Human Services

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A Human Services Professional is a term for people who hold professional and paraprofessional jobs in diverse settings. Human Services is a pathway within the discipline of psychology. It is a broad field covering a number of careers, all having one thing in common—helping people meet their basic needs which cannot be met without outside assistance and allowing people and communities to function at an optimum level. The human services field includes a variety of job titles: including behavioral technician, mental health technician, program coordinator, outreach counselor, crisis counselor and victim advocates to name a few.

What Will I Learn?

At Joliet Junior College, you can earn a certificate on your way to the associate degree in Human Services. Then you can have a smooth transfer to pursue a Bachelor's of Social Work (BSW) and even continue on to a Master's of Social Work (MSW). JJC offers easy, convenient transfer agreements with local colleges and universities so you won’t have to worry about the logistics - instead, you can focus on what really matters: your future career.

Why Are Human Services Professionals Needed?

All human beings have basic needs, such as the need for food, shelter, and safety. People also have social needs, such as the need for interpersonal connection, love, and community. People have psychological needs, such as the need to deal with trauma from past abuse, or the psychological ramifications of enduring a disaster, such as a tornado or hurricane.

Human service agencies and professionals come into the picture when people find themselves confronted with barriers and cannot get their basic needs met.  Human service professionals also assist when people cannot find their own resources for overcoming obstacles.

What Degree/Certificate will I receive?

Degree

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Certificate

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What Are My Career Opportunities?

The following are examples of occupational titles of Human Service workers (some require additional certification/advanced degrees):

• Case Worker
• Residential Counselor
• Youth Worker
• Behavioral Management Aide
• Case Management Aide
• Alcohol Counselor
• Adult Day Care Worker
• Drug Abuse Counselor
• Life Skills Instructor
• Social Service Aide
• Probation Officer
• Child Advocate
• Gerontology Aide
• Juvenile Court Liaison
• Group Home Worker
• Child Abuse Worker
• Crisis Intervention Counselor
• Community Organizer
• Social Work Assistant
• Psychological Aide