Human Services Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Human Services professional, or Client Advocate, is responsible for assisting people having emotional, financial, mental, physical and social problems that put them at risk for negative outcomes. Their duties include providing peer counseling to clients, referring them to community resources and accompanying clients to treatment.

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Human Services Duties and Responsibilities 

Depending on the field of Human Services they enter—for example, mental health, youth services or adult care—workers may perform various tasks, including:

  • Providing transportation for clients to and from appointments
  • Observing or supervising parent and child visits
  • Providing direct care services and support to clients to ensure they are well fed, cared for, in good health and included in decisions
  • Assisting in the planning and delivery of services and programs for youth, families, seniors, the homeless, volunteers and community groups
  • Assessing individual and family needs, determining eligibility and identifying appropriate services 

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Human Services Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

Human Service Specialist (Caregiver-Mental Health Crisis Unit) Position Summary

This is an Overnight position for Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday nights. 7pm-7am

Under supervision, the Human Services Specialist is responsible for assisting with the daily functions of the program unit and patient care working within a treatment team model. Human Service Specialists provide care for individuals in mental health crisis, or in need of social detox in a residential setting. Residents are impaired or emotionally disturbed individuals, and require close behavioral monitoring and supervision. The position requires following the resident's Crisis Care Plan in assuring resident safety, including suicide watch procedures when necessary. Duties include monitoring residents' physical and emotional well-being and reporting conditions to medical and management staff. This position participates in rehabilitation and treatment services; maintaining the facility, meal preparation, and supervision of oral medications. These positions require documentation and billing skills.
Essential Functions:
  • Monitor residents' physical and emotional well-being and report unusual behavior or physical ailments to management staff.
  • Provide support and personal care to mentally ill individuals in crisis, or individuals needing social detox.
  • Observe and influence residents' behavior, communicating and interacting with them to ameliorate their symptoms of mental health crisis or alcohol detox. May include; gaining their trust, teaching, counseling and befriending them.
  • Collaborate with or assist psychiatrists, psychologists, or rehabilitation therapists in working with mentally ill individuals in crisis or requiring social detox; to assure their safety, reduce their symptoms in an effort to return residents to the community.
  • Develop and teach strategies to promote resident skills in coping with their mental illness or substance abuse, to promote recovery principles, wellness and independence.
  • Restrain violent, potentially violent, or suicidal patients by verbal or physical means as required to assure resident and staff safety.
  • Supervise oral medications following physician's prescriptions and orders and maintain records in accordance with specified procedures.
  • Interview new patients to complete admission forms, to assess their mental health status and to obtain their mental health and treatment history.
  • Lead prescribed individual or group therapy sessions as part of specific therapeutic procedures.
  • Take and record measures of residents' mental health symptoms, detox/withdrawal symptoms, document progress, and record information for billing purposes.
  • Encourage patients to participate in social, recreational, and other therapeutic activities that enhance interpersonal skills and develop social relationships including the development of work skills.
  • Encourage patients in performing tasks such as bathing and keeping beds, clothing and living areas clean.
  • Transportation which may include: transporting clients to appoints, recovery meetings, picking up clients from hospital/other locations, picking up medications from the pharmacy.
  • Perform all other duties deemed appropriate by the supervisor.

    Qualifications
  • Bachelors Degree in health/social services,
  • CNA is beneficial but not required
  • Valid Driver's License
  • Good written and oral presentation skills.
  • Knowledge of MS Office, Word, and Excel programs

    Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to lift 15-20lbs.

    Tellurian is an equal opportunity employer who fully supports equal access for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, genetic information or testing, family and medical leave, and sexual orientation. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth a complaint in good faith to the employer or government agency, or participate in said investigation of any complain, or otherwise oppose discrimination.
  • Paid Time Off starting at 2 weeks (10 days) the first year, plus sick time and holiday time
  • Health, Dental, Vision, Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability, Flexible Spending, Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance available the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment
  • 401(k) participation; Tellurian offers a match up to 3%

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Pay: From $15.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Night shift
  • Weekend availability

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • La Crosse, WI 54601: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: One location
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    Example 2

    The County of Santa Cruz offers a generous benefits package which includes annual leave, paid holidays, medical, dental, vision and CalPERS retirement benefits!

    Do you have 2 years of Human Services experience? Are you passionate about protecting the vulnerable, alleviating poverty and improving quality of life for those in need? If so, read on!

    THE JOB: Under general supervision, plan, develop, review, evaluate, and monitor human service programs, policies and operations; and do other work as required. The Associate Human Services Analyst is the journey level class in the Human Services Analyst series. Incumbents perform varied and difficult work independently with review upon completion. Positions at this level are responsible for several phases of a major program revision, development, implementation and evaluation. The current vacancy is in the Human Services Department Employment and Benefit Services Division, which is responsible for administering the Medi-Cal, CalFresh, CalWORKs, Welfare to Work/CalWORKs Employment Services, Foster Care Eligibility and General Assistance programs.

    Salary: $6,593 - 8,809 / Month

    Apply online at [website]

    Live, work and play in beautiful Santa Cruz County!

    The County’s natural beauty spans from its coastal beaches to its redwood forests. The County also has excellent shopping throughout the local communities and features a lively downtown area in the City of Santa Cruz and Capitola.

    The ideal Mediterranean climate features low humidity with a typical 300 days of sunshine a year. Its unique shops and restaurants, coupled with a multitude of cultural and recreational activities, including theater, music, art, as well as golfing, surfing, hiking and biking offer a wealth of leisure activities. Higher education includes Cabrillo College and the University of California, Santa Cruz, with two additional State Universities less than an hour away. These elements of high-quality living make Santa Cruz one of California’s most desirable areas.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $6,593.00 - $8,809.00 per month

    Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Santa Cruz, CA 95060: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

    Education:
  • Bachelor's Location: One location
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    Example 3

    Position Summary:

    The Human Services Intern will only have supervised and restricted access to the individuals supported by The Arc Rockland, and will work while in the presence and under the direct supervision of fully qualified staff at all times.

    The Human Services Intern is responsible for assisting program participants in a wide variety of program areas as assigned by the Team Leader or Community Specialist. Implements programs by delivering group or individual activities under direct supervision of the Community Specialist. Supports individuals to access the community in group settings under supervision of the Community Specialist. As part of a team responsible for the daily well-being and safety of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in a day habilitation setting.

    The Human Services Intern is expected to be available to work during school breaks and/or holidays. Upon turning 18-years of age, they are expected to complete pre-screening requirements and required training as a Community Specialist I.

    Position Qualifications:

    Minimum Education: Must be actively enrolled in a High School program (16-17 years old) and possess required NYS working papers.

    Minimum Experience: Experience or interest in working with individuals with developmental and/or other disabilities.

    Essential Functions:

    · Assists with implementation of daily group or individual activities. Follows established classroom/group activity schedule.

    · Assists in daily operation of assigned program areas. Assists with program errands and tasks such as room or activity set up, cleaning and special projects as identified.

    · Assists with supervision of program participants in assigned areas.

    · Accompanies fully qualified staff and people supported to community settings and activities such as movies, parks, classes or stores.

    · Responsible as part of a team for health, welfare and safety of program participants both on program site and while in the community with program participants.

    · Communicates with persons receiving services both verbally and non-verbally to promote companionship and social interaction.

    · Engages with people we support providing companionship, and support their interests in arts, crafts, sports, games, and other hobbies/interests.

    · Encourages people we support to get involved in health-promoting leisure activities.

    · Maintains professional and appropriate boundaries with people we support, their families, co-workers, and members of the community.

    · Reports concerns and incidents in timely manner, writes case notes, and provides information on incidents as requires.

    · Assists Community Specialists in maintaining a clean and organized environment.

    · Performs clerical work for assigned areas i.e. collating, folding, typing and answering telephones.

    · Assists recruitment staff at High-School career and/or job fairs, and other recruitment events.

    · Participates in scheduled in-service training programs and other assigned trainings.

    The Arc Rockland is an Equal Opportunity Employer

    Job Type: Internship

    Pay: $13.20 per hour

    Schedule:
  • Day Location: One location
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    Example 4

    $500 Hiring BONUS!

    Openings in:Milton & Wakefield, NH!

    Position:Residential Counselor / Direct Support Professional (DSP)

    Program:Group Homes for Adults with Developmental Disabilities

    Do you like to work with people?

    Next Steps Community Services' residential group home programs serves adults with developmental disabilities in a structured group home setting. The primary focus of Next Steps Community Services Adult programs is in fostering the clients’ ability to become autonomous, competent, and connected with others across all areas of their functioning.

    Staff assists each individual to become more productive and active members of their community. Next Steps Community Services offers onsite services and supports provided by highly trained staff. This includes an array of services to enhance the quality of life for each person served. Individualized clinical and behavioral treatment; counseling services; independent living skill development; vocational/educational skill development; and relationship-oriented coaching, mentoring, and teaching are the staples offered at this program.

    Starting Pay: Up to $17/Hr & Excellent Benefits

    BONUS:New hires receive a bonus after 90 days, between $500 and $1,000, depending on location.

    Education Required:High School Diploma, or G.E.D.

    License/Requirements:Valid Driver’s License

    Summary:The Residential Counselor / Direct Support Professional (DSP) is responsible to provide support and assistance to individuals diagnosed with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in Next Steps Community Services programs. The DSP assist individuals to become more integrated in the communities by maximizing the person’s strengths, skills and abilities. Support and training the individuals may occur in a variety of settings and may include providing personal care, assistance with daily living activities, job coaching, teaching and developing skills, self-advocacy, assisting in communication and self-expression and ultimately supporting the individuals in meeting their goals. The DSP assists the Next Steps team to ensure the highest quality of services are being delivered to the individuals.

    Ongoing Training:NO Experience Necessary! We provide all staff training and staff are paid to attend these [website] Aid, CPR, PABC, Medication Administration Program, Fire Safety, OSHA, Human/Client Rights Training. Have good communication and interpersonal skills. Must be legal to work in the US.

    EOE Statement:Next Steps Community Services assures equal opportunity and public access and, if necessary, affirmative action in all its policies regarding employment and provision of services. Next Steps does not discriminate in its hiring, programs, or policies based on race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, or sexual orientation.

    Keywords: Human Services, Group Home, adults with developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, adult foster care, foster parent, home care provider, shared living, supported living, dsp, direct support professional, human services, caregiver, hiring immediately, direct care, group home, direct care worker, mental health, hha, social work, social worker, counseling, therapy, disabilities, adults, developmental disabilities, at-risk, behavior, behavioral, behavior management, pss, caretaker, assisted living, overnight, senior living, urgently hiring, in home caregiver, day program, behavior specialist, bcba, aba therapist, aba, behavior technician, behavioral health, rbt, autism, applied behavior analysis, behavior analyst, BHP, behavioral health [website], MED, LMHC, LCSW, LICSW, PhD, Mental Health Clinician, Social Work, Social Worker, Case Manager, Therapist, Clinical, Masters, Education, educator, LNA, CNA, assistant, Behavior, Developmental Disabilities, Youth Counselor, Direct Support Professional, Direct Care, Teacher, Mentor, Parent aide, paraprofessional, police, officer, trooper, administrative assistant, care giver, Nanny, Group home, residential, aide, foster care, Army, Navy, National Guard, Coast Guard, Marines, Air Force, shared living, at-risk, juvenile justice, residential care.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: Up to $17.00 per hour

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Employee discount
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Professional development assistance
  • Referral program
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • Day shift
  • Evening shift
  • Monday to Friday
  • Night shift
  • Overtime
  • Weekend availability
    Supplemental Pay:
  • Signing bonus

    Application Question(s):
  • Are you willing to complete a criminal background check?

    Education:
  • High school or equivalent (Required)

    License/Certification:
  • Driver's License Location: One location
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    What Does a Human Services Worker Do?

    Human Services professionals are employed by community programs, mental health clinics, addiction treatment centers, group homes and other human welfare organizations to teach clients about coping and life skills that they can apply to their specific situation. Their role is to act as a resource that clients can rely on when they are struggling as they try to improve their life. Human Services employees coordinate group sessions where their clients can build a support system and encourage them to develop healthy relationships with others in their community. They assist with resolving conflicts, finding housing, facilitating custody agreements and pursuing goals.

    Human Services Skills and Qualifications 

    A successful candidate for a Human Services job will possess the following qualifications and skills: 

    • Active listening: This is one of the most important skills required for working in Human Services. A worker must be able to listen to and understand each individual while assuring that person that they are there to help. 
    • Critical thinking: Rather than simply absorbing the needs and opinions of their clients, workers should take an objective overview of the situation in order to recommend the best course of action. 
    • Empathy: People working in Human Services must strive to truly understand and relate to each individual. 
    • Ability to set boundaries: Because workers may deal with emotional situations and difficult circumstances, they must set boundaries to avoid becoming personally involved with those they are helping.

    Human Services Salary Expectations

    The Human Services field includes a large number of jobs and skill levels, and thus a wide range of salaries. In such job titles as Case Manager, Counselor, Service Coordinator, Social Worker and Program Assistant, the average salary found by Indeed is $18.53 per hour. This may vary depending on the worker’s duties, education, certification and experience, as well as the budget of the company or organization.

    Human Services Education and Training Requirements

    Although it is possible to acquire a Human Services job with a high school diploma, most people working in the field have at least an associate degree in Human Services or some related discipline. To get an entry-level position, Human Services workers need to obtain bachelor’s degrees in fields such as sociology, psychology or social work. For those looking to work in positions such as a Licensed Social Worker (LCSW) or other similar career paths, a master’s degree or doctorate is required. Ongoing training is typically a part of any long-term position, and depending on the state where the job is located, certifications may be required.

    Human Services Experience Requirements

    To be eligible for most Human Services positions, candidates must first work under the supervision of a qualified mentor in the field. While the number of hours can vary depending on the position, 1500 hours is the most common requirement to complete Human Services mentorship programs.

    Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

    If this general Human Services job description is not quite what you seek, the following more specific job descriptions may be useful: 

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    Frequently asked questions about Human Services

     

    What are the qualities of a good Human Services employee?

    Good Human Services employees have to be emotionally intelligent and self-aware to be able to provide emotional and lifestyle support for others. They must be adept at setting and enforcing boundaries with their clients, who may attempt to dominate the Human Services professional’s time or ask them to do something unethical. The best Human Services professionals are truly passionate about helping others and have a non-judgmental attitude about their clients’ past. They understand social risk factors and use compassion and strategic support to help overcome those challenges alongside their clients. They are great listeners, teachers and organizers.

     

    What are the daily duties of a Human Services professional?

    Human Services professionals structure each day differently depending on their care load and what their clients need. They often travel to meet clients and provide them with direct care by bringing them food, clothes, medicine and personal hygiene materials. They talk with clients about their immediate concerns and give them instructions on how to get financial, legal or medical help. Based on these meetings, they assess the client’s risk factors and may recommend additional treatment or support. Human Services professionals can also supervise family visitation and testify in court on behalf of their clients to advocate for them.

     

    What are the types of Human Services employees?

    Human Services is a broad category that can include several different types of social support professionals that work in different environments. Group Home Human Services Workers, for example, often provide live-in support for people living in a halfway house or sober living home. Crisis Intervention Workers are another type of Human Services professional that specializes in responding to emergency situations and helping people decide that they need to accept outside help. Family Support Workers provide Human Services support to children in foster care, host families and families dealing with separation or custody issues.

     

    What is the difference between a Human Services Worker and a Counselor?

    Human Services Workers provide personal counseling as part of their position, but Counselors go more in-depth with their clients while Human Service Workers mainly assess a client’s initial mental state as a starting point for referring them to other forms of support. Human Service Workers emphasize general social work while Counselors are mental health experts who may collaborate with a Psychiatrist or Psychologist to manage their patient’s mental illness and other challenges.

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