Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for community service workers in the United States
Community service worker job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected community service worker job growth rate is 12% from 2018-2028.
About 52,400 new jobs for community service workers are projected over the next decade.
Community service worker salaries have increased 13% for community service workers in the last 5 years.
There are over 27,787 community service workers currently employed in the United States.
There are 65,274 active community service worker job openings in the US.
The average community service worker salary is $35,271.
Are community service worker jobs in demand?
Community service worker job and salary trends over time
Community service worker jobs over time
Community service worker job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 27,787 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 27,044 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 27,111 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 26,354 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 25,418 | 0.01% |
Average community service worker salary over time
Community service worker salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $35,271 | $16.96 | +2.6% |
| 2025 | $34,389 | $16.53 | +3.9% |
| 2024 | $33,104 | $15.92 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $32,486 | $15.62 | +4.1% |
| 2022 | $31,201 | $15.00 | +3.2% |
Community service worker jobs by state
Most common states for community service workers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 254 | 37% |
| 2 | Alaska | 739,795 | 234 | 32% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,489 | 22% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 288 | 21% |
| 5 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 378 | 20% |
| 6 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 170 | 20% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,413 | 19% |
| 8 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,006 | 18% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,446 | 17% |
| 10 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 1,011 | 17% |
| 11 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 695 | 17% |
| 12 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 613 | 17% |
| 13 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 516 | 17% |
| 14 | Delaware | 961,939 | 168 | 17% |
| 15 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,661 | 16% |
| 16 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 287 | 16% |
| 17 | Florida | 20,984,400 | 3,099 | 15% |
| 18 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,441 | 14% |
| 19 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 712 | 14% |
| 20 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 238 | 14% |
Most common cities for community service workers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Mateo | 1 | 1% | $50,935 |
| 2 | Oxnard | 1 | 0% | $48,651 |
| 3 | Pittsburgh | 1 | 0% | $35,185 |
Community Service Worker job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of community service worker experts
Vanguard University of Southern California
The University of Texas Permian Basin
University of Nevada - Reno
University of Illinois-Springfield
Pennsylvania State University
Northern Kentucky University
North Dakota State University
Campbellsville University
California State University Northridge
Austin Community College
Missouri State University
Grace Christian University
Auburn University
Adelphi University
Adelphi University
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Utica College
University of Maryland
Georgia State University
What general advice would you give to a Community Service Worker?
Rodolfo Estrada III: Students of theology have the opportunity to pursue careers beyond traditional parish or church ministry. They can find roles as chaplains, work within non-profit organizations, engage in community service, or enter any profession that involves interacting with individuals from various backgrounds and belief systems. I strongly advise acquiring a micro-credential, honing skills in writing and public speaking, or actively collaborating with community leaders to enhance their qualifications and impact.
What general advice would you give to a Community Service Worker?
Nicole Willis Ph.D., LMSW: Maximizing your salary first starts with doing the groundwork in the junior and senior year of the Social Work program. You'll want to have a strong and competitive professional resume that show how you stand-out from the other job seekers. The second phase is during the entry-level job interview phase. Best advice I ever received about salary is to NOT accept the first salary offered right away. Let your potential employer know that you'd like a day or two to think about the offer. During those two days, do your homework. Find out what is the average pay for like positions there and in other organizations. Talk with mentors you have within your professional network to get their thoughts on your offer. Don't be afraid to negotiate salary or negotiate the possibility that the potential employer would include paying for you to participate in a conference every year so you can earn the CEUs you need to maintain your Social Work license. In Social Work, we utilize great humility when working with clients and client systems. However, when in the office interviewing and considering that salary offer, put that humility aside for a while and think like a business person.
Sam Terrazas Ph.D.
Professor and Academic Chair Department of Social WorkThe University of Texas Permian Basin
Department of Social Work
What skills stand out on Community Service Worker resumes?
Sam Terrazas Ph.D.: Social work is a profession rooted in professional ethics and requires a wide range of skills that vary depending upon the role a social worker holds in an organization. In general, social work skills that stand out on a resume are skills gained through specialized training and certifications, skills in culturally responsive practice, proficiency in languages, and skills in assessment and evaluation.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Community Service Workers?
Sam Terrazas Ph.D.: Social workers practice in various areas of practice and organizational auspices that may differ in the hard/technical skills that are most important. In general, the hard/technical skills most important can be categorized based on the level of education-BSW (Bachelors of Social Work) versus MSW (Masters of Social Work).
BSW's practice in a range of organizations providing various types of services; however, in general practice in the realm of case management that requires that ability to demonstrate cultural responsiveness, develop an alliance with clients, apply NASW and a state's ethics and professional standards of practice, conduct assessments, and to develop plans to meet a client's goals.
MSW's practice in many areas such as administration, clinical, public policy and advocacy, child welfare, public safety, and health care. Each of these practice areas requires specific technical skills; however, in general, MSW's are trained to assess individuals, families, groups, and communities. To that end, MSW's must understand the cultural context and how socio/economic local, state, federal policies impact social welfare problems such as poverty, intimate partner violence, and mental illness. MSW's must possess strong engagement skills/therapeutic alliance-building, diagnostic/evaluation skills, ethical application of interventions and therapeutic approaches, and advocacy skills.
Lillian Wichinsky Ph.D.
Associate DeanUniversity of Nevada - Reno
School of Social Work
What skills stand out on Community Service Worker resumes?
Lillian Wichinsky Ph.D.: Social workers are at the forefront of providing health and mental health services in the nation. There are many specializations that social workers can work in, and the skills that stand out on a resume are dependent on the type of social worker. For example, for a clinician, some top skills to include would be:
-clinical experience (therapeutic skills)
-ability to work with individuals, families, and groups from different ethnicities and backgrounds.
-case management
-resource management
-advocacy
-documentation
What soft skills should all Community Service Workers possess?
Lillian Wichinsky Ph.D.: Social workers need to be prepared to work in integrated health and multidisciplinary settings and act as change agents across systems of care. They work with various communities and people, and therefore soft skills are very important to their success. Some of the most important soft skills include:
-Teamwork. ...
-Communication Skills
-Problem-Solving Skills
-Ethics
-Flexibility/Adaptability
-Leadership skills
What soft skills should all Community Service Workers possess?
Youngjin Kang Ph.D.: I believe that interpersonal skills (e.g., communication) are the most important skills. Human services professionals work with people from diverse backgrounds. They play an important role in the lives of those in need, between parties (e.g., court systems and agency), and make positive changes in a broader context as an advocate. To be able to do so, communication skills are essential. These skills include but are not limited to active listening, responding with influence, showing empathy and respect, knowing how to say no when there are boundaries, expressing the needs of the client in a professional manner, sending and responding to emails in a professional manner, using various communication methods properly, and using both verbal and nonverbal languages appropriately.
What skills will help Community Service Workers earn the most?
Youngjin Kang Ph.D.: Self-care skills. It is imperative for human services professionals to practice self-care regularly. Human services jobs are emotionally and physically draining and challenging, although they are rewarding. If you do not know how to take care of yourself and your needs, how can you take care of others? If you do not practice self-care regularly, you are likely to experience burnout - no resilience to go back to your highest ability to help others. Many helping professionals put their client's needs first and neglect their needs, but in the long run, this is not a smart thing to do.
Jessica Clontz
Assistant Teaching Professor, Human Development and Family Studies, Program Coordinator, HDFSPennsylvania State University
Human Development and Family Studies Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Community Service Workers?
Jessica Clontz: The pandemic forced us to redesign service delivery; therefore, professionals will need to demonstrate proficiency in tech skills such as setting up and hosting a teleconference, helping clients navigate online services, and leveraging social media for your agency. Although marketing on social media is not usually what professionals in the human services field expect to be doing, it is a necessary component among thriving organizations. Cultivating an engaging presence on social media and other platforms helps reach more people who may be in need of your services.
Katherina Nikzad-Terhune Ph.D.
Associate Professor, MSW Program Director, School of Social WorkNorthern Kentucky University
College of Health and Human Services
What soft skills should all Community Service Workers possess?
Katherina Nikzad-Terhune Ph.D.: Regarding soft skills, we look for skills that are essential foundational skills within the profession. These include empathy, active listening, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, to name a few. These are essential for effective alliance-building with our clients and for making unbiased and ethical decisions. As social workers, we are often in the business of communication. Rarely do we work in isolation, as much of our work involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and individuals in other professional domains. As such, effective communication, organization, time management, and collaborative skills are necessary.
Joel Hektner Ph.D.
Professor and Department HeadNorth Dakota State University
Human Development and Family Science
What hard/technical skills are most important for Community Service Workers?
Joel Hektner Ph.D.: Solid knowledge of developmental milestones for children, issues faced by aging adults, and common family relationship challenges.
What soft skills should all Community Service Workers possess?
Joel Hektner Ph.D.: Interpersonal skills, communication, ability to work collaboratively. Respect for individual and cultural differences.
What skills will help Community Service Workers earn the most?
Joel Hektner Ph.D.: The ability to adapt your skills to the context you are in.
Dr. Dianna Cooper
Associate ProfessorCampbellsville University
Carver School of Social Work
What skills will help Community Service Workers earn the most?
Dr. Dianna Cooper: Individuals who complete a master's degree in social work (MSW) are likely to earn higher pay than individuals with a bachelor's degree (BSW). MSWs are also desirable in many settings, including hospitals and medical settings, schools, mental health counseling centers, police departments, probation offices, in-home therapeutic service agencies, and private practice. Most states now require social workers to be licensed. MSWs who want to bill insurances for direct service to clients must be licensed at the clinic level where they practice to credential with insurance companies.
Alejandra Acuna Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorCalifornia State University Northridge
Department of Social Work
What experience really stands out on Community Service Worker resumes?
Alejandra Acuna Ph.D.: Experience is valued in social work. Taking advantage of opportunities like internships and volunteer work is smart. Training and certification in an evidence-based program/practice (EBP), curricula, or intervention is a plus, although if there is a particular EBP used by a hiring agency, the agency usually pays for the time and cost of the training once a social worker is hired. Any additional skills relevant to the specific job- software skills, electronic recordkeeping, language proficiency - are worthy of highlighting in a resume. Grant writing skills also add value to resumes.
The reason most industries advertise with the statement, "will train the right person" is that we know (based on research conducted by Harvard University, the Carnegie Foundation, and Stanford Research Center) that interpersonal and intrapersonal communication skills (so-called "soft skills") make up 85% of job success and only 15% of job success comes from technical skills and knowledge. Interpersonal skills can probably be highlighted best in the cover letter and in the interview. Show up and let them see who you are - your warm, authentic, and empathic essence.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Community Service Workers?
Alejandra Acuna Ph.D.: The coronavirus epidemic completely changed the work environment for social workers. While some were considered essential workers and continued in-person services, most had to shift to virtual services and become proficient in various online platforms as well as understand and work within the legal and ethical parameters surrounding telehealth (that is, the provision of health/mental health services remotely employing telecommunications technology). Further, building trusting relationships and creating caring communities is what social workers do and are the foundation of providing quality services, so finding creative ways to remotely connect to clients - individuals, families, groups, and communities - has been paramount.
Social workers are trained to create trauma- and resilience-informed systems (e.g., an organizational culture, structure, and treatment framework built on understanding, recognizing, and responding to all kinds of trauma) and practices (e.g., safety, choice, collaboration, trustworthiness, and empowerment). Now more than ever, these skills are valuable since everyone has been impacted by the double pandemic of racial discrimination amid coronavirus disease. The opportunity in this crisis is that we are moving away from pre-contemplation ("not thinking about it") and contemplation ("thinking about it") to preparation ("planning to make change") and action ("taking steps to make change"). These are exciting steps forward based on the Transtheoretical Model of Change (stages of change). While managing these stages, we can anticipate the stages that come later, which are maintenance ("maintaining the change") and relapse ("falling back into former patterns of behavior").
It is evident that front-line workers, like social workers, are intensely impacted by consistently responding to clients and patients who are affected by trauma. Building resilience is critical at the individual, family, community, institutional, and professional levels. We all need it now. Social work is sustainable in that our efforts to care for others are balanced with caring for ourselves, where no one is neglected or left behind.
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.
Department Chair: Human ServicesAustin Community College
Human Services Department
What hard/technical skills are most important for Community Service Workers?
Michelle Kelley Shuler Ph.D.: a. Must have strong basic computer skills and knowledge of software such as excel spreadsheets, google docs, etc. Most, if not all, agencies use electronic health records and treatment planning, so it is necessary to be competent in this area.
b. A degree and additional certifications will assist you in seeking employment. It will also increase your level of competency and diversify the communities you serve. For example, at Austin Community College, we offer our students a chance to complete a certification in Mental Health First Aid Training. This increases their marketability and skill level.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Community Service Workers?
Dr. Abby Templer Rodrigues Ph.D.: It is quite likely that the pandemic will have lasting effects on the nature and the availability of work. The nature of work will change, with businesses anticipating a permanent shift to telework for a portion of their positions (Handwerker et al. 2020). Telework is heavily utilized in the types of professionalized positions sought by most college graduates. It is also possible that employers will take more active steps to address racism in the workplace given the prominence of the Black Lives Matter Movement. The availability of work will also likely be depressed for a number of years. It took over five years for the labor market to recover after the Great Recession (Handwerker et al. 2020). The occupations hardest hit by the pandemic-related recession include hospitality, tourism, and recreation, health services, professional and business services, trade, arts and entertainment, and education (Handwerker et al. 2020), including higher education (Langin 2020).
Scott Shaw Ph.D.
Dean / Professor of Human Services, School of Social Sciences and Human ServicesGrace Christian University
School of Social Sciences and Human Services
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Community Service Worker job market given the pandemic?
Scott Shaw Ph.D.: The biggest trends in the current job market include both technical skills and people skills that can be adapted to multiple settings and with a high degree of cultural intelligence (CQ). Many services are adapting to an online, virtual, or personal-delivery format. This has impacted everything from higher education with virtual classes, and telehealth and virtual service delivery models in medical and mental health services, to products ordered online and being delivered to one's doorstep in lieu of large malls and physical stores. Current job applicants must be able to respectfully engage with people from diverse racial, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, as well as help meet the needs of their communities as a direct reflection of the companies and careers they represent.
I encourage my students to embrace 'comfort being uncomfortable' and always be learning. What appears to be a "hot market" or "best" career option today may not be the same answer next year. Being able to engage with all people respectfully, listen well, and provide innovative solutions in a sensitive way will go a long way in whatever developments come along in the current and future job market. I also encourage those looking for work to review their social media accounts - employers check social media accounts and one's digital footprint can make or break an interview based on what one posts, as well as reveal a great deal about one's character and values. Skills and technical abilities should be as diversified and multidisciplinary as possible; however, one's character and values should consistently tell a single story about the applicant as a person.
What's a good job out of college for Community Service Workers?
Scott Shaw Ph.D.: The best job out of college is the one that provides an opportunity for learning, development and advancement. There is no one "best job" and anyone can learn something from every experience - employers often ask about experiences and lessons learned in job interviews. With a growth mindset and willingness to work hard, applicants who can demonstrate integrity, critical thinking, cultural intelligence, and drive can take whatever job they obtain and use this opportunity for advancement. Job applicants may find opportunities that do not look quite like they initially envisioned and enjoy the process of finding something new and innovative, as well as discern more clearly what one truly enjoys. Most employers understand that employees will potentially leave or outgrow the job, yet capitalizing on opportunities to learn and serve others in the present can illustrate a great deal about an applicant's character and work ethic.
I had a recent graduate who majored in psychology who had initially planned on a career as a therapist. While in college, she began working for a major retailer and through applying her knowledge of psychology and people skills, advanced in the company. Upon graduating with her psychology degree, she was offered a higher-level executive promotion and actually loved her job, but felt conflicted because she was now in a position to take on more responsibility with a significant pay increase, yet she had studied psychology and felt like she might be 'wasting her education' by not practicing psychology. I encouraged her to consider her values, immediate and long-term goals, yet not be dismissive of the applications of her psychology training. Her engaging with customers from different backgrounds, leading fellow employees and applying critical thinking and leadership that she learned in college were what helped her earn this opportunity. She was using her knowledge and psychology degree every day, even though it did not look like what she had initially envisioned. She later told me she had taken the promotion and was very happily growing into her new role, and now felt confident she was using her degree and what she trained to do. She also acknowledged she could change course if and when she decides.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Community Service Workers?
Scott Shaw Ph.D.: There is a growing sentiment that generalist knowledge and interdisciplinary education is the way of the future. We are coming out of a "specialist" mindset that previously encouraged students to find their "one thing" or passion. Once the job market shifts (and it will), those with outdated skills find themselves struggling to find their next "one thing." In his New York Times Bestselling book, Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World (2019), David Epstein makes a case for generalist knowledge and the importance of developing several interests in lieu of only having one major focus. I agree with Epstein's thesis and encourage students to consider studying social sciences and interdisciplinary studies, especially if they are unsure what path or major they are interested in. Having time and dedicated focus to explore interests, personal strengths, and areas of development can help university students experience multiple fields of inquiry that will help them in the current ever-changing job market. Having an ability to apply critical thinking and problem solving to finding creative solutions from different perspectives will advance one's career in almost any market.
I also encourage students to take every opportunity to understand other cultures and perspectives. If able to travel (post-pandemic) on a study abroad, live abroad, or take a short-term trip, then by all means do it. It will expand one's worldview and perspective, as well as one's ability to see the humanity in others from different backgrounds. Employers appreciate applicants who can relay experiences engaging people from different backgrounds and display evidence of emotional and cultural intelligence. If unable to travel internationally, then engage with diverse populations locally and learn from books, articles, documentaries and movies that add to one's cultural awareness and sensitivity. Additionally, having foundational knowledge in technology and statistical literacy can go a long way in almost any field. Current job applicants who display familiarity with MS Office, Google Suite or other common applications can apply this knowledge to most career paths. Many skills and certifications are generalizable to other fields and career paths, so it is important to take every opportunity to always be learning and developing one's understanding.
Adam Greer
Career Services SpecialistAuburn University
Department of Human Development and Family Science
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Community Service Worker job market given the pandemic?
Adam Greer: I think the biggest trend we will see are more people working from home/distance. Our HDFS students have quickly learned how to work from home and be as efficient, if not more efficient, than before the pandemic started.
What skills stand out on Community Service Worker resumes?
Adam Greer: Clearly, the distance/online working skills will stand out with our HDFS majors. Our students have a strong foundation in learning to work with people, and now they have a new way to work with people and remove barriers that might have previously prevented an in-person meeting.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Community Service Workers?
Dr. Manoj Pardasani Ph.D.: I believe that the pandemic has somewhat changed our ideas of what constitutes effective practice. As many agencies transitioned to remote services, professionals and recipients of services had to learn how to integrate technology and "distance" into their daily lives. Therefore, when we return to the "new normal," many social work agencies will integrate remote service opportunities into their regular practices. This does not mean that in-person services are going away anytime, but utilizing technology would allow social services to be accessible to a larger (and more diverse) group of consumers. From an educational perspective, we believe that schools of social work will have to integrate technology-assisted practices (intakes, diagnostic assessments, care planning, interventions, etc.) into their curricula. Preparing students to effectively practice in multiple modalities will be critical to the future of our profession. Those social workers already in the field might need to engage with additional training or continuing education opportunities in order to enhance their skills to meet these emerging practice needs.
What type of skills will young Community Service Workers need?
Dr. Manoj Pardasani Ph.D.: Some of the skills that social work graduates need in order to successfully enter the workforce haven't changed since the inception of social work education. Social work graduates need to be able to think critically, possess analytical and strategic problem solving skills, be able to engage and work with diverse populations, and be impactful advocates for their clients and programs. But as the world around us evolves, we need to examine what additional skills and knowledge should social workers possess. We believe that social workers need to learn how to be social justice advocates, fighting for equity and equality. They need to be able to work productively in interdisciplinary settings and integrate technology more intensively in their daily practice. As they advance in their careers, many social workers will be presented with opportunities for leadership in organizations and communities. They need skills in transformative leadership, effective management, governance, fiscal planning, board development, and community planning. These will be critical in ensuring social workers retain their leadership role on social service agencies and in governmental organizations.
What experience really stands out on Community Service Worker resumes?
Dr. Manoj Pardasani Ph.D.: I believe that employers are looking for different strengths, skills, and knowledge depending on the length of time in practice. For instance, in the case of recent graduates, employers look for internship experiences, fellowships, or specializations taken while obtaining their social work degree. Past volunteer experiences are helpful as well. Employers are interested in candidates who show initiative, are passionate about social work practice, are able to adapt to diverse work environments, and are eager to learn and grow. With experienced social workers, employers are looking at the trajectory of one's career: how have the various employment experiences contributed to the growth and development of this professional? What skills, knowledge and insights have they developed? They are hoping to see a commitment to continued learning and examples of having taken initiative in previous jobs. Overall, for both new and experienced social workers, possessing a social work license is critical. Most positions now require the social worker to be licensed by the state in which they practice, however, social workers have not always been quick to pursue licensure. I believe that is changing and the expectations for social work professionals to be licensed will only grow further.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Community Service Workers?
Livia Polise: The pandemic has also had a deep and personal impact on the lives of social work students, mirroring the impact on communities and clients served in social work settings. Our students have learned to be resilient in the face of uncertainty as well as the importance of seeking out and cultivating support and community. These experiences will enhance the ability of our students to engage in client-centered and empathy-driven social work practices.
What type of skills will young Community Service Workers need?
Livia Polise: The pandemic has heightened the realities of systemic disparities and the importance of "case-to-cause" social work practice. New graduates will be called to engage in practice that fully encompasses the social justice mission of the social work profession, addressing the needs of individuals, families and communities, while simultaneously reimagining and rebuilding systems and structures to promote greater equity.
What experience really stands out on Community Service Worker resumes?
Livia Polise: The profession's signature pedagogy, field education, provides opportunities for students to develop a foundational skill set that can be transferred to many different practice contexts. Resumes for new graduates may highlight tasks in different settings, the application of skills across diverse domains of practice, and a skill set that encompasses micro, mezzo, and macro levels of experience. Community engagement and social justice actions are activities that demonstrate a commitment to the core values of the profession.
Dr. Susan Reay
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of Nebraska at Omaha
Grace Abbott School of Social Work
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Community Service Worker job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Susan Reay: There is always a need for social work. As an essential worker, individuals who hold social work degrees are positioned for job opportunities in multiple health care sectors to include medical, mental health, corrections, policy, and other vital areas of practice. One of the lessons learned from the pandemic is that social work is here to stay. As a recession proof job, social work is more vital than ever with job opportunities readily available.
What Community Service Worker skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Susan Reay: The year after high school students are growing and changing. This year is about self-exploration, regardless of whether or not you are enrolled in an institution of higher learning. I recommend that individuals who decide not to enroll in higher education directly after high school take time to reflect on what they are learning, who they are, and learn from the world around them. Journaling is a great way to do this, or photography or other creative means of reflection.
What general advice would you give to a Community Service Worker?
Dr. Susan Reay: It is essential for graduating seniors to develop a lifespan career plan that includes identifying experiences they want, ones they might want to seek out, and the identification of ones they are not interested in exploring. Central to the plan is obtaining quality supervision. I tell all my graduating seniors that no matter what job you take, make sure that you have a quality supervisor. Start looking for mentors and people you can trust. Keep those folks close to you and hold on to them over the life of your career.
What Community Service Worker skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Patrice Hallock Ph.D.: Volunteer! Work in any setting that will allow one to learn communication and collaborative skills. The participation in any system that is focused on caring for others, whether it is healthcare, social services, or education, will help graduates to better understand the varied settings in which they can apply their academic skills. Graduates must be open to the vast range of settings in which they can apply their skills, and volunteering helps people to learn about opportunities they didn't even know existed (or that they would like!).
What general advice would you give to a Community Service Worker?
Dr. Patrice Hallock Ph.D.: Remain open to possibilities. Try jobs or roles that you may not know a lot about. Volunteer. Stay engaged in your community. Network. Many times a job opportunity presents itself because you are in the right place at the right time and have already demonstrated an ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Community Service Workers?
Richard Shin Ph.D.: Like most situations, there are challenges and opportunities. As a counselor preparation program, we are concerned that our students are not able to get the experiences associated with physically engaging in their internship sites. There's really no replacement for the range of experiences and situations that interns are required to respond to when they're at their internship sites. On the other hand, the pandemic has provided opportunities for students to learn how to be counselors in the virtual environment. This is priceless because no matter what the world looks like when we reach a more stable place with the virus, we know that professional interactions in the virtual environment are here to stay. Students have honed their technological skills, learned to be creative, and become more comfortable working in this environment. They've also enhanced their resiliency traits by navigating these extremely stressful times, while also studying for their graduate degrees in counseling.
What type of skills will young Community Service Workers need?
Richard Shin Ph.D.: Related to above, there have inevitably been some gaps in counselor training over the past year. Our students have not been able to engage in face-to-face, individual or group, counseling. They've not had the opportunity to develop relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues in person. Our graduates will have developed a great set of skills in terms of working in the online environment, but many will need to focus on developing their interpersonal communication, counseling, advocacy, etc. skills that are required of professional counselors.
What experience really stands out on Community Service Worker resumes?
Richard Shin Ph.D.: In the most basic sense, graduates who have experiences and skills on their resumes that set them apart from their cohort tend to stand out to employers. What sorts of extra leadership, advocacy, skill development, etc. opportunities have the applicant pursued outside of the program requirements of a counseling program? Everyone will have internship experiences because those are required. However, not everyone will have an example of a brief intervention that you developed and executed, which was focused on addressing the lack of representation of Black and Indigenous students in AP classes in your local high school. Initiating impactful efforts like this will definitely make you stand out.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Community Service Worker job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Susan Snyder Ph.D.: Although the pandemic has brought a lot of challenges, we saw our graduating students excel in the job market, but most had to adapt to virtual interviews and remote work environments.
What skills stand out on Community Service Worker resumes?
Dr. Susan Snyder Ph.D.: Being able to clearly demonstrate experience is helpful. Students should not include passive activities, like attending meetings, or menial tasks, like making copies, but skills that show what they are qualified to do. Good activities could be community organizing, event planning, grant writing, program evaluation, or facilitating groups. Additionally, students who demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills, including social media skills, tend to do well. Working collaboratively, including across organizations, is important for a lot of different positions our students seek. If students' resumes show that they can also analyze data, they can have even more options.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Community Service Workers to find work opportunities?
Dr. Susan Snyder Ph.D.: We have had students find jobs in the South and across the country. While the job market is more challenging than in years past, our graduating students have been very successful. Job searches should be approached like full-time jobs, which require you to have good time-management skills, organizational skills, and to be a hard worker.