Human Services Worker H uman Services Worker Human service worker is a generic job title that includes social service assistant, case management aide, social work assistant, community support worker, alcohol or drug abuse counselor, mental health aide, community outreach worker, life skill counselor, and gerontology aide. All of these work under the direction of professionals. Human service workers provide direct and indirect client services. Direct services include emotional support, transportation, and assistance with or instruction in daily living skills such as personal hygiene, job skills, effective communication, or managing relationships and finances.
Work conditions vary.
Employers see a high turnover rate due to low pay, understaffing, and the effects of emotional drain on the workers. The number of job opportunities is expected to be high, growing faster then average between 1998 and 2008. Demand for services for the elderly, pregnant teens, the homeless, the mentally disabled and substance abusers will rise. Certificate programs and associate degrees will meet most employer requirements, as public assistance programs seek to lower costs by employing fewer social workers who are more highly paid. The business sector s demand for services may increase as streamlining and downsizing create increased demand for job retraining expertise.