Human Services Career Pathways

1. Orientation and Essential Workplace Skills Certificate: These virtual or instructor-led series of short courses are designed to help individuals assess their own strengths and gain fundamentals for college and employment success. These are non-credit topics for interpersonal preparation and success in the program and beyond. Sessions sponsored by either PPL or Normandale Community College.  
   
   
2. College Credit Courses: Complete three college classes to earn 10 college credits. Classes are typically scheduled in the evenings on Monday/Wednesday from 5:30 – 8:30 pm either via zoom or in person at Normandale Community College.  
   
   
3. Experiential County Employment Sessions: Learn what it might be like to actually work in one of the metro counties, as a human service worker. Interact with current employees, potential supervisors and experience a “day in the life” of a human services worker. Ask questions and learn firsthand if this work is for you. Application processes to specific jobs available at the counties will also be covered.  
   
   
4. Employment: After completing the HSP program you can begin to apply for human services positions. With support from our partner, Project for Pride and Living, we will help get you connected to employers who are hiring human services workers.  
   
   
5. Degree Options: After completing the HSP, you can further explore human services, public health or social work degree programs at Normandale or partner colleges/universities.  

• Human services program courses take place virtually or in-person from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Exact schedule to be determined.  
• After completion of the certificate program apply for jobs.  
• Once employed, consider furthering your education by taking college-level human services, public health or social work coursework.  

• High school diploma or GED  
• At least 18 years of age with a legal right to work in the U.S.  
• Excellent reading, math and computer literacy skills  
• Clean background check with no felonies  

Our Human Services Career Pathways might be a great fit for you if: 

• You want to transition into meaningful, community-based work;  
• You’re already working in human services support roles and want to increase your skills and employability; or 
• You have culturally-specific experience and desire to support people in the community. 

Improving Individuals and Communities: This is a career where you can make a lasting difference in the lives of people in your own community. You will be advocating for underserved individuals to receive services and resources to address their needs and improve their quality of life.  

Variety is Part of the Job: No two days are the same! Every day will provide a different set of challenges to keep your work life interesting. Human services professionals interact with a broad range of people; they also learn new skills every day and gain the satisfaction of helping those who have been thrown curveballs to get back on their feet.  

Meet Lots of New People: You’ll work as part of a close-knit team and will interact with individuals, community members, health providers and others to problem solve and provide resources for improved life enhancing outcomes.  

Career Progression: Human services professionals are actively involved with improving the lives of people and communities. As you begin your career in this field, you’ll enjoy work that cannot be replaced by technology. You’ll learn and grow and attain skills that will help people overcome life’s hurdles. You will have ample opportunities to advance your knowledge, experiences and career path.    

Self-Fulfillment: You'll have great satisfaction knowing that you wake up every day working to improve the lives of those around you. The primary goal of human services is to help people exceed their limitations in life, thereby allowing them to reach new heights. Your contributions will make a difference!  

Culture and Diversity: Many human services roles open doors to working with and learning about diverse cultures. Expand your awareness and knowledge and learn from clients, peers and community partners along the way.  

Successful human services professionals should know how to handle themselves in every situation. They’re also adaptable—armed with a well-rounded skillset and prepared to support individuals in overcoming life’s obstacles (whatever those barriers may be).  

Other qualities of exceptional human services professionals include:   

• Relationship Building: If you’re someone who values connections with others and excels at nurturing those relationships over time, you will thrive as a human services worker. You will need to showcase your understanding that everyone has value and can make contributions toward a solution to whatever problem has presented itself.  

• Empathy: You might have experienced some of the same circumstances you find your clients in and that allows you to fully understand their viewpoints and positions. Successful human service workers have a genuine compassion for the individuals and families they are serving. Your ability to put people at ease and give them a sense of calm and safety is imperative.  

• Problem Solving: Clients will present with major life challenges and difficult issues—and you’ll need to be ready to respond. Easy solutions are not always readily available, so know that creative thinking, resourcefulness and persistence will be needed when the going gets slow or tough.  

• Flexibility: It’s important to have a solid understanding of all the possible options available and be able to navigate the complex systems of healthcare, government and social services. What works for one client might not be repeatable for the next.  

• Positive Attitude: There’s not always a clear answer to every challenge. Sometimes you’ll have to get creative to splice together the right resources to help an individual gain access to the services that will improve their lives. Your positive approach will be appreciated by all the stakeholders working on improvements.  

• Communication Skills: Effective communication such as interviewing and active listening will ensure you make a personal connection with the client. If these skills don’t come easily to you, do what you can to gain skills and confidence in these areas.  

• Cultural Competency: No matter how much you might know about the place a person comes from, you can’t really assume you truly understand their culture entirely. This is why having an open mind and the ability to take people and groups as they are on a case-by-case basis is a big part of being culturally competent.  

• Attention to Detail: Attention to detail requires many skills including time management, organization, and analytical and observational skills. Detail-oriented individuals are known for completing thorough work, and putting effort and care into your clients will boost your credibility and reliability.  

• Persistence: Advocating for individuals with social service needs is not always glamorous work. It takes time, stamina, and a determined work ethic to keep going when the going gets slow or tough.  

• Confidentiality: This is a central tenet of human services work and is required by law and employers. It is important to keep your client's confidences and know when it is time to reach out for support or supervision, such as in mandated reporting situations. Additionally, clients will be more likely to cooperate or participate in their care if they can trust that anything they share with you will be kept private.