Change the World with a Job in Human Services


Hasn’t everyone had a moment or two, when they wanted a job that could change the world for the better? We all have. But, when you sat and really thought about it, you likely wondered how the job you had (or what you might choose to do in the future) could make a difference.

Some careers naturally make a positive difference to the world. Not just because of the people that are helped, but also because of the beneficial impact the work has on the family and friends of those people. It’s a real-life example of a positive ripple effect!

One career area that has the positive ripple effect in its very core is human services. Human services is a broad term that covers jobs which have been designed to directly assist others by enhancing or improving their lives. As you can imagine, there are A LOT of jobs that fall within this vast career area.

Understanding what Human Services Includes

As a large career area, people who work in human services may be interested in education, harm reduction, physical rehabilitation, supportive aging or many other things. They will have a natural inclination to work with people to provide help and they will often need specialized training for the specific career sector they choose.

Some programs, like an education assistant course in BC, can range in length to up to a few months long in order to deliver the diverse and robust information required by those working in education. Plus, if get into a program that has a practicum component it will take longer, but you will also be more prepared than others. Other courses, like online recreational therapy programs, are usually much shorter in length due to the laser focus they have on a specific topic.

The same shorter length also generally applies to courses that allow for the enhancement of education in a specific area, such as Autism courses, to bring more specialization to an existing career. For example, someone who is learning more about Autism may already be working as an education assistant and may want to add to their existing knowledge. Or perhaps, they want to add something like dyslexia training to better help students they interact with.

The benefits of adding shorter, continuing education-style courses are significant as this shows a potential (or current) employer just how willing you are to learn and do great things in your job. Something like RBT certification (Registered Behavior Technician) can be incredibly meaningful in support of students, those in rehab or other individuals who can benefit from help on their journey to create a more meaningful life. Plus, because the courses are shorter in length, they are easy to layer on top of an existing education and career.

How Working in Human Service Benefits the World

For someone working in human services, the non-tangible gifts come daily in the form of appreciation from those they work with and the assistance you bring to their family and friends. Loved ones can relax a little bit when they know that someone they care about is being supported in a way that enriches their life.

Consider an employee of an independent living facility for senior citizens. They might be working as part of the housekeeping team and therefore initially think they don’t need training through something like a gerontology course. However, by taking a course that helps them understand age-related issues such a personality, health and relationships, they not only become more involved with those they are caring for, but they are also able to become a more integrated member of their team that can take a supporting role with senior citizens. As a housekeeper, they will notice changes in certain habits and behaviours others may not.

Sometimes changing the world for the better isn’t obvious! It comes from the housekeeper recognizing that it’s easier on one of the seniors in the building if they put towels on a lower bar and face cloths on an upper bar in the bathroom. These are small things that make a big difference.

Human services professionals have been improving the world for decades. Now, their commitment and support are being recognized at a higher and more consistent level. By enhancing their education, they have the ability to make the most important difference there is – creating a better life for others.


Written by Ronda Payne

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