I was surprised to see how many clients don't utilize my services as much as they should. As a client services director I need to maintain relationships with our clients...[full comment]
The job is all-consuming and I often work way beyond 8 hours a day.[full comment]
Without a doubt you must enter this field and do social work and "carry" cases. You have to be on the streets, in schools, family's homes and the court system...[full comment]
The best part of my career is being involved in services that better my community and the lives of families and children. It is satisfying to know that what we...[full comment]
Look for opportunities to show leadership in any area of your life. While you are in college look to be involved in student government or leadership of volunteer groups. All...[full comment]
My job is very challenging and at times very time consuming and draining. The specific population that I am dealing with can be very challenging as a result of their...[full comment]
Human service or social service is a very demanding career choice. In order to be successful in this career choice you have to understand the difference between empathy and sympathy....[full comment]
School and Career Surprises: Tips From People on the Job
Each comment from a human service-manager includes their career and school satisfaction ratings.
Career: "I was surprised to see how many clients don't utilize my services as much as they should. As a client services director I need to maintain relationships with our clients and continue their education as to how to use us."
School: Studied Business at Delaware State University in Delaware; completed Associate degree in 2004. Career: Client Services Director, female, 10 years of experience, currently based in Delaware.
Best & Worst Things About This Career
As reported by people currently doing the job
"The job is all-consuming and I often work way beyond 8 hours a day."
School : BA, Psychology/Sociology, University of Denver MA, Counseling Psychology, Assumption College (Worcester, MA) Career: Administrator For Public Child Welfare Agency, currently based in District of Columbia.;
"My job is very challenging and at times very time consuming and draining. The specific population that I am dealing with can be very challenging as a result of their life histories and also their developmental stage. Adolescence is a challenging time in a child's life and to add the stress and responsibilities of motherhood along with it is hard. At the same time my job can be very rewarding at times. Seeing families reunited or watching a new mother care for her child appropriately after giving her guidance is very rewarding. Often former clients will visit or call the program to tell us how much we helped them grow into contributing members of society."
School : Associates Degree-Human Services-Middlesex Community College, BA Sociology-Umass Lowell Career: Staff Supervisor, currently based in Massachusetts.;
Tips for Succeeding in This Career
Helpful Info From Insiders
"Without a doubt you must enter this field and do social work and "carry" cases. You have to be on the streets, in schools, family's homes and the court system to gain experience in working with children and families. The experience is invaluable and will enhance your ability to be a good supervisor and manager in the years to come."
School : BA, Psychology/Sociology, University of Denver MA, Counseling Psychology, Assumption College (Worcester, MA) Career: Administrator For Public Child Welfare Agency, currently based in District of Columbia.;
"Human service or social service is a very demanding career choice. In order to be successful in this career choice you have to understand the difference between empathy and sympathy. Also you have to be able to let things stay at work and not let the stress of the job affect your personal life. You have to maintain boundaries with clients and never cross the line between staff and client. Also you have to realize that human/social service professionals do not make a lot of money."
School : Associates Degree-Human Services-Middlesex Community College, BA Sociology-Umass Lowell Career: Staff Supervisor, currently based in Massachusetts.;
