What Is Health and Human Services?

The field of health and human services (HHS) is a vital yet often overlooked pillar of our society. It encompasses a wide range of services and programs designed to enhance the well-being of individuals and communities. From healthcare to social support, this sector plays a crucial role in ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society receive the care and assistance they need. 

Students interested in a career focused on making a difference in the communities they serve may decide to pursue a degree in health and human services. This degree can prepare you for a variety of roles that support people of all ages and backgrounds as they navigate challenging circumstances. Careers in this sector include jobs in the medical and mental health fields, counseling, addiction services, government, and social work.

Why Is Health and Human Services Important?

Health and human services is integral to the fabric of our society for several reasons:

• Providing needed resources and support: HHS workers ensure that vulnerable populations such as low-income families, older adults, and children have access to essential resources like food, housing, and healthcare.
• Assisting children and older adults: This field provides specialized care and support for children (including those in foster care) and for older adults, helping them live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
• Helping people who have addictions: HHS professionals offer crucial support and rehabilitation services to individuals struggling with addiction, helping them reclaim their lives.
• Strengthening communities: By addressing social determinants of health and providing community-based services, HHS workers help create healthier, more connected communities.

Who Should Work in Health and Human Services?

Not everyone is cut out for a career in HHS. Those who thrive in this field often share common traits and motivations:

• Good listeners: Effective communication is critical in this field. HHS professionals must be able to listen actively and empathetically to understand the needs and concerns of those they serve.
• Strong desire to help people: A genuine passion for helping others is a fundamental requirement. This field is best suited for individuals who find fulfillment in making a positive impact on people's lives.
• Good organizational skills: The ability to manage multiple tasks and coordinate services efficiently is essential. Organizational skills ensure that clients receive timely and appropriate support.

Working in Health and Human Services 

Jobs in HHS can be rewarding and fulfilling. The primary purpose of any job within this industry is to assist people to function effectively across various capacities. HHS professionals must understand how interconnected human systems—including individuals, organizations, communities, and families—work together.  

Common health and human services jobs include: 

• Child life specialists: Child life specialists are healthcare professionals who help children and families navigate the process of illness, injury, disability, trauma, or hospitalization. They are an integral part of the healthcare team, as they provide additional support resources to children and families to help process the often-stressful situation of an illness or injury. 
• Behavioral management aide: The primary focus of a behavioral management aide is encouraging children's positive behaviors through a variety of tactics. Within a school setting, a behavioral management aide can help reduce classroom disruption, promote helpful study habits, and enable students to achieve higher test scores. In private practice, they may help children minimize or eliminate tantrums or violent behaviors. 
• Case management worker: Case managers work to facilitate patient care by assessing patient needs, evaluating treatment options, creating treatment plans, coordinating care, and measuring progress. Case management workers often coordinate with physicians, social workers, families, and human services providers. The overall goal for case managers is to improve clinical outcomes, increase patient satisfaction, and promote cost effectiveness.  
• Child advocate: Child advocates protect and promote the rights of children and provide the resources and support needed for children and families during a crisis. They perform a range of duties, including counseling services, consulting with other agencies and professionals, creating reports, and arranging support services such as treatment for substance abuse, parenting classes, and adequate childcare.  
• Community economic development officer: The primary function of a community economic development officer is to achieve the objectives outlined in their community’s economic development plan. They aid in the development of short- and long-term economic development plans for the community and gather information for future planning.  
• Community outreach worker: Within the context of human services, a community outreach worker is a member of a nonprofit or governmental organization that engages with and educates the community about the organization and its goals. Acting as a liaison with community partners, a community outreach worker furthers the organization's goals for community and volunteer education.  
• Crisis intervention advocate: A crisis intervention counselor works to support those who are in a state of acute mental health crisis often brought on by recent trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Helping the client navigate intense feelings, providing education on trauma/PTSD, and offering support and coping tools are all core responsibilities of crisis intervention counselors. 

Education Requirements for Health and Human Services Careers

A career in HHS typically requires a foundation in relevant educational qualifications, which can vary based on the specific job role. At a minimum, most positions necessitate a bachelor's degree in fields such as social work, public health, psychology, or a related discipline. This level of education provides a comprehensive understanding of social systems, human behavior, and community health. For advanced positions such as clinical social workers, program directors, or public health administrators, a master's degree or higher is often required. These advanced programs offer specialized training and a deeper insight into the complexities of human services work.

In addition to formal education, many roles require specific certifications or licenses, which vary by state and area of specialty. Continuous professional development is also crucial, as it ensures that practitioners remain informed about evolving practices and regulatory requirements in the field.    

What Skills Are Needed to Work in the Health and Human Services Field?

Working in HHS requires a unique skill set that combines both soft and hard skills:

• Communication skills: Clear and effective communication is crucial, whether interacting with clients, colleagues, or other service providers.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others helps build trust and rapport with clients, making them feel valued and understood.
• Problem-solving: HHS professionals often face complex, multifaceted issues that require innovative and practical solutions.
• Decision-making: The ability to make informed, timely decisions is critical, particularly in high-stakes situations where clients' well-being is at risk.
• Adaptability: The HHS field is dynamic and constantly evolving. Professionals must be flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances and emerging needs.

Best-Paying Careers in Health and Human Services   

Individuals with an HHS degree can expect an optimistic career outlook and the ability to choose to work within a range of positions—from administration work in research or health management systems to support services and care for children or older adults.   

The salary for professionals with an HHS degree can vary widely depending on the specific role, location, level of education, and years of experience. On average, entry-level positions may start around $35,000 to $45,000 annually. As individuals gain experience and potentially pursue advanced degrees or certifications, salaries can increase significantly. For mid-level positions, salaries often range from $50,000 to $70,000, while more senior roles such as program directors or managers can earn upwards of $80,000 or more per year. Additionally, those specializing in niche areas or taking on roles with higher responsibility may see higher compensation.

How to Start Building a Career in Health and Human Services

WGU offers a flexible, student-centered approach for those pursuing a degree in health and human services. As an accredited, nonprofit, online university, WGU provides the opportunity to earn a degree at a pace that fits each student’s schedule, making it an ideal choice for working professionals and those with other commitments. Our competency-based education model allows students to progress as soon as they demonstrate mastery of the subject matter, potentially reducing the time and cost to complete the degree. This personalized learning pathway ensures that graduates are well prepared and confident in their expertise.