The requirements for a career in human services depend on the choice of career path. Although people work in human services with only a high school diploma, a degree is generally considered essential for advancement and higher wages.
Human Services Career Education Requirements
Human services is a broad field of study that can prepare graduates for careers in occupations such as social worker, counselor or human resources specialist. Although no postsecondary education is required for entry-level jobs in the human services field, bachelor's and master's degrees allow people to advance their careers and reach higher salary levels. The level of education that workers in the human services field have influences the kind of work that is assigned to them and the amount of responsibilities given.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutHumanServices">Important Facts About Human Services</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Key Skills </td><td> Interpersonal, organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills</td></tr>
<tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> Offices, clinics, hospitals, group homes, shelters</td></tr>
<tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Childcare workers, home health aides, school/career counselors</td></tr>
<tr><td> Required Education </td><td> Varies depending on one's career aspirations</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021)</td><td> $37,610 (for social and human service assistants)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 12% (for social and human service assistants)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---HighSchoolDiploma"> High School Diploma</h3><p>A worker in human services with a high school education will receive extensive on-the-job training to work in direct care services. Most employers typically provide in-service training to their employees. Job duties for a human services professional who holds a high school diploma may include helping clients fill out paperwork and other administrative tasks.
</p><h3 id="section---BachelorSOrMasterSDegree">Bachelor's or Master's Degree</h3><p>A worker in human services holding a bachelor's or master's degree is given more autonomy and further responsibilities in the human services field. Degree programs in human services train students to work with and observe patients, gather and record information, interview clients to develop a person-centered treatment plan, deal with crisis intervention and use manage cases management and use referral procedures. With a college degree, a human services professional may give support in counseling, coordinate program activities or manage a group home.
</p><h3 id="section---NonAcademicRequirements">Non-Academic Requirements</h3><p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that workers in human services should have a strong desire to help others. They should have strong communication skills and a high sense of responsibility. Because many human services personnel work directly with people who are susceptible to exploitation or mistreatment, compassion, patience and understanding is highly valued.</p>
