The Associate of Science (AS) degree in Human Services is a vocational credential designed to prepare individuals for immediate, entry-level employment within the social services sector. This two-year program delivers a foundational understanding of human behavior, social problems, and the infrastructure of public and private assistance organizations. The curriculum provides students with the practical knowledge necessary to function as supportive professionals who assist a diverse range of clients in navigating life’s challenges. Earning this degree provides a direct pathway into community support roles, while also serving as a strong academic base for those who choose to pursue further higher education.
Defining the Human Services Field and the AS Degree
The human services field is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities by addressing basic human needs and promoting self-sufficiency. Professionals in this sector work to connect people with resources, offer support during times of crisis, and foster environments where clients can achieve greater stability.
The AS degree prepares professionals to serve in paraprofessional or assistant roles. Graduates function as support staff, often aiding higher-level social workers, counselors, and program directors. Their function is to implement service plans, facilitate access to community resources, and provide hands-on support and advocacy to clients. The degree provides an academic grounding in areas like psychology, sociology, and social work principles.
Essential Skills Developed by the Degree
Human Services programs cultivate transferable skills highly valued across the social services landscape. Active listening and empathetic communication are foundational competencies, enabling graduates to build trust with clients and accurately assess their needs. Students receive training in crisis intervention, learning how to respond calmly and effectively to de-escalate urgent situations.
Coursework involves ethical decision-making, necessary for navigating client confidentiality and professional boundaries. Graduates become proficient in resource identification, connecting clients with federal, state, and local assistance programs for housing, food, and medical care. The degree emphasizes meticulous documentation and record-keeping, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and the continuity of client case files.
Direct Entry Career Paths with an AS Degree
Social and Human Service Assistant
The role of a Social and Human Service Assistant involves supporting licensed professionals, such as social workers or psychologists, in the delivery of services. Typical duties include conducting initial client intake interviews and gathering necessary background information to determine the appropriate forms of aid. These assistants monitor client progress under a defined treatment plan and help ensure services are being provided as intended.
This position serves a broad clientele, including the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and families facing economic hardship. Assistants help clients complete complex paperwork for assistance programs and coordinate services like meal deliveries or transportation. They operate primarily in non-profit organizations, family service facilities, and various government agencies.
Community Support Worker
A Community Support Worker focuses on promoting the independence and well-being of individuals within their own neighborhoods and homes. This professional helps clients with daily living activities, such as managing personal care, preparing meals, or utilizing public transportation. Their goal is to help individuals facing physical, emotional, or social challenges achieve their full potential in the community.
The role often involves outreach, linking individuals to community-based resources like job training programs or support groups. Community Support Workers frequently work with vulnerable populations, including those recovering from addiction or people with developmental disabilities. They are commonly employed by residential care facilities, non-profit organizations, and supported living communities.
Eligibility Worker
Eligibility Workers determine a client’s qualification for various public assistance programs administered by local, state, or federal governments. Responsibilities include conducting detailed interviews and reviewing financial and personal documentation, such as income statements. They must apply governmental policies and regulations to assess whether an applicant meets the criteria for benefits like SNAP or Medicaid.
These professionals work almost exclusively for government agencies. After determining eligibility, they calculate the level of benefits and authorize the aid. The work demands attention to detail and a deep understanding of policy to ensure resources are allocated fairly and efficiently.
Residential Counselor
Residential Counselors provide direct support and supervision to clients living in group homes, shelters, or residential treatment facilities. This role involves maintaining a safe and structured living environment and helping residents adhere to house rules and treatment protocols. Duties include supervising group activities, providing emotional support, and assisting residents with developing essential life skills like budgeting and hygiene.
This work environment often requires flexibility, as shifts may involve evenings or weekends. Clients typically include adolescents in foster care, adults with chronic mental illnesses, or individuals undergoing rehabilitation. The counselor serves as a supportive figure who helps residents work toward their independence goals.
Juvenile Court Liaison
A Juvenile Court Liaison acts as a coordinator between the court system and the various entities involved in a youth’s case, including families, schools, and social service agencies. The function is to facilitate communication and ensure that all required information and documentation are shared efficiently among the parties. This professional helps to streamline the legal process for underage defendants and their families.
The liaison’s duties often involve administrative work, such as filing legal documents and updating case records. They may also coordinate services, such as counseling or educational programs, as stipulated by a court order. This role is typically housed within the juvenile court system, requiring knowledge of juvenile law and court procedures.
Typical Work Settings for Human Services Professionals
Graduates find employment in a diverse array of settings. Non-profit organizations focused on specific causes, such as homelessness or domestic violence, are frequent employers of human service assistants and community workers.
Government agencies at the local and state levels, including public health departments and child welfare offices, rely on these professionals for roles like Eligibility Worker and case management support. Opportunities exist in residential settings, such as assisted living facilities and group homes. Schools and correctional facilities also employ human services staff to assist students or inmates with rehabilitation and resource navigation.
Advancing Your Career: Further Education Options
The Associate of Science degree is a strong foundation that can be leveraged for career advancement through further education. Many graduates transition their AS degree into a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as psychology or public health. Many community colleges have articulation agreements with four-year universities to ensure a seamless credit transfer process.
Earning a bachelor’s degree opens doors to roles with greater responsibility, higher earning potential, and the opportunity to move into management or supervisory positions. A BSW is often the minimum educational requirement for state licensure or certification as a social worker, enabling the professional to handle more complex cases and conduct independent practice.