Job outlook and career choices for social workers
As baby-boomers come to the age of retirement, and as more and more developmentally disabled individuals reach the age of 21, many professional domains are already experiencing unprecedented growth and change, in an effort to meet the needs and expectations of the aging generations. One of the professions projected to grow at a faster pace than other occupations, is the social work and social/human services. The expansion of adult day care system and the accommodation for people who are handicapped or mentally ill underlines the need for qualified professionals with a degree in human services or social work, as well as the anticipated employment growth in group homes and residential care facilities for social workers and human services specialist.
According to bureau of labor statistics (bls.gov), “Employment of human services workers is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2000. 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.”
Employment will be available at all levels of state, local and governmental facilities and programs that serve the elderly, socially displaced, mentally impaired, or developmentally disable.
Careers in the field of human services and social work are quite numerous and may include gerontology aide, child advocate, child abuse case worker, social work assistant, assistant case manager, life skills counselor, social services technician, drug abuse counselor, adult day care worker, mental health aide, crisis intervention counselor, therapeutic assistant or even probation officer.
Professionals who possess a college degree, such as an associate in human services or a bachelor’s in social work, have a better chance of obtaining employment at desired agencies and building a more secure career that is not only challenging but also rewarding and gratifying. At Brescia University, these degrees are delivered 100% online, to make fitting education in you busy life easier.
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