When it comes to choosing a career that is right for you, there are a variety of factors that should be considered carefully. Aside from practical points such as salary and location, it is important that you enjoy what you do each and every day in a certain role. Because of this, many people find that they are happier in their line of work when their jobs are geared towards making a positive difference in the lives of others.
One field that falls into this category is that of human services. Jobs in the field of human services include social workers, child advocates, and substance abuse counselors. Aside from being incredibly challenging and rewarding roles, these are jobs that give you the opportunity to help at-risk individuals to lead happier, healthier, more secure lives.
If you are currently in the process of finding your true calling in life and are interested in learning more about careers in the field of human services, here are a few reasons why you should consider pursuing a career in this important and rewarding field.
You Can Do So With a Bachelor’s Degree
In considering the different career path options that are open to you, it is important to look into the base requirements that would qualify you for a certain job. When it comes to a career in human services, it isn’t necessary to earn more than a bachelor’s degree.
There are many different jobs in the field of human services that you can pursue on the merits of your bachelor’s degree alone. There are also career advancement opportunities for those who intend to earn a graduate degree of some sort along the way as well.
Moreover, because of the nature of a bachelor’s degree in human services, it is possible to earn your health and human services degree online for maximum convenience. In this way, you can become qualified to work in this field even if you have other responsibilities that would make it difficult or even impossible for you to enroll in a traditional degree program.
Job Security and Salary
Even though it might not be among your top priorities as you are searching for the right career path for you, it is important to find a job that will provide you with the financial stability that you require in order to support yourself and your family. While different roles in human services are associated with varying salary ranges, there are many jobs that come with favorable salary potential.
As you might imagine, jobs in this field that are associated with higher salaries are generally those that are granted to those with higher levels of education. This means that earning your master’s degree after completing your bachelor’s can increase your earning potential substantially.
There is also a degree of job security associated with jobs in the field of human services. Because there is such a demand for trained and qualified professionals in this area, there are plenty of opportunities out there for dedicated individuals to pursue careers in human services. Therefore, if you are studying to become a professional in the field of human services because you are looking to make a positive difference in your own community, it is highly likely that there will be available jobs close to home.
Professional Independence
Those who thrive in roles where they are permitted to work in a more independent fashion would do well in many of the different roles within the field of human services. While there is always a degree of oversight and regulation, the actual day-to-day work of most human services professionals is done off-site and independently.
For instance, if you wish to pursue a career as a social worker, you would find yourself frequently driving to the homes of the people you are working with to conduct visits and check-in. You would also be communicating with different types of healthcare providers in order to come up with treatment plans for your patients.
Because of this independence, it is necessary to obtain the right level of education for the role that you see yourself in. You will need to acquire and develop certain skills and knowledge that will allow you to do your job without constantly having to be told what to do and when.
Additionally, many people who choose to become social workers even have the opportunity to go into practice for themselves. This must be done in accordance with all state and local regulations, so a firm knowledge base is essential to being able to make the difference that you want to in your community.
Make a Real Difference in Your Community
Above and beyond, the biggest reason why people decide to go into the field of human services is that they have an innate desire to make a real difference in their communities. No matter where you are from, there are always going to be those living in your local community who are in need of the type of assistance that can be provided by a human services worker.
While there are certainly some areas that have greater needs in some ways, things like trauma and debilitating illness are not regionally specific. They are things that can affect people regardless of background and location. Because of this fact, your education and training in the field of human services will allow you to make a difference in your own community.
As you are considering the different career paths that are available to you, think about the types of demographics that you see yourself working with. Do you want to act as an advocate for at-risk children? Do you feel called to assist elderly persons who can no longer care for themselves? Are you passionate about helping former substance abusers to get back on their feet?
No matter what specific calling you have, you will likely be able to find a position close to home that will give you the chance to help bring about a positive difference in your local community.
