Jobs that help people and give back to your community
Written by Michael Feder
Reviewed by Jessica Roper, MBA, director of Career Services at °®¶ą´«Ă˝
Working as a career professional in the service of your community can be rewarding. While these jobs often require dedication and hard work, they offer the potential to help people and make a positive difference in the lives of others. Jobs that help people include roles like healthcare workers, counselors, social workers and more.
Five jobs that help people in the community
Empathy, patience, compassion, problem-solving and communication skills are common characteristics of people who work in jobs that help people in the community. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, there are rewarding jobs you can pursue if you’re looking to help people and give back.
1. Teacher
Teachers provide direct academic assistance for students in pre-k–12 schools. They instruct students in foundational fields like science, math and language.
There are many types of teachers, such as:
- K–12 teachers educate children from kindergarten through high school. They’re often required by their state to have a bachelor’s degree and licensure.
- Special education teachers provide instruction for students with physical, emotional or mental disabilities. They’re typically required to have a bachelor’s degree. Some roles require a master’s degree and specialized training or a state license.
- Secondary teachers typically work with middle-grade to high school students in a single subject, such as English, math or science. They may also help prepare students from transitioning into adulthood and mentoring them about post-graduation plans. Educators at this level typically need at least a bachelor’s degree, although a master’s degree can also be helpful.
- Learning and development directors observe training programs and analyze how productive they may be or how they might be improved. Communication and problem-solving skills play a strong role in this position.
2. Nurse
Becoming a nurse allows you to work directly with patients, family and the community if you so desire. Registered nurses (RNs) provide assessments, perform diagnostic tests and create treatment plans — all of which directly help patients. Nurses also may help manage nursing informatics, which includes the collection and analysis of patient data. Nurses can have an immense impact on patients, sometimes going as far as saving lives, aiding births, helping people manage or eliminate chronic pain and, in some circumstances, being the only person available to be by a patient’s side. Overall, they often have a lasting and positive impact on their community as a whole. Many nurses find helping others incredibly productive and rewarding.
Education for nursing roles generally falls into three categories: non-degree, degree and advanced degree. Non-degree nurses include licensed practical nurses and certified nursing assistants. A registered nurse with a bachelor’s degree in nursing can be eligible for roles such as charge nurse or public health nurse, along with other leadership roles.
Nurses with an advanced degree, such as a master’s in nurse education from may be eligible for several roles, including nurse educator, nurse instructor, adjunct instructor, clinical nursing instructor, education director or school of nursing director. Nurses with a master’s in nurse administration may be eligible for roles such as clinical director, clinical manager, nurse supervisor, nurse administrator and nursing director.
3. Health manager
Health management jobs include positions such as office manager, practice manager, program manager and health manager. Many clinics and healthcare offices would not be able to run smoothly without their managers. Without clinics and healthcare offices, citizens of communities would not be able to get the healthcare they need because operations would not be as functional. If you want a job that helps people behind the scenes but affects the bigger picture, this is a role to consider.
Office managers and other managers in healthcare might be :
- Creating and implementing goals to better service their workplace
- Monitoring budgets and managing finances
- Recruiting, training and supervising staff members
- Creating work schedules
- Managing record-keeping
- Managing law and regulation compliance
4. Human resources manager
Human resources managers play a pivotal role in human resource management. HR managers serve as advocates for an organization’s workforce. They help employees negotiate benefits, understand updates to medical plans and mitigate disputes with other employees. They might also organize social functions or informal gatherings where employees can socialize and network.
5. Case manager
A case manager in the social work field helps guide clients through complex agency systems. These systems have sensitive and sometimes competing interests, as well as policies and laws that must be followed. Case managers must be committed to researching and understanding the best courses of action and outcomes for their clients.
While some find this role challenging at times, helping others as a case manager also has the potential to feel incredibly satisfying given the serious nature of casework. Positions like this can directly help others in a more immediate fashion and results can sometimes be seen immediately.
As sometimes the only resource for someone in need, a case manager can leave a lasting impact that can propel an individual’s life into a more productive or positive space. Over time as a case manager, you will likely help a variety of people in your career and never even truly know the depths of your influence.
Case manager responsibilities may include:
- Implement established protocols to identify clients in need of assistance
- Advocate for clients and help them navigate complex systems
- Develop resources as needed, including financial resources
- Review, recommend and modify agency policy
Case managers can play a major role in the lives of clients who are going through problematic situations. If you’re looking to work closely with individuals to help them through what may be some of the most challenging trials of their lives, this role is one to consider.
If working as a case manager, child protection specialist, family service worker, foster care worker or social service coordinator interests you, learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Social Work​ degree at UOPX.
Available programs at °®¶ą´«Ă˝
If you’re looking to build a career that gives back, °®¶ą´«Ă˝ can help you prepare. Here are a few fields of study to consider:
- Education degrees — Education degrees at UOPX develop skills so you can individualize instruction for students, maintain educational standards and innovate your lesson plans with the latest technology. In addition to degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels, UOPX offers certificate programs in areas like special education and education leadership, as well as continuing teacher education opportunities.
- Nursing degrees — The nursing degree programs at UOPX are designed to enhance the career opportunities of registered nurses. Learn the theory and practice of contemporary nursing and how to apply your skills to the quality and safety of patient care through bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs.
- Healthcare degrees — At UOPX, healthcare degrees prepare students to make a positive impact on the health of individuals, families and communities. Explore bachelor’s and master’s programs in such fields as health administration, health management and public health.
- Behavioral science degrees — Behavioral science degrees at UOPX instruct students in problem-solving methodology that enables them to help others through personal and family crises. Discover programs in social work, mental health counseling and correctional program support services.
- Environmental science degree online — Make a difference in today’s environmental landscape. This program covers renewable resources, sustainable green living, urban infrastructure and the changing climate.
Are you interested in knowing more? Contact a °®¶ą´«Ă˝ admissions rep.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at °®¶ą´«Ă˝ where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Jessica Roper, °®¶ą´«Ă˝ director of Career Services, is a seasoned leader with over 15 years of experience in leadership within higher education. She has honed her expertise in student services and career development and is passionate about helping others discover and refine their skills.
This article has been vetted by °®¶ą´«Ă˝'s editorial advisory committee.Â
Read more about our editorial process.
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