The field of social service offers an opportunity to make a difference. For those with a passion for helping others and empowering underserved and underrepresented communities, there are many career options for you.
Social service workers are committed to addressing a wide range of issues, such as mental health, military transitions, and economic insecurity, at the individual, community, and societal levels. They also enjoy various employment opportunities and career specializations.
Furthermore, as the demand for healthcare and social services grows, so does the number of jobs available. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the employment of social workers to grow nine percent by 2031.
While becoming a social worker requires a master’s education and licensure, there are many other impactful career choices you can launch with a bachelor’s degree. If you are interested in social services, keep reading to learn about the types of bachelor’s degrees you might obtain, and six social service careers you can pursue after earning these degrees.
Degree Options for Aspiring Social Service Workers
The specifics of becoming a social worker depend on the state you want to work in. However, all social workers must complete a few fundamental steps, ultimately ending with a master’s degree and a state license.
The first step involves completing a bachelor’s degree with common majors, including human services, psychology, or social work.
A human services degree, like the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Human Services at University of Bridgeport (UB), opens candidates up to rewarding social service careers that positively impact the lives of others. Students become thoroughly acquainted with diversity, and the program’s curriculum ensures they build a toolkit to face complex dilemmas that can arise in human services.
Alternatively, many students choose to enroll in psychology undergraduate degree programs, such as a BS in Psychology. These programs impart a deep understanding of what influences human behavior so graduates can apply proven psychological concepts and theories in clinical, medical, educational, human services, and corporate settings.
Additionally, many students interested in social service and psychology elect to double major in human services and psychology. To earn this degree at UB, students complete the following:
- The University Core requirements (36 credits)
- The concentration requirements for Psychology (36 credits)
- The concentration requirements for Human Services (42 credits)
- Six additional general elective credits
Upon graduating with this double major, students can pursue a career in social service or apply to graduate school for further study.
Lastly, students may pursue a Bachelor’s in Social Work (BSW), designed to provide students with fundamental knowledge that enables them to provide social services to families, individuals, and communities, focusing on serving oppressed or underserved groups.
Upon earning a bachelor’s degree, candidates looking to become a licensed social worker must pass an exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Licensing requirements vary by state, so students should research to understand the regulations regarding licensing in the locations where they wish to practice. Some states or employers will require a master’s degree.
However, you do not need to commit to a graduate education to start your career in social service. After completing your bachelor’s degree, you can pursue a wide range of social services career options, as described below.
6 Community-Building Career Options in Social Services
Social service workers serve numerous populations in different settings, locations, and industries. Here are six career options within social services.
1. Child Welfare Services Advocate
Child welfare social service workers advocate for children suffering from abuse, neglect, or disability. When working with adoption agencies, they may help families access adoption and foster care services. Positions for child welfare services are also found in schools, government, and family service agencies.
2. Community Outreach Worker
Community outreach workers act as a liaison between an organization and the community that the organization serves. This position handles a lot of public communication, so candidates should have strong people and communication skills.
Community outreach workers partner with—and are employed by—nonprofit organizations rather than the state. They spend their days identifying and contacting people who can benefit from the organization’s services.
3. Human Services Specialist
This role ensures clients understand which services they may qualify for and guides them through the application process. Human services specialists take a hands-on approach and work closely with clients to ensure they receive what they need.
These workers often find employment with programs like SNAP, WIC, disability pay, child welfare, etc.
4. Probation Officer
Social workers such as probation officers also find career opportunities in the criminal justice field.
Probation officers are social workers who work within the justice system by helping those convicted of a crime. They supervise and communicate with offenders on probation to ensure they meet probation terms.
Probation officers monitor their client’s location, conduct drug tests, interview parolee’s family members, and some even testify in court to attest that the parolee has kept up with the terms of their probation.
5. Corporate Social Responsibility
Social service jobs are also appearing more frequently in the private sector. Working in corporate social responsibility, for example, allows candidates to make a positive social and environmental impact with the many resources of a larger company behind them.
They provide counseling services to employees, assist with professional training and development, and help foster stronger relationships between the business and the outside world.
6. Eligibility Worker
Many people need help with finances, housing, and similar fundamental needs. And sadly, only some people who need help know how to get it.
Thankfully, eligibility workers are here to help. These individuals typically work for governments at the state, local, and even federal levels to provide governmental assistance with housing, finances, and more to those that need it most.
This job requires a sense of compassion, organizational skills, and a deep understanding of various government assistance programs.
As you can see, various careers are available to candidates interested in social services.
With an interest and desire to improve people’s lives and a human services degree, psychology degree, or double major in human services and psychology, you can pursue a social services career that fits your strengths and interests.
Contact us today to learn about University of Bridgeport’s flexible degree programs and start your future!