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Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics for the U.S. Department of Labor is expecting employment of social and human services to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. A growing elderly population and rising demand for social services is expected to drive demand for these workers. Job prospects are expected to be good, particularly for applicants with relevant postsecondary education. The social and human services field is expected to grow by nearly 16 percent between 2016 and 2026.

Occupational Titles of Social and Human Service Workers

  • Adult Day Care Worker
  • Alcohol Counselor
  • Behavioral Management Aide
  • Case Management Aide
  • Case Monitor Parole Officer
  • Case Worker
  • Child Abuse Worker
  • Child Advocate, or Client Advocate
  • Community Action Worker, Organizer or Outreach Worker
  • Crisis Intervention Counselor
  • Drug Abuse Counselor
  • Family Support Worker
  • Gerontology Aide
  • Group Home Worker
  • Home Health Aide
  • Intake Interviewer
  • Juvenile Court Liaison
  • Life Skills Instructor
  • Mental Health or Psychological Aide
  • Residential Counselor
  • Social Service Aide or Liaison
  • Social Work Assistant
  • Youth Worker

Job Potential Earnings

According to the U. S. Department of Labor, salaries for social and human service jobs range between $13.56 and $16.27 per hour. Experienced professionals may earn up to $21.59 per hour.

Special Notice

Licensing and Examination: Florida Statute 456.0635

Pursuant to Section 456.0635, Florida Statutes, the Florida Board of Nursing, Florida Department of Health, Division of Medical Quality Assurance, and the Bureau of Health Care Practitioner Regulation shall refuse to issue a license, certificate or registration and shall refuse to admit a candidate for examination if the applicant has been:

  1. Convicted or plead guilty or nolo contendere to a felony violation regardless of adjudication of: chapters 409 (Social Welfare), 817 (Fraudulent Practices), and 893 (Drug Abuse Prevention and Control), unless the sentence and any probation or pleas ended more than 15 years prior to the application.
  2. Terminated for cause from Florida Medicaid Program (unless the applicant has been in good standing for the most recent five years)
  3. Terminated for cause by any other State Medicaid Program or the Medicare Program (unless the termination was at least 20 years prior to the date of the application and the applicant has been in good standing with the program for the most recent five years).

The change in Florida Statute 456.0635 indicates that if a student’s criminal background check reflects a conviction involving any of the above categories, the student will not be eligible to apply or receive a Florida license, or to sit for a certification examination if it is applicable to the program they are intending to apply for.