"Putting people to work, working with people" captures the essence of the dynamic
and rewarding Human Services field. As one of the fastest-growing career fields in
the United States today, it offers unparalleled opportunities for individuals seeking
a fulfilling and impactful career path.
Mission: The Department of Human Services’ mission is to prepare individuals with an interdisciplinary
knowledge base to prevent and remediate problems, and to improve the quality of life
for people coping with life-changing social issues.
Philosophical Orientation: Building on liberal arts and science foundations, a theoretical framework, and experiential
learning, the human services degree programs prepare students for human services practice
in organizational and advocacy settings where they can provide ongoing support to
vulnerable individuals of diverse backgrounds.
A career in Human Services combines personal fulfillment with professional growth
with a commitment to making a positive impact. Human services professionals tackle
a wide range of societal challenges, from mental health to poverty and marginalized
communities. As a committed and caring professional, you will have the opportunity
to work closely with diverse populations, supporting individuals, families, and communities
in achieving their goals.
Beyond the intrinsic rewards of helping others, the Human Services field provides
a multitude of career paths and advancement opportunities allowing you to tailor your
career to match your specific interests and passions. The flexibility of this field
allows for work in various settings, such as government agencies, nonprofit organizations,
healthcare institutions, schools, and community centers.
Embark on a career in Human Services and join a compassionate and dedicated community
of professionals. Together, we can create a future where everyone can access the support,
care, and opportunities they deserve.
When human services and social work alumna Cass Pook says she has always been a helper, she’s not just referring to her nature as an empathetic and compassionate listener. “Culturally, it's in my DNA to be a helper,” said Pook. “Looking back on it throughout history, 100 or 200 years ago I would have been doing the same thing. I was born to be a social worker.”
After serving a year as the President-elect of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Yvonne Chase is now the president. Dr. Chase shares some of her vibrant background in human services that led her to UAA.
Yvonne Chase, Ph.D., associate professor with the Dept. of Human Services under the UAA College of Health, is the new president-elect of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
Human Services Professor Dr. Yvonne Chase and Social Work Assistant Professor Dr. Jessica Ullrich were featured in an Alaska Public Media article about a study they co-authored in the International Journal on Child Maltreatment, titled "A Connectedness Framework: Breaking the Cycle of Child Removal for Black and Indigenous Children." The study explores alternative child welfare strategies to limit family separation.
UAA Human Services student intern Zachary Boyle serves lunch during the Project Homeless Connect event at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna on Jan. 26.
The conference series is part of the College of Health's commitment to advancing health
equity and justice in our state and beyond, which focuses on trauma and addiction, social justice and diversity, and ethics in
clinical practice.