Human Services Careers with Jason Floren

In today’s episode, Rebecca Harrington interviews Jason Floren. Jason is a professor of Human Services at College of DuPage. In the interview, they discuss the diverse career paths within human services, the skills students gain through COD’s program, and the importance of internships and volunteer experiences. After listening to this episode, we hope you have a better understanding of how a career in human services can provide meaningful opportunities to help others and make a positive impact in your community.

View the College of DuPage Human Services program
Contact the Human Services program or Jason Floren directly by emailing florin@cod.edu 

Full episode transcript can be found on the episode page. Below is a general timestamp summary.  

00:00 – 01:00 | Welcome & Episode Overview
Rebecca Harrington introduces the Career Ready Podcast and today’s focus on exploring careers in human services.

01:00 – 03:00 | Meet Jason Floren
Rebecca welcomes Jason Floren, professor of Human Services at College of DuPage. Jason shares his background, career journey, and passion for helping others.

03:00 – 06:00 | Understanding Human Services
Jason explains what human services encompasses, comparing it to a blend of psychology, sociology, and social work. He outlines educational pathways from associate to master’s degrees and related career roles.

06:00 – 09:00 | Skills & Program Highlights
Discussion centers on key skills students gain, including self-awareness, empathy, communication, and ethical practices. Jason emphasizes internships and real-world experience as program strengths.

09:00 – 12:00 | Volunteer Work & Field Experience
Jason describes service learning and volunteer opportunities as essential for networking and understanding community needs. He details partnerships with local agencies for internships.

12:00 – 14:00 | Continuing Education & Career Growth
Rebecca and Jason discuss stackable credentials and COD’s 3+1 partnership with National Louis University, making advanced degrees more affordable and accessible.

14:00 – 17:00 | Final Advice & Resources
Jason encourages students to explore different populations, volunteer early, and leverage COD resources. He shares how listeners can learn more about the program.

Listeners in the College of DuPage community can visit our website. All other listeners are encouraged to view the resources of their local community college, WIOA training programs, or other local support centers.

Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter

Transcript

Welcome to the Career Ready podcast.
Learn about resumes, cover
letters, LinkedIn, interviewing,
and all the things you need to be career
ready with the career Services Center
at College of DuPage.
I'm your host for today's episode,
Rebecca Harrington.
In addition to learning about resources
in the job search process.
An important part of being career ready
is understanding different career paths
to help us explore the professions
in human services.
I have invited Jason Floren
to talk with me today.
Jason is a professor of Human Services
here at College of DuPage.
Welcome, Jason.
Thank you so much, Rebecca.
I appreciate the opportunity to talk about
this program and everything that we do.
And yeah, it's great to have so great.
Before we get started,
can you share a short introduction
or as we like to call it,
your elevator pitch, both for yourself
and maybe a little bit for the program?
Yeah, absolutely.
So I sometimes describe myself
as accidentally ending up where I am now.
I started my career
with just a vague sense of wanting
to help other people, and an interest
in doing things with people.
You know, I taken psychology
classes, things like that,
but it was a crooked path to find my way
here.
I've worked in places
like hospitals, jails, treatment centers,
and then I was in the right place
at the right time.
To be able to teach.
At college
would be page in Human services.
But really, the foundation
was that experience, you know,
working with people
out on the front lines.
And I just kept going back to school.
And so I did that long enough
that I was able to teach.
But really, it did just start from a
genuine desire to work with other people.
And then I managed to get here nice.
And I would say, you know, being in career
services, there are a lot of students
that come in and say,
I don't know what I want to do,
but I know I want to help people.
So you are not alone.
I think that's a lot of students.
And so I think that's
why it's very exciting to hear about this
particular career path,
because again, that is
I think a lot of people,
when trying to figure out what they want
to do with their life, right?
There's, they want to help others.
And this is definitely a path
where that's pretty much
the primary goal, right,
is to to help others.
I would say absolutely.
And we love students like that
who are uncertain
about exactly what they want to do.
Again, maybe they just have a vague sense
of being interested in other people or
thinking that they want to do some type
of counseling or some type of giving back.
Maybe they're in recovery themselves,
or they have family members who are in
recovery, have had mental health
struggles, addiction struggles,
and the people that they encountered,
you know, were really influential
and made an impact.
So we love somebody who's at that stage,
and they're just
sort of getting a sense of who they are,
what they want to do.
And then this art program, I think, is
an opportunity to experiment a little bit
with those different opportunities
and different paths that you have.
Human services
is kind of broad in that sense,
but that gives you a lot of different
opportunities.
Yeah. That's great. That's exciting.
And so kind of building off of that,
then maybe just talk a little bit
about the field of human services
and maybe those kind of just
general career paths like what is that?
You know,
he was services like you said, it covers
a lot of different, different things.
Yeah, absolutely.
So at its core, I think Human Services
is about impacting your community
in a meaningful way.
And engaging in the different needs
that people in the community have.
I think you could say if you imagined
putting like psychology, sociology
and social work in a blender,
you might get something
that looks like Human services.
And then we kind of have three levels
you could think of in terms
of where you would start
your career pathways.
So at our level, which is associate's
degree level, two year level,
you can get an associate's
degree in human services.
You could also get a certificate
at the state level and become a certified
alcohol and drug counselor,
which is a really cool pathway for people.
And so at that two year level, you can get
entry level work as an addictions
counselor, a peer support specialist,
case manager, something like that.
And that's a great opportunity
to get into the field,
be doing a lot of direct client services
and really be on the front lines
doing meaningful work from there,
also go into the kind of four year level,
bachelor's level,
there are degrees in human services
at the four year level,
and from there you could be doing
more administrative management type work.
So maybe a little bit higher tier,
combining some of the direct
client services,
but more like program oversight as well.
And then if you want to go
all the way to the master's degree level,
then you're looking at more
of a clinical type of background
where you're looking
at becoming a licensed social worker,
licensed professional counselor.
And so all of our students are,
you know, among our students,
all of those pathways are,
different opportunities that they have.
I love that that's a great way of thinking
about because, you know, I think if
if someone is interested
in, you know, something where they know,
I just want to I have a couple semesters
or a couple of years,
and then I want to be able to be out there
and doing something
that there is a path for you
if you, you know. Yeah.
Want to not be quite as direct,
but you still want to help people, right.
Versus getting that clinical role
that's really, exciting.
And I'm, you know, I feel like things
are stackable, right, in that, you know,
if you wanted to get your associates
and then go work,
you know, in that counseling environment,
but then you want to go back to school.
It sounds like that
something that happened for you. Right.
So it's it's it's nice
because you can kind of, grow and change
and build your career, if you like.
Yeah, absolutely.
And so I think of my own path is crooked,
but it does make sense in retrospect.
So like you said,
I graduated with a philosophy degree.
So I'll say like,
what are you doing with that?
It was an awesome experience.
But then I started working in a hospital
setting, but also going back to school
and getting a certificate
to be an addictions counselor
and then working in a treatment center and
then going to school to get a master's.
And so it was crooked,
but it also built on itself.
And over time, different avenues opened up
and different opportunities opened up.
And I think for a lot of our students,
those same things are there.
So you piece together what works for you.
There isn't one way to get there or one
right way to do it.
Some people work part time, well,
going to school, some people go to school,
then go to school again.
Some people go straight from our program
out into the field and work,
you know, their whole career as,
you know, an addictions counselor
or whatever it is they're interested in.
So all those things are possibilities.
And again, I would say not one right way,
but figure out what works for you.
I love that flexibility.
and I think a lot of times people think of
well like human services at social work,
I have to get my master's.
So it's nice to know like no, there's
actually other other paths in there.
Yeah. Okay.
What strengths or skills do
students gain while completing
one of the human services,
program options here at Codi?
And then,
you know, we just talked about,
getting a potentially getting a bachelors
degree or a job as a next step.
So, you know,
how do those skills, that they're learning
help them for the, for that next step.
So I would start by saying
there's two really fundamental things
that we try to enforce.
So even if somebody just takes
a few classes with us and then they part
ways and seek a different educational
or career opportunity,
we really want them to leave
with, a sense of self-awareness,
so increasing their own
kind of self-awareness.
And that's one of the things that's
absolutely necessary
to be successful in the field.
And along with that, enhancing empathy.
So it sort of all centers around
communication and a lot of ways.
So understanding yourself
and having a good foundation from where
about where you're coming from
and then also being able
to reach out and understand somebody else
and where they're coming from.
And both of those things
are going to be useful
in all kinds of arenas in somebody's life.
You know,
as far as interpersonal communication
goes, relationships, careers,
but particularly in human services,
or if somebody goes on into counseling
or social work, you're going to need
those two things that self-awareness
and that empathy for others.
So we really want everybody to leave
with those two kinds of skills.
You could describe them as soft skills,
but they're going to be so
universally important.
And then in addition to that,
we really try
to, enforce
ethical guidelines, boundaries.
As far as working with other people,
self-care is something
we talk about all the time because it's
just so necessary in our field.
And then having that as a foundation,
I find that students are just very ready
to go on to the four year schools
and the graduate schools,
because they're just in a better place
right away.
Our, our students are in a unique position
of getting a taste of the field
while they're still
at the associates level,
because everybody has to do an internship.
So once you do
that, you're right on the front lines.
You're working with other people,
you are in the community,
and it's going to change your life,
pretty much on the spot.
So by the time you've even gotten
to a four year school
or graduate school,
you've already had a huge head start.
Because of all this experience
and all this kind of real world exposure.
And that's a yeah, that's really great.
Like that makes sense that you kind of
almost have to
you have to like, as you're learning
to understand yourself,
it's also teaching you
about how to understand others.
Right. And that, that just makes,
makes a lot of sense.
And I,
I know some people
who've worked in this field
and definitely that self
care aspect is, very important.
Yeah, it definitely is.
And when we talk about self awareness,
we're not asking anybody
to be like perfect.
You know?
Sure, I could see that being what people
think that like to be a good counselor,
you have to have no issues
and everything resolved.
And in fact, we're all very messy.
And part of our field
is kind of an embrace.
The mess message. And that's a good thing.
But everybody is going to bring some
baggage to the table, and that's okay.
But we need to be on top of it.
That's the self-awareness piece.
And being able to manage our own story
and understand our own story
so that we can embrace
other people's stories, that makes sense.
Yeah, I it definitely sounds like classes
that could be helpful for all students,
not just those going into the
into the field, for sure.
I obviously I'm biased,
but I'd like to think that.
And a lot of students
start with one of our courses
is called Introduction to Addictions,
which actually does meet the graduate
requirement as a contemporary life skill.
And so it's kind of a nice sampler to see
if you're interested in the material.
And even if you're not,
you're still getting something or useful
with the credits.
And, it applies for graduation,
but I think people really find
the material interesting.
And so that's a really nice entry
into the field,
or at least into kind of exposing yourself
to what Human Services is all about.
Yeah, okay, I like it. Okay.
So then you kind of actually
you started talking about this,
but let's, take, a little bit deeper dive.
So, you mentioned an internship,
so, you know, what are the experiences
and opportunities that you recommend
developing professionals seek out
when looking to get into social work
or counseling therapy?
Yeah.
So even before
you get to the internship stage,
I think anybody can benefit
from some experience in their community.
So that might be volunteer work
or working with some kind of local agency.
We try to reinforce that as well,
because our introductory course
requires what we call service learning.
So you get credit toward the class
for doing
essentially volunteer work
with a local agency.
And that class includes 20 hours of that.
And in doing so, you know, you're getting
a good taste of what the field is like.
You're also networking and building up
some connections in the field
and getting a sense of what's out there.
You know,
I think at first it can be overwhelming
because there's just so many different
organizations and agencies out there.
So this is a way to start learning
about what
those look like
and what services are provided.
So I definitely think people need to have
some experience doing volunteer work
and being part of their community.
And then as you go through the coursework,
you can keep building on that.
And once you get to field work,
you're going to be just much
more comfortable
with what that requires of her.
And what kind of field work
do students do?
So we have agreements
with a mix of agencies in the community.
Think of places like crisis centers,
addictions treatment centers,
sometimes local hospitals and places
that provide mental health.
Domestic violence agencies.
There's an organization in to page called
People's Resource Center that provides
food and other supplies
and just support for the community.
So again, it's broad, just kind of like
our field is as far as the opportunities,
but it often involves working with a
not for profit
and then providing some type of either
direct client service
or helping people access resources
and just support community members.
So that's great.
And yes, I, People's
Resource Center, if you are in the DuPage
area, is a great place.
They do a lot of good work. All right.
So then, and this kind of
I guess you kind of answered this,
but just if there's anything else
you want to add about,
you know,
what you're doing in your program here
at College of DuPage to prepare students,
for working in the field.
So I think the whole program really lays
a nice foundation step by step
as you go through the coursework,
as you do
those kind of volunteer opportunities,
participate in club activities
that by the time you get to field work,
you feel like you least have some idea.
It's always a different level to actually
be out in the field and be client facing,
but you would least feel comfortable
enough, like you have the skills
and you have the confidence
to be out there working with people.
And I would say the opportunity.
One of the great opportunities we have,
I should say, is for students
to continue on with their education.
So getting an associates degree or getting
a certificate from us is fantastic.
Of course we encourage that.
But then there is also the opportunity
to go on.
We have a three plus one agreement,
National Louis University, so students
can transition
right into their four year program.
And so what they can do
is they can do three years
at College of DuPage 90 credits,
and then they just have one year
remaining with our partner institution,
National Louis University.
They get those classes at a reduced price
and they get to take
classes on our campus.
I know I sound like a commercial
for last year, though.
It's that is helpful.
It's such a unique thing and people
almost don't
believe it when they first hear it.
But it's like, yes,
you're getting a bachelor's degree
for the same price
that people are paying for maybe one year
or even one semester of college
at private schools.
And again, that's just going to open
so many doorways in the field and,
you know, more opportunities
to go on from there.
You can get your master's degree.
Some people even go on to their doctorate
degree.
You know, I just tell people, don't stop.
If you're if you have the momentum
and you are really,
you know, enjoying the material,
it gets even better as you go on, really,
as you get into graduate school
and beyond,
because everything you're studying
is what you're interested in.
And usually it's what you're
actively doing with your career.
So it just all ties together really well.
Yeah. That's awesome.
Is there anything else that you recommend
to students or young professionals
to prepare for working in human services?
Like I mentioned, that opportunity,
if you get to volunteer
or be part of your community in some way,
because that's what Human Services
ultimately is going to be,
is working with people on a direct level
who are in your community and who need
support and need some kind of services.
So any chance you have to do that,
no matter what your age is,
is going to help build that strength
as you come into the program
and as you move forward.
So I definitely encourage that as well.
And I also think a big part of it,
you know, is thinking about what
population you want to work with or what
you know, what area you want to support.
Because as you said, there's
I mean, it's an oh, it's overwhelming
how much need there is.
And so I think, though, as a volunteer,
experiences are a great place
to start for, you know,
do you like working with kids?
Do you want to work
with an older population?
You know, low income. Like what?
You know, what is your
what is your your area?
Because, because we can't help everyone.
So thinking about kind of what is an area
that you want to focus on, you know,
or addictions or whatever.
And then, you know, kind of work
even within that you can specialize.
So, so I think the sooner you start with
kind of just getting yourself out there
and actually getting into it,
you know, you can kind of figure
that part of it out.
Yeah, that's a great insight because
there are many different populations,
and you might not know on day one
which your population sure.
And that's totally okay.
You know, again, with our intro class,
we try to get people
in from the community agencies
to come talk about what they do.
We try to do
some field trips out to some of the sites,
so you can kind of see what's happening
out there.
What are the clients like,
what are the facilities look like
and give you some idea, but you don't
have to decide on day one, which is great.
You kind of figure that out along the way.
Yeah, yeah. That's excellent.
So how could interested listeners find out
more about the program here at CRT?
So two things you could do.
We have a website which is Cod, dot
edu slash Human Services.
And on there
you're going to see a fun video
we made about human services, as well
as description of all of our courses
and the different degrees and certificates
we offer.
So cod edu slash human services or
if you want to simplify it and just email
me directly, you can always do that.
My email is Florin florin@cod.edu.
All right.
Well, thanks to all of our listeners
and special thanks again to you, Jason,
for joining us today on the podcast.
Thank you.
Yeah, thank you.
And, we hope that you enjoyed hearing
about careers in Human Services.
And remember,
if you have a question for us,
you can submit it
to Career Podcasts at code at Edu.
Or of course, on social media
at Coty Career Center.
And you may hear the answer
in a future episode.
Thanks for listening.