AHEC Connecticut
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH - Human Services Worker
To be a successful Human Services Worker you should...
- have a strong desire to help others
- show patience, understanding, and caring in dealing with others
- have strong communication skills
- have a strong sense of responsibility
- have the ability to manage time effectively
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What will my job be like?
Human services workers help individuals and families with daily living needs, such as identifying housing programs, food banks, and public health clinics. They provide counseling and assistance to persons who are unable to solve their problems independently.
Human services workers may specialize in the following:
- Addiction/Substance Abuse
- Geriatrics
- Child Welfare/Family Services
- Life Skills Education
- Community Health/Mental Health
Where could I work?
Human service workers may work in offices, clinics, and hospitals, while others work in group homes, shelters, sheltered workshops, and day programs.
Human services workers in social service agencies generally spend part of the time in the office and the rest of the time in the field. Most work a 40-hour week. Some evening and weekend work may be necessary.
Other workplace settings:
- Adult Care Facilities
- Prisons and Halfway Houses
- Psychiatric Hospitals
- Public Health Departments
- Public Welfare Agencies
- State and Local Governments
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Facilities for the Developmentally Challenged
- Private Social or Human Services Agencies
- Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
What is the average annual salary?
$38,284
What is the future of this career?
Employment of human services workers is projected to grow much faster than the average through the year 2008, ranking among the most rapidly growing occupations.
What type of education and/or training do I need?
Human services workers receive their education by attending community colleges and colleges or universities. The initial programs in human services are offered at the community college level and award associate degrees. Today, in addition to an associate degree, many programs offer certificates in specialized areas, such as addictions and/or gerontology.
Four-year colleges and universities have human services programs and offer bachelor’s degrees and, in some instances, specialized certificates. Programs at this level not only prepare the service worker but also introduce the student to program management, coordination, and supervisory skills.
Where can I get the education and/or training?
- Albertus Magnus College, New Haven
- Asnuntuck Community College, Enfield
- Capital Community College, Hartford
- Central Connecticut State University, New Britain
- Eastern Connecticut State University, Willimantic
- Gateway Community College, New Haven
- Holy Apostles College, Cromwell
- Housatonic Community College, Bridgeport
- Manchester Community College, Manchester
- Middlesex Community College, Middletown
- Mitchell College, New London
- Naugatuck Valley Community College, Naugatuck
- Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Winsted
- Norwalk Community College, Norwalk
- Quinebaug Valley Community College, Danielson
- Quinnipiac University, Hamden
- Sacred Heart University, Fairfield
- Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven
- St. Joseph College, West Hartford
- St. Vincent’s College, Bridgeport
- Three Rivers Community College, Norwich
- Teikyo Post University, Waterbury
- Tunxis Community College, Farmington
- University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport
- University of Connecticut, Storrs
- University of Hartford, West Hartford
- Wesleyan University, Middletown
- Western Connecticut State University, Danbury
Do I need a license or certification for this career?
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut.
Where can I get more information?
National Association of Social Workers
750 First St, NE, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20002
(800) 638-8799
www.naswdc.org