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.
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.
Specialties
- 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, shelter workshops, and day programs.
Human service workers in social 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
- Prisions and Halfway Houses
- Psychiatric Hospitals
- Public Health Departments
- Public Welfare Agencies
- State and Local Governments
- Community Mental Health Centers
- Facilities for Developmentally Challenged
- Private Social or Human Services Agenices
- Substance Abuse Treatment Centers
Average Annual Salary
$58,380 per year
What is the future of this career?
Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 67,300 openings for social workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Type of Education/Training
Human service workers receive their education by attending community colleges, colleges and 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 could I get the education/training?
- Albertus Magnus College (master's program)
- CT State Housatonic
- Mitchell College
- Post University
- Quinnipiac University
- Sacred Heart University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- University of Bridgeport
- University of Connecticut
- University of New Haven
- University of Saint Joseph
Licensing/Certification
Licensure is not required in the state of Connecticut
More Information
National Association of Social Workers
750 First Street NE, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20002
800-742-4089
