Building a Career in Human Services With an Online BSW Degree

The helping professions offer opportunities to affect lasting, positive change in people’s lives. For those drawn to this important work, the CSWE-accredited online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree from Aurora University is a flexible, affordable pathway to qualifying for in-demand roles in the field.

The curriculum prepares students to make an impact in their communities in areas such as child and social welfare, addiction, and individual and group wellness. Students graduate ready to contribute to the well-being of others with the goal of creating a more supportive, healthy society.

What Does a Human Services Professional Do?

The human services field is comprised of various professionals — including psychologists, counselors and social workers — focused on improving the quality of life for individuals and communities. Professionals in the field are generalists who can work in a wide range of settings including non-profit organizations, government agencies, and community centers.

The National Organization for Human Services has outlined standards that describe the competencies professionals in the field should have. These include strong communication and problem-solving skills, and an ability to provide culturally competent support. Professionals are also expected to be up to date on the latest technology and research in the field so they can effectively and responsibly serve their clients and communities.

The Role of the Community Support Specialist Role: Trauma-Informed Approach

One specific role within the larger human services field is that of a community support specialist. This person works directly with people to connect them with local resources and services that can help them overcome challenges. This can involve helping individuals or families find housing assistance programs, access mental health support, or find job training programs. The skills for this position include strong communication skills, empathy, and problem-solving.

To be effective in human services, professionals need to understand how past hardships can affect a person’s present situation. A trauma-informed approach to social work does just that. This perspective shifts the question from “what’s wrong with you?” to “what happened to you?” It acknowledges that a person’s past traumas can be a factor in their current behaviors and struggles. The approach has a few main principles:

• Creating an atmosphere of safety and trust for the person being helped.
• Providing the person with a voice and choice in their own support plan, rather than just telling them what to do.
• Collaboration and mutuality, since the professional works alongside the person, not above them.

These principles encourage empowerment by recognizing a person’s strengths and supporting their ability to rebuild their life. It moves beyond looking at the symptoms and addresses the root causes of their distress.

Why Earn an Online BSW From Aurora University?

Aurora University’s online BSW curriculum is designed to give students the background to succeed in the human services field. The program prepares students to work in a wide range of settings as community support specialists. Students complete the program qualified for roles such as case manager, child welfare worker, family support worker, foster care coordinator, adoption support specialist, and children’s aid investigator.

The program also covers field-specific areas such as professional ethics, case management, problem solving, social welfare, leadership, policy analysis, and how to make decisions and set appropriate boundaries. Students graduate ready to make a difference in the lives of those they serve while qualifying for a wide range of roles in a high-growth field.

Learn more about Aurora University’s online BSW program.