Human Service Workers
| Description |
OES Code: 27308 |
Human Service Workers provide many types of assistance to people in the community, from determining eligibility for welfare and health programs and counseling on child care to helping clients with physical and mental problems and those involved in drug and substance abuse. They help determine and locate appropriate social service agencies such as those providing health care and physical and mental rehabilitation.
Wages, San Joaquin County
| Entry-Level Hourly Wage |
$9.28 |
| 25th Percentile |
$10.62 |
| 50th Percentile |
$13.57 |
| 75th Percentile |
$18.21 |
Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey
Hours & Benefits
Most Human Services Workers work 40-hour weeks. Those who are assigned to residential care facilities or other places where client's live, may be required to work night shifts and on weekends and holidays since staff must be on hand throughout the day and night.
Most employers have fringe-benefit packages which include health, life and disability insurance plans, vacation, holiday and sick leave programs and pension plans.
Employment Trends, California
| Employment 1998 |
17,400 |
| Projected Employment 2008 |
27,200 |
| Percent Change 1998-2008 |
56.3% |
| Separations 1998-2008 |
5,800 |
Employment Trends, San Joaquin County
| Employment 1999 |
890 |
| Projected Employment 2006 |
1,120 |
| Percent Change 1999-2006 |
25.8% |
| Separations 1999-2006 |
190 |
Employment Trends by California County
Working Conditions
Human Services Workers may serve their clients in many different types of settings. They may work in office buildings, community service centers, penal institutions, homeless shelters, adult schools, group homes, clinics, hospitals, private homes and many other places in the field.
Human Services Workers must serve clients who may be hostile, physically or mentally ill, severely handicapped, and distressed. The clients may be located in less than ideal environments such as homeless camps and shelters.
Advancement
Promotion to assignments involving more responsibility or higher skills requires additional training, experience, and, frequently, the completion of a bachelor's degree or master's degree in human services, social work, social services, and rehabilitation counseling.
Getting the Job & Other Information
Human Services Workers should include all types of service agencies in their job search. Workers should contact local, state public and private agencies and organizations which deal with public health, corrections, mental health, rehabilitation, services to senior citizens, mental retardation, education, social services as well as the Job Service Offices of the California Employment Development Department.
For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank. |
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Skills & Other Requirements
Employers, in general, seek workers who have good communication skills, a caring attitude, an ability to motivate others while being sensitive to their needs, and a high degree of responsibility for the needs and care of clients. Important skills for Human Services Workers include the abilities to interview, observe and record significant information and data, organize and work with groups, identify and solve problems, identify and use available community resources, and take the proper course of action on behalf of their clients.
References
California Occupational Guide #564
Related Occupations: Social workers, Recreation Workers
Training: California Training and Education Providers (CTEP)
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