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6 Unit 1 Learning About Human Services
What is human services? Human services is a fi eld of work and study
that focuses on meeting the needs of people and improving their quality
of life. It focuses on helping people prevent and solve problems. Using
applied knowledge and skills, human services workers make a positive
impact on their clients, families, and communities.
In this chapter, you will learn about the history of human services
and current careers in human services. You will also learn about the
common aptitudes, attitudes, and skills needed in human services.
In addition, this chapter will answer basic questions about education,
training, and experience. You will fi nd out about common challenges
and rewards of working in the fi eld. You will also fi nd out about the job
outlook in human services.
What Is Human Services?
Human services is a generic term that describes a career fi eld
providing for the needs of people. In human services, the primary focus
is on improving people’s quality of life by helping to provide needed
services (Figure 1.1). Solving and preventing problems are also important
focuses in this fi eld. Human services workers achieve these goals through
the use of a wide range of skills, knowledge, and resources.
Human services care providers is a term that refers to the agencies
and organizations serving the needs of people at all stages of life.
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Figure 1.1 Human services workers provide a variety of services for people in need. When
have you volunteered to help someone in need?