Post job

Human services instructor vs volunteer

The differences between human services instructors and volunteers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a human services instructor and a volunteer. Additionally, a human services instructor has an average salary of $42,301, which is higher than the $31,227 average annual salary of a volunteer.

The top three skills for a human services instructor include human services, social work and professional development. The most important skills for a volunteer are child care, patient charts, and patient care.

Human services instructor vs volunteer overview

Human Services InstructorVolunteer
Yearly salary$42,301$31,227
Hourly rate$20.34$15.01
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs115,3539,583
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Average age4343
Years of experience1212

What does a human services instructor do?

A human services instructor instructs students in human services and other subjects, typically those related to working in the community or social work. They generally teach these courses in classrooms, both physical and online, but occasionally work in practicum settings. They develop courses that will effectively teach students, create assignments, and give exams. They may also conduct research projects or even publish articles in academic journals as required. This position requires a high level of professionalism.

What does a volunteer do?

Volunteers are usually unpaid individuals who render their service to a company or organization. Most of the time, volunteers are skilled in specific areas needed by the organization but prefer to provide free service. They may be employed in another organization, but they lend their time and talent to another organization or company to give back to the community. They raise funds, create awareness, and work on the ground. Volunteers usually choose a cause or advocacy close to their heart, such as teaching children, taking care of the elderly, coaching sports teams, cleaning up communities, and caring for animals.

Human services instructor vs volunteer salary

Human services instructors and volunteers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Human Services InstructorVolunteer
Average salary$42,301$31,227
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $77,000Between $23,000 And $41,000
Highest paying CityOakland, CA-
Highest paying stateCalifornia-
Best paying companyMohawk Valley Health System-
Best paying industryEducation-

Differences between human services instructor and volunteer education

There are a few differences between a human services instructor and a volunteer in terms of educational background:

Human Services InstructorVolunteer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 61%
Most common majorPsychologyBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaCalifornia State University - Fullerton

Human services instructor vs volunteer demographics

Here are the differences between human services instructors' and volunteers' demographics:

Human Services InstructorVolunteer
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 49.5% Female, 50.5%Male, 36.0% Female, 64.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.5% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 7.4% White, 56.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9%Black or African American, 13.2% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.5% Asian, 7.3% White, 52.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between human services instructor and volunteer duties and responsibilities

Human services instructor example responsibilities.

  • Guide individuals in accomplishing their ISP objectives by demonstrating effective instruction techniques and positive reinforcement.
  • Work in humanities with an emphasis in literature.
  • Design course syllabus, curriculum, and topics of discussion.
  • Have experiencing teaching developmental courses to deficient entry level students, as well as college level writing and literature.
  • Prepare syllabus and lesson plans base on department educational goals, developing unique strategies to teach various levels of adult learners.
  • Support and implement behavioral therapy with individuals with autism, primarily focusing on social skills in school and the community environment.
  • Show more

Volunteer example responsibilities.

  • Develop and manage web presence, including Facebook account and other social media business accounts!
  • Train staff members on managing contacts, scheduling programs, and running analytic reports with the Salesforce program.
  • Lead team-building exercises and facilitate group discussions on leadership topics.
  • Assist in achieving and maintaining DoD certification and national accreditation where applicable.
  • Supervise and maintain safe play for children's soccer games.
  • Teach GED to refugees and survivors of torture seeking to enroll in college.
  • Show more

Human services instructor vs volunteer skills

Common human services instructor skills
  • Human Services, 15%
  • Social Work, 13%
  • Professional Development, 9%
  • Curriculum Development, 8%
  • Philosophy, 7%
  • Literature, 7%
Common volunteer skills
  • Child Care, 12%
  • Patient Charts, 10%
  • Patient Care, 10%
  • Front Desk, 9%
  • Community Outreach, 9%
  • Mathematics, 9%

Browse community and social services jobs