Human Services Education Resources

Human services are closely related to healthcare, but focuses on the well being of the mind, rather than one’s physical health. Social workers, psychologists, counselors, and social and human service assistants are examples of occupations in this industry. Social workers enable individuals to function as best they can in their environment, deal with their relationships, and handle personal and familial problems such as unemployment, illness, substance abuse, or inadequate housing. Psychologists apply themselves to the study of the human mind and the cognitive, emotional, social, and physical aspects of behavior. They provide mental health care in a variety of settings such as schools, hospitals, and businesses. Social and human service assistants work in a wide array of care and support capacities under the supervision of professionals from various fields. Counselors give direction to people with educational, family, mental health, personal, or career problems and decisions. Many duties of these human service occupations are similar and vary greatly with the individuals or groups being served and the setting in which they work.

Community and social service occupations are expected to grow almost 35-percent between 2002 and 2012, creating 574,000 new jobs. Social and human service assistants, who held about 305,000 positions in 2002, will be one the fastest growing occupations; a 49-percent increase will create 149,000 new positions by 2012. There will be more job openings available for counselors than there will be graduates of programs in the upcoming years, making employment prospects very favorable for those entering the profession. Psychologist occupations are expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2012, with expanded opportunities in hospitals, schools, consulting firms, and mental health centers. Social workers held about 477,000 jobs in 2002 another 127,000 are anticipated by 2012. Demand for all human service occupations will steadily rise.

• Social Workers - $32,850 to $37,380
• Psychologists - $51,170 to $63,710
• Social and Human Service Assistant - $20,000 to $35,000
• Counselors - $25,840 to $44,100