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What Are Human Services Careers?

Nov 23

If you're thinking about a career in Human Services, you might be wondering, "What are Human Services jobs?" or "What can I do with a Human Services degree?" An online degree in human services can prepare you for a variety of jobs in the field.

Can you be a counselor with a human services degree? This is a common question among students. Our students typically start with a bachelor's degree in Human Services or a bachelor's degree in Addiction Counseling. They then pursue a master's degree in counseling or a master's degree in addiction counseling. Here are a few examples of the wide range of Human Services occupations that an education can prepare you for.

Counselor for Substance Abuse: This is a rapidly expanding specialty in Human Services. Outpatient substance abuse counselors can opt to practice at a clinic where clients are seen once a week. They can also work in an inpatient setting, where the client will reside in a supportive group atmosphere for 3-6 months while dealing with their addiction as well as the issues that contributed to their use. Substance abuse counselors are also employed by hospitals for short-term treatment while patients detox in a medical setting. Over the last ten years, there has been a significant growth in demand for and remuneration for human care workers in this field.

Nursing Home Social Worker: As medical research permits people to live longer, more people are turning to assisted living homes for expert care. Clients and family are assisted by social workers in these facilities in understanding the services and care given. They frequently plan interesting activities both within and outside the facility. This could include bringing in volunteers to teach yoga or crafts, as well as organizing bus trips to local museums or community theaters.

Community Care Social Workers for Seniors: These social workers help seniors who can stay in their own homes with some support coordinate resources to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle. Families value the assurance that someone else is looking out for their loved one's safety.

School Counselor: Working as a school counselor may be both demanding and rewarding. Although some school counselors work in elementary schools, the bulk of them work in middle and high schools. With the rise in bullying, there is a greater demand for therapy in the school setting. School counselors assist with both groups of kids and individuals dealing with depression, anxiety, and other mental health difficulties to help them build coping skills.

Community Youth Services: Unfortunately, all one has to do is look at the news to know how desperately our communities need direct services for troubled youth. We now know that cyberbullying and other forms of pressure can lead to teen aggression, as well as depression and suicide, thanks to the addition of social media. A person with a bachelor's degree in human services is a priceless asset to community centers and youth organizations attempting to help this population.

Domestic Violence Services: Although domestic violence is not a new problem, communities are attempting to develop more effective responses and interventions. Domestic violence calls are now being responded to in a coordinated manner by police and human service workers. Victim advocates with a Human Services degree are relied upon by the courts to assist the victim during any legal procedures as well as provide continuous support to the victim's family. Many people with a bachelor's degree in human services find this to be a very gratifying vocation.

Working for a Developmental Disabilities Agency: Recent developments in services, similar to those for the elderly, have allowed more people with developmental disabilities to receive assistance in their homes and communities rather than in hospitals or rehabilitation centers. Again, this allows someone working in the human services area to create an individualized plan for these clients with intellectual or physical disabilities to receive the help they need to attain their full potential in the community. Again, for those that accept this unique group, this is a tremendously gratifying career.

Child Protective Services is a division of the Department of Children and Familie Social Worker: This is usually a post in state or county government, which comes with a nice income and a lot of perks. With these positions, there is also the possibility of advancement. The work is arduous and hard, but the payoff is substantial. This role necessitates a thorough understanding of state regulations and codes, and the child protection worker is frequently called to testify in court about a parent's child care. The professional then gives suggestions for how to assist the family.

Hospital Social Worker: This specialized field focuses on assisting patients and their families with both short and long-term medical difficulties. Some of your abilities may include providing comfort to a parent whose child has been diagnosed with cancer, providing hope to a family whose loved one has been involved in an auto accident, or assisting an older person entering assisted living with discharge planning. You work as part of a team with medical staff to ensure that patients receive high-quality care.

Mental Health Counselor: In recent years, particularly since the global pandemic, society has been more aware of the effects of depression, anxiety, and social isolation. The internet has exploded with knowledge on these subjects, and many people are realizing the significance of obtaining expert aid. As a result, the demand for and remuneration for outpatient mental health practitioners is growing every day.

Many vulnerable and at-risk communities rely on community advocates to work with developers to offer safe housing and equal housing possibilities in the housing market. The term "food desert" refers to urban regions that lack access to fresh produce and other nutritious foods. Advocates might approach grocery companies for resources such as mobile fresh food markets and other tools.

Many teenagers have acted out to the point where they are no longer safe in the community, according to a residential treatment center worker. Workers at treatment centers frequently provide mentorship and counseling to this population for three to twelve months. These kids haven't learned how to regulate their rage and are a danger to themselves and others. Again, this is a difficult but rewarding vocation in which intensive intervention in a residential setting may make a significant difference in the lives of these young people.

This is only a small sample of the several employment options accessible to students with a bachelor's degree in human services.