Review: Careers in Human Services (2015)

Careers in Human Services (2015) by Michael Shally-Jensen, PhD is a comprehensive occupational guidebook that contains 25 chapters describing specific fields of interest in the human services. It provides the necessary insight into potential careers and instruction on what job seekers can expect in terms of training, advancement, earnings, job prospects, working conditions, relevant associations, and more. Each chapter comes with fun facts, famous firsts, photos, and charts and tables, including projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and median annual salaries or wages for those occupations profiled. A highlight of each chapter is the interviews with a professional working in a related job sharing their personal career paths, detail potential for career advancement, and advice for students. The guidebook is specifically designed for undergraduate students or those changing careers.

Social Work is one of the chapters in the guidebook. The first section provided a snapshot with career cluster, interests, earnings, and employment outlook. The overview focused on the sphere of work ("Social workers are social service professionals committed to improving the social and behavioral lives of individuals, families, and communities." Macro social workers are labeled as "administrative social workers" who engage in research, policy, and administration. Interestingly, the profile section includes the type of people drawn to the social worker profession and the Holland Interest Score, a career inventory that measures your personality under six occupational categories. This makes me want to take a Holland Interest Test! There is extensive coverage on the duties and responsibilities of social workers by practice area (child welfare, school, psychiatric, etc.) as well as relevant skills and abilities in the physical and human environment. The second section focused on education and training. It starts with high school/secondary preparation and continues with recommended college majors. There is detail on the professional licensure requirements and the importance of joining a professional social work association. All of this information is helpful and conducive for someone who is new to careers. The third section focused on earnings and advancement. The guidebook offers a hourly wage chart for social workers by metropolitan areas which is useful when one must consider regional economic differences. It concludes with an interview with a clinical social worker, selected schools that offer MSW programs, and websites of professional social work associations.

Overall, I found this guidebook to be wonderful for young readers who might be intimidated by career books and want a gradual introduction to human services. It doesn't only focus on social work but related fields like psychologist or the clergy. For someone who wants to help individuals and communities but have not decided on a precise occupation, this is the right book for you to explore and learn. I highly recommend it.