SOCIOLOGY DEPARTMENT |
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INTRODUCTION
Human service personnel work with troubled, disadvantaged, and impoverished people. Most of the people human service workers help lack one or more of the basic necessities of life--money, food, health care, shelter, work, personal safety, and a quality education. These are needs Americans consider to be legitimate social concerns. Human service workers may also work in a criminal justice field as a parole officer, group home supervisor, or a juvenile probation officer. When helping people in need, human service workers account for their client's particular social situations. This approach requires human service workers to work not only with their clients but also with community groups, organizations, and agencies. HUMAN SERVICES OR SOCIAL WORK? Social work is a special kind of human services activity. Social workers graduate from accredited Social Work programs, and qualify for health-related occupations in psychiatric, medical, and nursing home settings where other human service workers do not. And, more often than not, social workers are usually more interested in helping people help themselves. Students choosing the Human Services and Social Work options do not prepare for any one specific occupation, but gain skills appropriate for a number of careers. Although advanced degrees in social work are sometimes required in certain areas of practice or to advance in one's current employment, a bachelor's degree in sociology supported by an internship is often-times sufficient to gain initial employment in the human services profession. Career opportunities in social work are generally better for students who complete an accredited social work major--often referred to as a BSW. Students should work closely with their advisor when considering a human services or social work track. The appropriate option must be selected in order to best meet personal career needs. The following positions represent the type of careers open to graduates with a bachelor's degree in Sociology with a Human Services Option:
Students should minor in an area consistent with their career choice; for example, students wishing to become parole officers should minor in criminal justice. REQUIREMENTS FOR HUMAN SERVICES OPTION In addition to university and college requirements, the requirements for a major in Sociology with a Human Services Option are:
REQUIREMENTS FOR SOCIAL WORK OPTION The first two years of the Social Work Option are very similar to the Human Services Option; however, the last two years will differ considerably. In fact, students who choose this option must complete it at the University of South Dakota (Vermillion) through the Department of Social Behavior and Social Work. Given that students will actually graduate under the USD academic catalogue, they should work closely with their advisor. Another thing to consider, to be employed as a Social Worker in the State of South Dakota, you must be licensed by the state. To Find out about social work licensure requirements in South Dakota contact the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners.An internship is required of all sociology majors with a Human Services option. Internships provide students with valuable educational experiences in a work situation. The internship process is originated and planned by the student and implemented through an internship coordinator. They will review and work together on each step of the process. Click here to learn more about internships in sociology. For more information on the Human Services and Social Work options, or to gain more information on internships, contact Professor Joe Faltemier at: patricia_joffer@sdstate.edu or 605-688-4132.
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