Human Services

About the Program

The Human Services Program provides students with learning and training experiences to become compassionate, skilled, and culturally competent professionals and paraprofessionals committed to helping people meet their basic, social, and psychological needs. Human services workers recognize people’s strengths and abilities, value the capacity for human growth and change, utilize interdisciplinary approaches to meeting human needs, and advocate for social justice.

What can I do with this degree?

Potential Careers & Wages

Students who complete Human Services programs generally seek employment in community social service agencies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, or hospitals and healthcare facilities to help individuals overcome barriers or access resources to meet their needs. The employment outlook for Human Services is positive, with growth being driven by an increased need for elderly care, mental health services, substance use disorders treatment, and public health and preventative care.

Students who graduate from the Human Services Program at Rock Valley College are prepared to enter the workforce in entry-level positions as case managers, mental health technicians, residential facility managers, family support specialists, social service specialists, or community health workers. Students who continue at a four-year college or university for advanced education and training often become child services investigators, mental health counselors, social services program directors, or social workers.

Program Pathways

Students should meet with a Career Advisor to develop a clear academic pathway leading to a seamless transfer experience. For additional possibilities that may require an advanced degree or certification, make an appointment with a Career Advisor.

Visit Career Services