Home Student Club Grads & Jobs Contact Info Graduates & JobsHuman services graduates are successful in getting jobs as paraprofessionals in the human services field. Job titles include: social and human services assistant, case aides, social service aide, case manager, outreach worker, substance abuse counselor, residential counselor, elderly worker, juvenile detention worker, child protective services aide, program coordinator, and home visitors. Human service workers serve a diverse client population within a variety of settings and may engage in fieldwork. Major employers include government social services, health, and education agencies and non-profit human services and community agencies. Human services workers ranks 2nd among the top 20 Fastest Growing Occupations (2002-2012) with a 48.6% change in Honolulu. For the State of Hawaii, an overall 22.9% increase in job openings is anticipated between 2004-2014.
The Human Services Program provided the needed foundation and resources to draw upon. Lessons learned in the classroom became meaningful and purposeful as I began to apply them in my practicum settings and later in the agency in which I obtained employment. It was 20 years after graduating from high school that I received my associate's degree. At first, college was certainly intimidating since the majority of the students were much younger than me. Then I realized my own value and worth and truly came to believe that learning is lifelong. I strived to learn as much as I possibly could in order to become an effective and competent individual in my work and community. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Human Services Programs to others. The coursework is pertinent to the knowledge and skills that individuals should have in this field. The faculty are knowledgeable, encouraging, understanding, and provide support especially during unexpected challenges and circumstances. Some human services graduates have continued their education in a baccalaureate and/or master's program, primarily in social work. Many have attended the University of Hawaii's School of Social Work or Hawaii Pacific University’s Social Work Program. Other graduates have obtained bachelor’s and/or master’s degrees in other fields such as human services, psychology, and education.
I found the classes at HCC inspiring and fascinating. Through my internships at community human service agencies, I found out that I did enjoy the work and that I had the talent to do it. ... that the profession was suited for me. On a more personal note, I learned a lot about myself ... that I can follow my dreams; that I have something unique to offer my community. At HCC, I found all of the guidance and support I needed. The academic counselors helped me map out my courses. My instructors not only offered their time for tutoring if needed, they provided moral support through mentoring me every step of the way. That was in 1995. Since then, because of the excellent knowledge base I achieved at HCC, I went on to get my Bachelor's and then my Master's Degree in Social Work (in 2001). I have a career helping others and have realized my dreams for myself and my family, while making the place I live a better place to be. I encourage anyone thinking about stepping out into the human services field to let HCC be the first step they make. For further information on bachelor's degree programs, go to:
For further information on the employment outlook, go to:
For further information on advertised local and national positions, go to:
Created by Sharon Ota, otasharo@hcc.hawaii.edu Date Created March 21, 2007
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updated May 1, 2007 Photos used with consent of the subjects and permission from the copyright holders. |
