitals
Health maintenance organizations (HMOs)
Nursing homes
Hospice programs
Home healthcare agencies
Community health centers
Public health programs
Social service organizations
Outpatient clinics
Group homes
Specialized camps/schools
Federal, state, and local government including:
Department of Health and Human Services
Department of Veterans Affairs
Strategies & Information:
Human services workers in healthcare 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 public health or community health education.
Gain membership in relevant professional associations.
Become familiar with community resources.
Area:
Administration
Sub-Area:
Management
Policy Development
Planning
Supervision
Fundraising
Budgeting
Grant Writing
Employers:
Social service agencies
Employee assistance programs
Probation departments
Public interest groups
Local, state, and federal government including:
Department of Human Services
Department of Children's Services
Department of Education
Department of Justice
Department of Veterans Affairs
State mental health departments
Job Corps
Head Start
Public welfare agencies
Residential or outpatient hospitals/treatment centers
Strategies & Information:
Administrators are involved with planning, budgeting, public relations, management, fund raising, and other crucial operating responsibilities that keep an organization functioning.
Supplement curriculum with course work in areas such as public relations, advertising, accounting, or management.
Consider earning a business minor.
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.
Research government application procedures.
Area:
Business and Industry
Sub-Area:
Human Resources
Management
Market Research
Customer Service
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
Consumer protection agencies
Social service organizations with business components, i.e. tax assistance, financial planning
Strategies & Information:
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.
Learn to communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
Take courses to enhance writing skills.
Gain experience through part-time jobs, summer jobs, and internships in business environments.
Get involved in student organizations and seek leadership roles.
General Information and Strategies
A bachelor's degree in human services prepares individuals for entry-level positions in the helping professions.
A master's 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 wide range of clients and client systems including individuals, families, groups, communities, and minorities.
Join a human service organization while in school and seek leadership positions.
Look for ways to impact your community and get involved with local organizations and issues.
Become familiar with local social service agencies and resources available for those in need.
Learn a second language to better communicate with diverse client populations.
Develop ability to work well under pressure and manage stress.
Update your resume as you acquire new accomplishments, skills, knowledge, and interests.
