1 1 Introduction Do you want to have a career that focuses on people? If so, the fi eld of human services may be for you. Human services workers are those ready to offer a helping hand to people struggling with life’s countless obstacles. They do their best to help others meet their own needs. They understand and appreciate the human condition, and for those who enjoy working with people, human services careers can provide ample opportunities. People are drawn to human services careers for different reasons. For those who enjoy working with people and value helping others, these careers are ideal. From child care workers and educators to fi nancial counselors, from marriage and family therapists to housing specialists, these jobs can be found wherever people have needs, which, of course, is everywhere. The fi ve different career pathways in human services include consumer services, counseling and mental health services, early childhood development and services, family and community services, and personal care services. Human services careers are not limited to these pathways, however. In this book, you will learn about the broad range of jobs that exist in human services. The human services fi eld can offer you an opportunity to work with diverse clients, including infants, children, teens, and adults. Human services workers interact with older adults, people who are homeless, and people who have mental illnesses, disabilities, and addictions. In doing so, they may provide housing assistance for individuals who have low incomes, offer fi nancial education and assistance to single parents, provide counseling to those experiencing grief, or offer afterschool activities for young teens. They may also provide day care for older adults, nutrition advice for young parents, or supply temporary housing for people in transition. Daily tasks may be highly varied, requiring workers to employ a wide range of skills, knowledge, creativity, and resources. Will you be prepared to enter the human services fi eld when you fi nish this book? No. This book will, however, inspire you and provide a road map for your exploration of the human services fi eld. Remember, helping people requires action. Begin to take action toward your human services career today!