Best Social Services Jobs
After speaking with professionals in the social service industry, U.S. News found a reoccurring theme: Many view their job as a calling rather than a choice. From social workers to school counselors, those in the business of helping individuals find that each day presents a new opportunity to alter someone's life for the better. Others in the industry find different ways to enrich society, like the bus driver who ensures children arrive at school on time to the security guard who maintains safety at the nearby office building. All 30 of our Best Social Services Jobs share another virtue: They should match the healthcare industry in hiring opportunity for this decade. Read more on how we rank the best jobs.
Elementary school teachers do more than educate. They also advocate for, boost the morale of, entertain, and befriend our children. Given the meaty job description, it’s no wonder that we can expect 248,800 more job openings for teachers by the year 2020.
Middle school teachers have a tall task. In addition to educating adolescents, teachers must contend with their students’ Helter-Skelter hormones. Although job opportunities vary by region, increased enrollment in schools should translate to approximately 100,000 new teaching positions.
You have to more than like children to pursue this career path. Compared to teachers in other grades, early childhood educators use more nurturing tactics and group-play to educate. New recruits should be energetic and creative, with abundant patience.
Don't we all secretly wish we could advise our peers on their personal appearance? Hairdressers get paid to do just that. Those who shampoo, cut, style, and color hair also often get the chance to make their own hours and, possibly, be their own boss.
Even if she's writing incident reports or filing records, a patrol officer's No. 1 goal is to keep her community safe. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 8.2 percent employment growth for this job in the coming years.
These professionals usually don't take home papers to grade, but Gail M. Smith, a school counselor director in Georgia, says they "are taking home the kids in their hearts." The Labor Department expects 19 percent job growth for these compassionate school workers by 2020.
Capturing a license in the trade may incorporate elements of biology and chemistry. But the key ingredient to helping patients will be the ability to empathize with them. With more baby boomers needing care in the years ahead, the Labor Department predicts a 34 percent growth rate in this profession.
One day, a stressed-out college student may be sitting in your office, the next, a depressed professional. Not only is the patient list broad, but so is the scope of the work, ranging from diagnosing disorders to coordinating care with other health professionals.
Gearheads, rejoice: Tinkering with cars is a respectable and profitable profession. The Labor Department predicts 17 percent job growth for auto mechanics from now to 2020, and that includes entry-level positions.
This job is perfect for those who like to drive and appreciate limited supervision. Bus drivers may transport commuters and city inhabitants, drive road-trippers on a charter bus, or take children to and from school and on field trips. The Labor Department predicts 83,000 new positions for this occupation this decade.
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Best Social Services Jobs — These 30 jobs are more than a choice, they’re a calling.
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