Family, Community & Social Services Pathway

Why Choose A Career in Family, Community & Social Services?

man listening to a woman

Think about the worldwide need to care for others. Think about those who are sick, physically and mentally, those who need help in caring for themselves. Think about those who have many problems and can’t figure out solutions. Think about acting with compassion in a fast-paced, crazy world.

If you walk down the Family, Community and Social Services Pathway, you could find yourself assisting the homeless and housebound, counseling troubled and emotionally disturbed individuals and caring for the elderly and others who may be grieving.

If you find it deeply rewarding to help others, then this could be the pathway for you.

Are you interested in working with people to solve their problems? Do you like talking with people and hearing stories about their lives? Do you have a knack for giving good pieces of advice? Do you want to work with people to improve their lives and their appearances?

Then consider a career as a social and human services assistant, personal and home care aide, mental health counselor, occupational therapist, funeral attendant or a cosmetologist. Still not sure? Not to worry as there are more jobs focused on Family, Community and Social Services.

Pathway

For a plan of study that should serve as a general guide throughout your career path, see the Plan of Study.

High School Expectations
Find out what you need to be studying now. Information about earning college credit and career related learning experiences.
Preparing for College
How prepared are you? Learn about college expectations at PCC and beyond.

Occupations

Click on the occupations below and read the job description. You can also explore resources on the Oregon Labor Market Information System (OLMIS) website. Once at the website, click on the “full report” and view the employment outlook, current job openings, industry licensing information, wage information and skills employers want for specific occupations.

Industry Specific Certificates, On the Job Training (OJT) Associates Degree Bachelor’s Degree Master’s Degree

Related Resources

  • American Counseling Association - The American Counseling Association is a not-for-profit, professional and educational organization that is dedicated to the growth and enhancement of the counseling profession.
  • National Association of Social Workers - The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world, with 150,000 members. NASW works to enhance the professional growth and development of its members, to create and maintain professional standards, and to advance sound social policies.
  • National Funeral Directors Association - The National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) is the worldwide resource and advocate across all facets of funeral service dedicated to high ethical standards and to helping members provide meaningful service to families.
  • National Cosmetology Association - Since 1921, the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) has represented the interests of the professional salon industry. Today, NCA's membership includes more than 25,000 salon owners, hairdressers, nail technicians, estheticians, educators, and students - and is the world's largest association of salon professionals.
  • National Exercise Trainers Association - NETA is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the fitness industry with the highest quality education at the most reasonable cost.

Family, Community & Social Services Pathway

Plan of Study