Human/Social Service
Career Consultant: Shawna Hembree
A career in the social service industry allows one to serve the public directly in a variety of social justice areas including but not limited to child and family welfare, education, healthcare/rehabilitation, criminal justice/legal services, gerontology, developmental disabilities, housing, economic/community development, and mental health/psychotherapy. There are a substantial number of rewarding careers available in the industry, with opportunities in government and business settings, nonprofit and mental health settings, and college/university settings. Depending on your level of degree (Bachelors, Masters/professional or Ph.D.) and related experiences, a human & social services related major can open doors to allow you to teach, research, advocate, counsel/advise, develop/manage programs and policies, and contribute to society through your distinct interests and values. For more information: Social Assistance Industry Guide
Example Social Service Careers
View these occupations to learn about the nature of work, qualifications, salary information and job outlook:
Example Job Titles
Titles vary dependent on the organization and responsibilities. Below are just a few titles you might find:
|
|
Tips for Career Success
- Bachelor’s Degree
Various undergraduate degrees provide excellent foundations for work in social services and open doors for entry-level positions, but further education and/or experience in the field is often necessary for more responsibility and advancement.
- Master’s, Professional and Doctorate Degree
An advanced education is usually necessary in the fields of psychology/counseling, social work, rehabilitation/occupational therapy, or related field, in addition to appropriate professional licensure, to provide therapy and for advancement to supervisory or administrative positions. Some organizations offer education incentive programs that provide tuition reimbursement for employees to obtain an advanced degree related to their field.
- Minors, Concentrations & Double Majors
Supplementing your education allows you to specialize earlier and/or develop a critical skill needed in your desired profession. Examples might include combining a Psychology major with a Child and Family Studies minor if you are interested in becoming a Child Psychologist or developing a working knowledge of a second language due to increasing needs within your population or issue of interest. Be creative and ambitious with your education to set yourself apart!
Social Service Majors offered at UTK:
|
|
- What Can I Do With this Major?
Learn more about each of these majors found working in the social services. Click on MAJORS of interest to see outlines of common career areas, employers, and strategies designed to maximize career opportunities. Choose LINKS to find a list of websites that provide additional information.
- Related Experience
Student leadership roles, volunteer/part-time work, research, practicum experiences and internships are often required to be competitive. It is also advised to gain exposure to both your population/issue of interest as well as a diverse range of clients and systems including individuals, families, groups, communities, and minorities. - Transferable Skills
Excellent communication (written and oral), computer, interpersonal, critical thinking/research and leadership skills will be just as necessary as your passion! Find ways to develop these skills through classes, work/volunteering, student organizations, research, and other experiences. - Building Connections
Building connections in your field is an excellent way to learn more about the work, get additional career advice from the professionals themselves and find a great job! Click here to learn more about the #1 way to find a job.
Resources:
Career Exploration:
- UTK Public Service Careers Program
Information and resources for further career exploration, job seeking and graduate school search in nonprofits, government and social purpose businesses.
- What Can I Do With this Major?
Learn more about each of these majors found working in the social services. Click on MAJORS of interest to see outlines of common career areas, employers, and strategies designed to maximize career opportunities. Choose LINKS to find a list of websites that provide additional information.
- O*NET
Learn more about the work tasks, salaries and qualifications including interests, values, knowledge, skills and abilities.
- Career Exploration Center Library
Check out
under the Health/Human Services and Nonprofit/Social Work Tags. These books can be found in the Career Exploration Center Library in 100 Dunford Hall. - Professional Associations:
- American Counseling Association
- National Board for Certified Counselors
- Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
- American School Counselors Association
- American Mental Health Counselors Association
- National Career Development Association
- National Rehabilitation Counseling Association
- American College Counseling Association
- Chi Sigma Iota – National Counseling Honor Society
- Association for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans gender Issues in Counseling
- Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development
- American Psychological Association
- National Employment Counseling Association
- National Human Services Assembly
- Child Life Council
- International Society on Infant Studies
- National Association for the Education of Young Children
- American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences
- National Council on Family Relations
- Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
- Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- International Network for School Social Work
- School Social Work Association of America SSWAA
Graduate School and Job Seeking:
Volunteer, Intern and Job Listings:
- UTK Career Services Hire-A-Vol
This is the Career Services Job and Resume database. When you create your account be sure to note your desired interest areas in your profile to be included in the social services/nonprofit listserv.
- UTK Career Services Job and Internship Resources
Careers Services offers a variety of services for the job search including career fairs, job listings and resume and interviewing assistance.
- TeamVOLS
UTK’s volunteer and Alternative Breaks coordinating office. Sign up for their listserv to be informed of volunteer opportunities for UT students and the Alternative Fall and Spring Break application process. - UTK Student Organizations
Seek out opportunities in organizations as UT that are related to your interests. It’s a great way to build experience, transferable skills and connections!
- East Tennessee Social Service Organizations
A compiled list of social service agencies and nonprofits in the East Tennessee area.
- Middle Tennessee Social Service Organizations
A compiled list of social service agencies and nonprofits in the Middle Tennessee area.
- The United Way of Greater Knoxville Partners & East Tennessee Partners
- Finding Jobs with the Federal Government
- Finding Jobs in State Government
- Finding Jobs in Nonprofits
- Finding Jobs in Education
- Social Service Jobs
- Human Services Career Network
- Psychology Jobs
- Online Psychology Career Center
- The Social Work Career Network
- The Social Worker Online
- Social Workers Online Career Center
- Fellowships
- Service Corps Programs
Service Corps or Term of Service programs recruit recent graduates to serve for one to two years in organizations combating various social justice issues such as poverty and homelessness, education and achievement gaps and environmental conservation. Most programs are paid and offer benefits - Visit UTK’s annual Volunteer and Service Corps Fair
- Volunteering
Graduate School Admissions
Graduate School information for programs in the social and public services.