Human Services

About This Cluster

Health and human services focuses on the most basic needs of our communities, including the health and well-being of individuals and families, assistance with social services as needed, help with preventing and solving problems and striving to provide the highest quality of life possible. Those interested in a health and human services career must keep in mind that this field is a very broad one, with numerous professions that fall under the human services umbrella.

Learn more about career paths in this cluster!

Skills and Interests

  • Helpful Traits 
    1. Good Communication skills
    2. Good Social skills
    3. Empathy
    4. Good Listening Skills
    5. Organization and Common Sense
    6. Problem Solving Skills
    7. Assist Others to help Themselves
    8. Detailed Oriented
    9. Compassionate
    10. Patience
    11. Confident
    12. Self-Motivated
    13. Team-Oriented
    14. Flexibility
  • Skills and Studies
    1. Example:  School Social Worker 
      1. A school social worker usually has a Master’s Degree in social work, as well as a state license to practice.
      2. Skills needed include:
        1. Analytical Skills
        2. Caring
        3. Communication skills
        4. Emotional Resilience
        5. Professional Demeanor
    2. Example: Social Worker 
      1. Skills Needed include:
        1. Communication Skills
        2. Reading
        3. Writing
        4. Math
        5. Additional Language Skills and Cultural Studies
        6. Conflict Management
        7. Mediation
        8. Presentation Skills
      2. Coursework may vary depending on if specific area of interest and what level of education one intends on pursuing.

Northern New York Community Foundation Scholarships

Applications for academic year 2021-2022 Freshman Scholarships 

Since 1980, the Northern New York Community Foundation has awarded more than $18 million in scholarships to students from Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

The Community Foundation annually awards scholarships to:

  • High school seniors for their freshman year in college or technical school. Full-time enrollment is required for a one-year award.
  • High school juniors in St. Lawrence County who will plan to pursue careers in STEM-related fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) are encouraged to apply for a one-year award.
  • Nontraditional students for any year of college or vocational, trade and technical school are also available. Part-time or full-time enrollment is required, and applicants must live in Jefferson, Lewis or St. Lawrence county. Applicants may reapply each year.

Scholarships, which can average up to $2,000, are available from three programs the Community Foundation administers:

  • Northern New York Community Foundation Scholarships — Awarded to students in liberal arts.
  • Herring College Memorial Scholarships — Awarded to students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and related fields.
  • Visiting Nurse Association Scholarships — Awarded to students in nursing and health-related fields.

The Community Foundation also stewards more than 300 restricted scholarships through funds that individual donors have established.

Education

Local High School Programs/Classes: 

  • During high school, the best way to learn about the Human Services field is by completing a variety of classes that range from: Health, English, Science, Psychology and Sociology. Job shadowing or Internships in the field are a great way to gain hands on experience!
  • FDRHPO offers job shadow programs, opportunities to participate in MASH Camp, and facilitation with internships/field placements.

BOCES Programs:

Jefferson-Lewis-Hamilton-Herkimer-Oneida BOCES:

St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES:

Local College / University Majors: 

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Search colleges by location and interest here.

Earnings

  • Varies greatly in this field and from region to region.  Minimum wage for some entry level with minimum education up to potential of six figures for high level administrators in this region.

Important Links 

Extended Interviews

Cathy Brodeur

Cathy Brodeur
Marie Ambrose

Marie Ambrose
Jan Macaulay

Jan Macaulay
Diana k. Woodhouse

Diana k. Woodhouse
Michelle Montroy

Michelle Montroy
April Beamer-Breen

April Beamer-Breen
Suzanne Zicari

Suzanne Zicari
Corky Hewitt

Corky Hewitt