Intro
Unlock a fulfilling career with a Human Services degree. Discover 10 impactful jobs that make a difference in peoples lives, from counseling and case management to program directing and advocacy. Learn how a Human Services degree can lead to a rewarding career in social work, community development, and nonprofit management.
In today's society, there is a growing need for professionals who can provide support and services to individuals, families, and communities in need. A human service degree can lead to a wide range of career opportunities that make a positive impact on people's lives. Here are 10 human service degree jobs that can make a difference:
Human services is a broad field that encompasses various disciplines, including social work, counseling, psychology, and healthcare. Professionals in this field work with diverse populations, such as children, adults, families, and communities, to address their social, emotional, and physical needs. With a human service degree, you can pursue careers that are rewarding, challenging, and make a real difference in people's lives.
1. Child Life Specialist
A child life specialist works with children and families in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings to help them cope with medical procedures, illnesses, and injuries. They use play therapy, education, and support to promote emotional and psychological well-being. Child life specialists may also work with children who have special needs or developmental delays.
- Median salary: $60,000 - $80,000 per year
- Education: Bachelor's degree in child life, child development, or a related field
- Skills: Play therapy, child development, communication, and empathy
Responsibilities:
- Assess children's emotional and psychological needs
- Develop and implement play therapy plans
- Educate children and families about medical procedures and illnesses
- Provide emotional support and counseling
2. Mental Health Counselor
A mental health counselor works with individuals, groups, and families to address mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship problems. They use various therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy, to promote emotional and psychological well-being.
- Median salary: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
- Education: Master's degree in counseling or a related field
- Skills: Counseling, therapy, assessment, and case management
Responsibilities:
- Assess clients' mental health needs
- Develop and implement treatment plans
- Provide individual, group, and family therapy
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals
3. Substance Abuse Counselor
A substance abuse counselor works with individuals and groups to address addiction and substance abuse issues. They use various therapeutic techniques, such as motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to promote recovery and sobriety.
- Median salary: $40,000 - $60,000 per year
- Education: Bachelor's degree in counseling or a related field
- Skills: Counseling, assessment, case management, and group facilitation
Responsibilities:
- Assess clients' substance abuse needs
- Develop and implement treatment plans
- Provide individual and group counseling
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals
4. Social Worker
A social worker works with individuals, families, and communities to address social and economic issues, such as poverty, inequality, and access to healthcare. They use various interventions, such as case management and advocacy, to promote social justice and human rights.
- Median salary: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
- Education: Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field
- Skills: Case management, advocacy, assessment, and counseling
Responsibilities:
- Assess clients' social and economic needs
- Develop and implement case plans
- Provide counseling and support
- Advocate for social justice and human rights
5. Family Therapist
A family therapist works with individuals, couples, and families to address relationship issues, such as communication problems, conflict, and parenting challenges. They use various therapeutic techniques, such as family systems therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy, to promote healthy relationships and family dynamics.
- Median salary: $60,000 - $80,000 per year
- Education: Master's degree in family therapy or a related field
- Skills: Family therapy, assessment, case management, and counseling
Responsibilities:
- Assess families' relationship needs
- Develop and implement treatment plans
- Provide individual, couple, and family therapy
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals
6. Youth Counselor
A youth counselor works with children and adolescents to address behavioral, emotional, and social issues, such as delinquency, substance abuse, and mental health problems. They use various interventions, such as counseling, mentoring, and education, to promote healthy development and well-being.
- Median salary: $40,000 - $60,000 per year
- Education: Bachelor's degree in counseling or a related field
- Skills: Counseling, assessment, case management, and group facilitation
Responsibilities:
- Assess youth's behavioral, emotional, and social needs
- Develop and implement treatment plans
- Provide individual and group counseling
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals
7. Gerontological Counselor
A gerontological counselor works with older adults to address mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. They use various therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy, to promote emotional and psychological well-being.
- Median salary: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
- Education: Master's degree in counseling or a related field
- Skills: Counseling, assessment, case management, and gerontology
Responsibilities:
- Assess older adults' mental health needs
- Develop and implement treatment plans
- Provide individual and group counseling
- Collaborate with other healthcare professionals
8. Community Outreach Coordinator
A community outreach coordinator works with community organizations, healthcare providers, and social services to promote health education, outreach, and engagement. They use various strategies, such as community assessments and partnerships, to address health disparities and promote health equity.
- Median salary: $40,000 - $60,000 per year
- Education: Bachelor's degree in health education or a related field
- Skills: Community outreach, health education, assessment, and partnership development
Responsibilities:
- Conduct community assessments and needs analyses
- Develop and implement outreach plans
- Collaborate with community organizations and healthcare providers
- Promote health education and engagement
9. Case Manager
A case manager works with individuals, families, and communities to address social and economic issues, such as poverty, housing, and employment. They use various interventions, such as case planning and advocacy, to promote self-sufficiency and well-being.
- Median salary: $40,000 - $60,000 per year
- Education: Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field
- Skills: Case management, assessment, advocacy, and counseling
Responsibilities:
- Assess clients' social and economic needs
- Develop and implement case plans
- Provide counseling and support
- Advocate for social services and benefits
10. Public Health Educator
A public health educator works with communities, healthcare providers, and social services to promote health education, outreach, and engagement. They use various strategies, such as community assessments and partnerships, to address health disparities and promote health equity.
- Median salary: $50,000 - $70,000 per year
- Education: Master's degree in public health education or a related field
- Skills: Public health education, community outreach, assessment, and partnership development
Responsibilities:
- Conduct community assessments and needs analyses
- Develop and implement health education plans
- Collaborate with community organizations and healthcare providers
- Promote health education and engagement
Human Service Degree Jobs Gallery
What is a human service degree?
+A human service degree is a field of study that prepares students to work with individuals, families, and communities to address social, emotional, and physical needs.
What are some career opportunities for human service degree holders?
+Some career opportunities for human service degree holders include social work, counseling, case management, public health education, and community outreach coordination.
What skills are required for a career in human services?
+Some skills required for a career in human services include communication, assessment, case management, counseling, and advocacy.
In conclusion, a human service degree can lead to a wide range of career opportunities that make a positive impact on people's lives. From social work and counseling to public health education and community outreach coordination, these careers are rewarding, challenging, and essential to promoting social justice and human rights. If you're passionate about making a difference in your community, consider pursuing a human service degree and starting a career that truly matters.