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If you have an interest in making a positive impact on people’s lives, a career in Social Work should be high on your list
of options. The Associate degree program in Human Services at BGSU Firelands provides an excellent start toward that profession.
What is Human Services?
A human services professional is a person trained to help individuals cope with difficult situations using problem-solving
skills and community resources to improve the person’s or family’s quality of life. Human services workers advocate change.
They are trained as generalists, learning how to identify client needs and develop connections with the appropriate human
services programs and professionals that can address these concerns on an individual basis.
The National Organization for Human Services says
"Human services worker" is a generic term for people who hold professional and paraprofessional jobs in such diverse settings
as group homes and halfway houses; correctional, mental retardation, and community mental health centers; family, child, and
youth service agencies, and programs concerned with alcoholism, drug abuse, family violence, and aging.
What’s it really like?
The responsibilities and experience of a human services professional may vary greatly depending on the setting in which they
work. As described in the Occupational Outlook Handbook,
Social and human service assistants play a variety of roles in a community. They may organize and lead group activities, assist
clients in need of counseling or crisis intervention, or administer food banks or emergency fuel programs, for example. In
halfway houses, group homes, and government-supported housing programs, they assist adults who need supervision with personal
hygiene and daily living skills. They review clients’ records, ensure that they take their medication, talk with family members,
and confer with medical personnel and other caregivers to provide insight into clients’ needs. Social and human service assistants
also give emotional support and help clients become involved in community recreation programs and other activities.
In psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and outpatient clinics, social and human service assistants work with psychiatrists,
psychologists, social workers, and others to help clients master everyday living skills, communicate more effectively, and
live well with others. They support the client’s participation in a treatment plan, such as individual or group counseling
or occupational therapy.
Someone who is interested in this field should keep in mind that these are entry-level positions. In order to advance in this
career it will be necessary to pursue a Bachelor degree in Social Work.
But wait, there is more!
Employment in this field is growing. Between 2006 and 2016, the U.S. Department of Labor projects a 34% increase in total
employment of social and human service assistants, and a 22% increase for social workers.
Positions for Human Services graduates include entry-level positions in social and human services agencies. Opportunities
exist in halfway houses and group homes; correctional, mental retardation and community mental health centers; family, child
and youth service agencies; alcoholism, drug abuse and family violence programs, and programs providing services for the elderly.
How much will I make?
While salaries vary depending on the position, on average, social and human service assistants earn $25,580 per year. For
professionals with a Bachelor degree in Social Work, earnings as well as career opportunities increase. Social Workers average
$37,480 per year. While this is not the salary you will start at, it gives an idea of the potential.
What should you expect in working conditions as a Human Services graduate?
The Occupational Outlook Handbook says
Working conditions of social and human service assistants vary. Some work in offices, clinics, and hospitals, while others
work in group homes, shelters, sheltered workshops, and day programs. Traveling to see clients is also required for some jobs.
Sometimes working with clients can be dangerous even though most agencies do everything they can to ensure their workers’
safety. Most assistants work 40 hours a week; some work in the evening and on weekends.
Want to learn more?
Watch this video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdttPwA1pUE&feature=related
Interested in Human Services as the start of your career path? Have more questions?
For further information contact:
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Debralee Divers
Director
Admissions & Financial Aid
419-433-5560 ext. 2-0683
email: divers@bgsu.edu
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Cheryl L. Chafee
Officer
Admissions & Financial Aid
419-433-5560 ext. 2-0683
email: cchafee@bgsu.edu
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Dr. Tatiana Panas
Program Director
419 433-5560, ext 20707
twanshu@bgsu.edu
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NOTE: Information in this Career Guide is subject to change without notice.
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