Human Services: What Can I Do With This Degree?

Social Services and 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

Information & 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.

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

Information & 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.

Gerontology Advocacy Counseling Case management Programming Public policy

Employers Hospitals Nursing and retirement homes Senior centers Hospice

Information & Strategies Gerontology involves working with older adults, healthy or ill, and their families. Become involved with programs or organizations designed for senior citizens.

Child Welfare Case management Advocacy Service coordination

Employers Public or private child welfare agencies Adoption agencies Foster care organizations Daycare centers and nursery schools Recreational facilities (YMCA or YWCA) Head Start programs

Information & Strategies Child welfare workers strive to ensure the safety and well-being of children through interventions and programming. Volunteer at daycare 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.

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

Information & Strategies Human services workers specializing in this area help people with disabilities to adjust to and lead productive lives. Volunteer at special needs camps, childcare 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.

Healthcare 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

Information & Strategies 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 coursework in nursing or health. Complete appropriate prerequisites for entrance into professional programs such as occupational therapy, physician's assistant, or physical therapy.

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

Information & Strategies Administrators are involved with planning, budgeting, public relations, management, fundraising, 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 coursework in areas such as public relations, advertising, accounting, or management.

Education Teaching Interpreting Case management Student affairs

Employers Universities and colleges Public and private (K-12) school systems Human service agencies Private learning centers Freelance tutors or consultants

Information & Strategies Human service 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.

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

Information & 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 desktop publishing. Gain experience through part-time jobs, summer jobs, and internships in business environments.

General Information

• 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 diverse range of clients and client systems including individuals, families, groups, communities, and minorities.

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