Careers in social services attract individuals who have a strong desire to improve the lives of other people. Depending on their occupation, social services workers may assist, counsel, train, and/or care for people.

The five major segments within social services are: individual and family services, residential care, job training, vocational rehabilitation, and childcare services.

Some of the fastest growing occupations in the U.S. today are in the social services industry, and job opportunities should be plentiful through 2008.

Social services workers should enjoy interacting with people. They should also be understanding, emotionally mature, objective, and sensitive to people and their problems.

Social services workers should have strong communication, interpersonal, and problem solving skills. In urban settings, fluency in a second language is often valuable.

Most of the professional specialty occupations within the social services industry have very specific entrance requirements. Prerequisites vary by occupation and by state, but many workers will need to obtain certification or licensure.

Some social services establishments are open round the clock. Consequently, workers may work evening, weekend, and/or holiday schedules. Many social services complain of understaffing and large caseloads.

Part-time employment is available in many nonprofit and volunteer agencies.