Explore Careers in Human Services
Human Services is all about understanding people—how we grow, adapt, and connect—so you can make a real impact in organizations dedicated to guiding others through life’s challenges and changes. This field equips you with essential skills in interpersonal communication, social and cultural awareness, developmental psychology, and the management of human services organizations, empowering you to lead with empathy and insight.
Jobs in different sectors
Government, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations employ more than 4 million workers in social assistance jobs.
Strong need for workers
Inner-city and rural communities have a significant need for workers but are often underserved by social services.
Wage growth opportunities
Although entry-level social services jobs often have low wages, experienced workers earn wages that are higher than the national average.
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WHO IS THIS FOR?
Social Workers & Counselors
Support individuals and families navigating mental health, substance abuse, trauma, and life transitions in clinical and community settings.
Case Managers & Advocates
Connect clients to resources, coordinate services, and advocate for those who are vulnerable — in government agencies, nonprofits, and community organizations.
Community & Nonprofit Professionals
Lead programs, coordinate volunteers, and manage organizations that address housing, food security, youth development, and public health.
Personal Care & Support Workers
Provide direct assistance to individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and those needing daily living support — one of the fastest-growing areas in the field.
Considering a career in human services?
Some points to keep in mind:
- Social services professionals often find deep satisfaction in helping clients and communities build resilience. If you’re driven by compassion and empathy, this work can be deeply meaningful.
- Careers in social work and counseling are growing quickly, with specialties like school and career counseling, substance abuse, and rehabilitation in high demand.
- Personal care aides are among the fastest-growing roles in the field, with substantial job opportunities expected over the next decade.
- Human Services offers in-demand opportunities at every level of education and training — from entry-level direct care positions to senior administration and policy roles.
Career Pathways
This is an extensive, but not exhaustive, list of career pathways you can pursue with a background in Human Services:
- Administration and planning
- Case management
- Advocacy
- Program evaluation
- Policy development
- Volunteer coordination
- Prevention and outreach
- Mental health and counseling
- Substance abuse and rehabilitation
- Youth and family services
- Disability support services
- School and career counseling
Employers
This is an extensive, but not exhaustive, list of employers who recruit and hire for roles in Human Services:
- State and local government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations and charities
- Faith-based organizations
- Mental health clinics and counseling centers
- Youth services and after-school programs
- Public health departments
- Vocational rehabilitation and employment programs
- Homeless shelters and housing agencies
- Hospitals and long-term care facilities
Career Navigation Strategies
Internships & Job Shadowing:
- Discover employers that offer internships in advocacy, nonprofits, and youth programs
- Request a job shadow with a social worker, case manager, community organizer, senior center staff, or disability support coordinator to explore the many roles in this field
Volunteering:
- Volunteer at food banks, community centers, hospitals, local shelters, crisis hotlines, or other nonprofit organizations that align with your interests
PODCAST
What is Human Services?
What is Human Services? Who does Human Services work? These are the kinds of questions we address in this podcast. Through interviews and exploration of different nonprofits, we’ll learn about all the career options available to Human Services students — together.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re driven by compassion and a commitment to reducing suffering and empowering others, human services could be an excellent fit. This field is centered on meeting essential human needs and protecting society’s most vulnerable — and most professionals describe the work as deeply meaningful. It helps to be comfortable with emotional complexity, since clients often come to you during the hardest moments of their lives. Resilience, empathy, and a genuine desire to advocate for others are the qualities that tend to define those who thrive here.
Human services spans a wide range of roles — from direct client support to program leadership and policy work. Most social assistance work is rooted in the community, with goals to prevent challenges for individuals and families, address issues when they arise, and advocate for better social conditions. Roles can be found in state and local government, nonprofits, and community-based settings including mental health clinics, youth services, public health education, vocational rehabilitation, employment programs, and homeless shelters. Common role types include case management, advocacy, administration, program evaluation, policy development, volunteer coordination, and prevention work.
Interpersonal communication is at the core of almost every human services role — the ability to listen actively, build trust, and communicate clearly with diverse populations is essential. Other key skills include cultural awareness, empathy, problem-solving, documentation and record-keeping, and the ability to navigate complex systems on behalf of clients. For supervisory and administrative roles, leadership, budgeting, and program management become increasingly important.
It depends on the role. Many entry-level positions in direct care, case support, and community outreach do not require a specific degree or license, making human services one of the more accessible fields to enter. However, roles in licensed clinical social work, counseling, or therapy require a master’s degree and state licensure. A WGU degree in a human services or business-related program, paired with relevant volunteer or work experience, can open doors to a wide range of roles at both the direct service and administrative levels.
Certifications can demonstrate commitment and open doors to more specialized roles. Some widely recognized credentials include:
- CWDP (Certified Workforce Development Professional) — for employment and vocational services roles
- CCHW (Certified Community Health Worker) — for community outreach and public health roles
- CADC (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor) — for substance abuse and recovery roles
- CCM (Certified Case Manager) — for case management professionals
- CNP (Certified Nonprofit Professional) — for those working in nonprofit administration and management
Professional associations offer networking, continuing education, and credentialing pathways. Key organizations in human services include:
- NASW (National Association of Social Workers) — the leading organization for social work professionals
- NOHS (National Organization for Human Services) — specifically focused on the broader human services field
- AAMFT (American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy) — for counseling and family therapy professionals
- NRHA (National Rural Health Association) — for those serving rural and underserved communities
- APHSA (American Public Human Services Association) — for government human services administrators
