Human Services Workers
Overview
Introduction
Under the supervision of social workers, psychologists, sociologists, and other professionals, human services workers offer support to families, the elderly, the poor, homeless people, people with disabilities, and others in need. They teach life and communication skills to people in mental health facilities or substance abuse programs. Employed by agencies, shelters, halfway houses, and hospitals, they work individually with clients or in group counseling. They also direct clients to social services and benefits. There are approxim...
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Salaries of human services workers depend in part on their employer and amount of experience. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, median annual earnings of social and human service assistants were $41,410 in May 2023, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $30,720 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $61,820. Mean salaries ranged from $48,950 for human service assistants at...
Work Environment
Most human services professionals work a standard 40-hour week, spending time both in the office and in the field interviewing clients and performing other support services. Some weekend and evening work may be required, but compensatory time off is usually granted. Workers in residential settings generally work in shifts. Because group homes need 24-hour staffing, workers usually work some eve...
Outlook
Employment for human services workers will grow faster than the average for all careers through 2033, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. "Opportunities for qualified applicants are expected to be excellent, not only because of projected rapid growth in the occupation, but because of substantial replacement needs," according to the National Organization for Human Services.
The bes...
