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Human Services

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The Human Services cluster is dedicated to helping people lead better, healthier, and happier lives. This includes everything from caring for children and the elderly to assisting families in crisis and providing mental health support.

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People in this field work in many different places. Some work in schools helping students with problems at home. Others work in hospitals supporting families during medical emergencies. Some help people overcome addiction or mental health challenges. Others provide personal care services, such as massage therapy or skincare, to help people feel their best.

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Why This Field Is Growing: 

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  • More families need help balancing work and childcare 

  • An aging population means more elderly people need care 

  • Mental health awareness is increasing, so more counselors are needed 

  • People are more focused on wellness and self-care services 

  • Communities want better support systems for people in crisis

 

Cool Technology in Human Services: 

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  • Virtual reality glasses that help people practice facing their fears in a safe digital world

  •  Video calling apps that let counselors meet with clients who can't travel to offices 

  • Smart watches that monitor elderly people's health and call for help if they fall 

  • Digital art programs that let kids express their feelings through interactive games 

  • Translation apps that help social workers talk with families who speak different languages 

  • Special machines that teach people how to control stress by showing their heart rate 

  • Crisis text hotlines that use computers to help counselors respond faster to emergencies

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In Virginia, this field employs over 200,000 people! Jobs for mental health counselors and social workers are expected to grow 25% faster than most other careers in the coming years.

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Barber
Youth Director
School Social Worker 

 

What They Do: School social workers help students who are having problems that make it hard to learn. They might help a student whose parents are getting divorced, or someone who is being bullied, or a family that doesn't have enough food at home.

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Daily Tasks: 

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  • Meet one-on-one with students who need extra support 

  • Talk to teachers about how to help struggling students 

  • Visit students' homes to understand their family situations 

  • Connect families with resources like food banks or counseling 

  • Lead group sessions to teach students social skills 

  • Work with the school team to create plans for students with special needs 

  • Handle crises when students are in danger

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What's Cool About This Job: You get to be the person who helps kids overcome challenges so they can succeed in school. You might be the adult who changes a student's whole life path!

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Massage Therapist 

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What They Do: Massage therapists use their hands to help people feel better by working on their muscles and joints. They help people relax, alleviate pain, and aid in recovery from injuries.

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Daily Tasks: 

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  • Meet with clients to understand their pain or stress 

  • Use different massage techniques to help muscles relax 

  • Keep detailed records of each client's treatment 

  • Maintain a clean, peaceful workspace 

  • Educate clients about stretches and self-care 

  • Work with doctors and physical therapists as part of a healthcare team 

  • Schedule appointments and manage their business

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What's Cool About This Job: You directly help people feel better every single day. Plus, you can work in spas, sports teams, hospitals, or even start your own business!

 

Child Life Specialist 

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What They Do: Child life specialists help children and families cope with being in the hospital. They use play, art, and education to help kids understand medical procedures and feel less scared.

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Daily Tasks: 

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  • Play games and do art projects with sick children 

  • Explain medical procedures in kid-friendly ways 

  • Support families during difficult medical situations 

  • Organize fun activities in hospital playrooms 

  • Help children prepare for surgery or treatments 

  • Work with medical teams to make procedures less scary for kids 

  • Teach parents how to help their children cope with illness

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What's Cool About This Job: You get to bring joy and comfort to children during some of the scariest times in their lives. You're like a superhero who fights fear with fun!

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Start in Middle School: 

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  • Take health and family life education classes 

  • Learn basic first aid and CPR skills 

  • Practice active listening skills with friends and family 

  • Try the Virginia Education Wizard career assessment 

  • Volunteer at local community centers or nursing homes 

  • Start developing your compassion and people skills

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Continue in High School: 

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  • Join HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) 

  • Take psychology, sociology, or child development CTE courses 

  • Get part-time jobs in childcare centers, nursing homes, or hospitals 

  • Take dual enrollment classes in psychology or human services 

  • Participate in peer counseling or mentoring programs 

  • Get certified in CPR and first aid. Job shadow social workers, counselors, or healthcare workers 

  • Learn a second language to better serve diverse communities 

  • Volunteer at major community events and crisis centers 

  • Visit Virginia's human services programs at VCU or Radford University 

  • Get experience with customer service and helping people

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Technical Training (1-2 years): 

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  • Jobs: Personal Care Aides, Childcare Workers, Spa Attendants, Fitness Trainers 

  • Average Salary: $25,000 - $35,000

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Community College (2 years): 

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  • Jobs: Massage Therapists, Substance Abuse Counselors, Community Health Workers, Residential Advisors 

  • Average Salary: $35,000 - $50,000

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Four-Year College: 

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  • Jobs: Social Workers, Child Life Specialists, Mental Health Counselors, Family Therapists 

  • Average Salary: $50,000 - $70,000

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Advanced Degrees: Jobs: 

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  • Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Therapists, Program Directors, Healthcare Social Workers 

  • Average Salary: $65,000 - $85,000

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Try It Out!

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  • Volunteer at a local animal shelter or food bank

  • Help organize a fundraiser for a cause you care about

  • Practice conflict resolution when friends have disagreements

  • Visit elderly residents at a nursing home

  • Tutor younger students who need extra help

  • Shadow a school counselor or social worker

  • Help organize school events that support students in need

  • Volunteer at community events and festivals

  • Take care of pets or younger siblings to practice responsibility

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Fun Fact: Virginia has over 200,000 people working in human services! The demand for mental health counselors in Virginia is expected to grow 25% faster than most other jobs, making it one of the fastest-growing career fields in the state. Virginia is home to some of the best social work programs in the country, and many famous helpers got their start here!

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Doctor Talking to Boy in Wheelchair
Volunteers Serving Food
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