Human Services

Iowa Central Human Services ProgramIowa Central's Human Services program provides the knowledge & skills necessary for a rewarding career in assisting people in our community. One of the most recent developments in American employment patterns is the increased demand for human or social services. As society becomes more complex, individuals are subjected to more stress, resulting in social problems. Today, more efforts are directed toward helping individuals meet their problems and enhance their social well-being. Groups that benefit are children, adolescents, people with disabilities, the disadvantaged, and the aging. Job opportunities exist in both public and private human services agencies.

Many of the instructors in our program continue to work directly in the human services field. Moreover, a full semester of Field Experience is required for all Human Services majors, in the agency of their choice. Internships in a wide range of agencies are available, from substance abuse rehabilitation centers and youth shelters to nursing homes, disabled organizations, hospices, social welfare agencies, domestic abuse centers, parole and probation offices, and homeless shelters. Two levels of certification are offered in the program, the two-year Associate in Science degree and the one-year diploma.

Career & Employment Outlook
The demand for human services workers is expected to grow Opportunities for qualified applicants are expected to be excellent. Pressure to respond to the homeless and the chronically ill, the expansion of community based programs and the aging of the population contribute to attractive job prospects. The general area of Human Services offers a wide variety of challenging and rewarding career opportunities and the skills acquired are readily applicable to related fields such as social work, public administration, and corrections.