Work in human services careers requires a balance of compassion and empathy with healthy boundaries and clear goals. In social services, it’s often necessary to develop a detailed knowledge of available resources and how programs and services work.
The desire to alleviate suffering and empower individuals, groups, and communities to make the most of their own talents and resources is a valuable attribute for people employed in this field.
Opportunities are available at every level of education and training.
Jobs that require a high school diploma or less include childcare workers, personal care aides, shampooers, manicurists and pedicurists, and some credit counselor and human service assistant positions, for which education requirements vary.
Careers that workers can qualify for with two years or less of training or an apprenticeship include financial workers, hairdressers and cosmetologists, skincare specialists, massage therapists, and supervisors of human services workers.
A four-year degree or graduate degree is needed for these careers: child, family, and school social workers, social and community service managers, career counselors, health care social workers, therapists, clergy, morticians and funeral directors, rehabilitation counselors, psychologists, and probation officers and corrections treatment specialists.
Is a career in Human Services for you? Keep these points in mind:
- Although entry-level positions often offer low wages, the median salary for social services careers is higher than the national average.
- Social services workers often find job satisfaction from supporting clients and communities to develop resiliency.
- Personal care aide is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country, with a very high number of job openings.
- Many social work and counseling fields are also growing faster than average, in specialties including school and career counseling, substance abuse, and rehabilitation.
- Inner-city and rural communities are often underserved by social services, and have a significant need for workers.
- Many beauty services careers depend on creativity and the desire to help clients feel good as well as look good. Beauty services businesses, such as spas and salons, are often launched by workers with experience in the field.