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Degrees and Schools

Although a formal postsecondary education is not required for many entry-level human service assistants, some college-level courses can provide career advantage - especially when it comes to career growth. An associates degree or certificate from a community college or vocational school in social work, public policy, human development, psychology, human services, gerontology or related fields is likely to meet the requirements of most employers, while a bachelors degree in one of these areas can help move up in the field.

Classes

Students pursuing an education in social work divide their time between class and supervised practical experience. Courses usually consist of:

• observation of clients and conducting client interviews
• keeping case records, following treatment plans and reporting progress
• conflict resolution, rapport building and crisis intervention
• case management procedures and referral processes
• courses in behavioral and social sciences, arts and humanities
• specialized courses in child protection, gerontology, addiction and other areas

Online Classes and Programs

Online associates and bachelors degree programs in social work, public policy, human services, psychology, human development, gerontology and related areas are easy to find and convenient. Those offered by colleges that also have a physical campus are more likely to offer internship and job placement opportunities. Online courses should be part of an institution with accreditation from agencies approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE).

Employment Requirements

Although a high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum requirement for most entry-level human service assistant jobs, many employers prefer to hire candidates who have completed some formal postsecondary education. An associates degree or certificate in social work, human services, gerontology or related areas meets the requirements of many employers. While all employers provide some on-the-job training, the more college training and relevant leadership experience a human service assistant has, the more likely they will start with greater responsibility and be involved in the direct care of clients sooner.

Human service assistants are frequently expected to pass a criminal background check and have a valid driver's license.

How to Evaluate Schools

Students comparing associates degree programs in social-work related fields of study may find asking these questions helpful:

• Relevance to field of interest - Is the program geared more towards specific roles within human services, such as mental health or community outreach?
• Classes and subjects - Are classes crowded or difficult to get into? Are there sufficient course offerings in areas of specialty, such as gerontology or child protection?
• Practical experience - Do program requirements include substantial time dedicated to direct experience through internships? Are internships coordinated by the school, and are there a variety of desirable opportunities?
• Financial aid and expenses - Are student loan, grant, work / study or scholarship opportunities well presented to students to make it easy to take advantage of them?
• Graduate success - What is the program's track record for placing graduates in human service jobs?

Human Service Assistant Job Description

Social and human service assistants provide support to social work, health care and other professionals as they provide services to people to assist them in improving their quality of life. There are a variety of roles that human service assistants can occupy, including:

• social work assistant
• human service worker
• gerontology aide
• mental health aide
• community support worker
• case management aide
• community outreach worker
• life skills counselor

Although their daily tasks differ according to role, the general responsibilities of human service assistants include:

• assessing and documenting the needs of clients, and providing assistance in meeting those needs
• determining eligibility for services such as food stamps or welfare, or benefits such as Medicaid
• arranging crisis intervention or counseling, and providing emotional support to clients
• setting up transportation and arranging for escorts as needed
• tracking and reporting on the progress of cases
• serving as a leader or organizer of community activities and social benefit programs like food banks

Human service assistants who work in halfway houses, government-supported housing programs and group homes have responsibilities that include:

• providing support to adults in need of supervision, such as helping with personal hygiene, teaching daily living skills and making sure they take their medication
• reviewing client records and communicating a client's needs to medical staff or other caregivers
• talking with family members and friends, and providing emotional support
• encouraging clients to become involved in recreation programs and other community activities

In outpatient clinics, rehabilitation programs and psychiatric hospitals, human service assistants:

• provide support to clients as they work to master communication, living and relationship skills
• work together with psychologists, psychiatrists and social workers to follow a treatment plan for the client which may include occupational therapy or counseling