What careers could I have with a Human Services degree?

Careers for a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services

• Answer:

  Social work is a great field if you enjoy helping others cope with life's difficulties, such as illnesses, relationships, careers and death. For more advanced careers in social working, such as counseling or program management, a master's degree is required, but if you have a bachelor's degree and strong independent working skills, several entry-level employment opportunities are available. Caseworker As a caseworker, you work with courts to provide a supervision plan for criminal offenders. You decide how often the offender needs to be in contact with you and what type of supervision he requires. You assess the offender's records, mental health, substance-abuse history and the degree of his offense when creating his supervision plan. Mental Health Assistant As a mental health assistant, you help clients handle mental and emotional problems. You work under the supervision of a mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, to help a client cope with emotional problems and handle her everyday life through individual and group therapy. Group Home Worker As a group home worker, you spend a few nights a week living in a privately or publicly funded group home. Group homes house groups of people of varying needs, such as foster children, the elderly and those who are recovering from substance abuse. A group home position is very demanding because of the time involved in living at the home part time, but it's also rewarding due to the bond you'll develop with the residents. Residential Counselor As a residential counselor, you work in institutions such as schools, children's homes and care and treatment facilities and with patients both individually and in groups to help them solve mental and emotional problems. You will also develop programs and events for residents, order supplies and handle the residence's paperwork.