The competitive job market that exists today has led many to wonder how to become a human services professional. The field of human services offers professionals a wide variety of careers in which to practice their skills. Schooling can include a number of different programs and the job market offers opportunities that range from direct care to administrative duties. One of the most promising aspects of a career in human services is the ability to gain new skills while working and to earn promotions through on the job training.
Degree Programs for Human Services
While there are many entry level positions in the field of human services that do not require a college degree, the prospective employee will have more earning power if they attain a bachelors degree. Many positions will require a bachelors degree in human services or a related field, and finding the right school for you is a good first step in learning how to become a human services professional. Related fields can include education, early childhood development, psychology and a host of others. Even students who attain a degree in a field of the liberal arts can begin a career in human services.
Those who hold degrees in fields that are not human services related can still rise through the ranks in this career field. Entry level positions will often lead to further and better paying work. This is because experience speaks for itself in this field. On the job training and the skills that are developed from hands on work with clients will translate well on a resume. As you research about how to become a human services professional, you’ll notice that while it is recommended that prospective employees seek a degree, opportunities will still await those who do not attain one. In addition, many businesses and public employers will help employees to further their education while they are employed through grants and other educational opportunities.
How To Become A Human Services Professional At The Masters Level
The greatest earning power for those who work in human services will be reached by those with a Master’s in Social Work Degree. Human service agencies are often looking for employees who can work as case managers and have the necessary skills to assess the condition of potential clients. Masters degrees in psychology are particularly valuable to those who seek employment in this field.
Job Related Duties of Human Services Professional
Most work in human services will require exactly what the moniker of the field implies. That is, employees will work directly with humans who are in need of services. Most often, these services are required by those who are either developmentally disabled or are living with mental health issues. Oftentimes, clients will have a number of different conditions that must be dealt with. Human Service work can be practiced in group homes or with individuals in the larger community. Community access for marginalized individuals is a large part of this work as it seeks to normalize the appearance of those with disabilities in the community. It should come as no surprise that most of the people who are learning about how to become a human services professional have big hearts and true compassion for others.
Other human service workers will practice in schools with children who are classified as learning disabled. Working with children that have been diagnosed with autism is an aspect of this field that his rapidly growing. One of the best ways to break into this field is to act as a volunteer for an existing agency. Volunteering will help to answer many questions that pertain to how to become a human services professional.
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