Across various sectors—including healthcare, education, and criminal justice—the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increased need for human services professionals.
These professionals play an important role in ensuring mental, emotional, and physical well-being to their community. NC State College is at the forefront of preparing the next generation of human services professionals through comprehensive programming.
Tonia Pace, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator at NC State College, has an important role in the world of human services: educating and training aspiring social workers. Earning her degree in Social Work from Bowling Green, Pace realized she was in the right place.
“I did the same thing that the students here at NC State are doing. I did a couple of practicums, took some classes and thought ‘Oh this is wonderful.’ Helping people is what I want to do,” Pace said.
Pace has worked in a number of different areas, including criminal justice, various non-profits helping with food insufficiency and housing, and holding a spot on the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) board.
“Part of our job at the non-profits was to make sure that kid’s had a Christmas. I was later an executive director at a homeless shelter in Northeast Ohio – the second largest in the state. I did that for about four and a half years,” Pace said.
Her role at NC State is versatile, involving both teaching and coordinating practical experiences for students. A hands-on approach is vital in preparing students for real-world challenges. By integrating practicum experiences, NC State College ensures that graduates are not only knowledgeable but also equipped with practical skills that are immediately applicable in various human services settings.
This combination of unique experiences has provided Pace with a profound understanding of the human services field, and brings this wealth of knowledge to her students at NC State College.
Pace is observing an increase in the need for services across the board.
“The types of services needed have definitely increased, definitely. I am a lifelong learner, and the more I’ve learned is that substance abuse and mental health issues are increasing in every area. Particularly with opioid use and things of that nature,”
“People feel isolated. You see an increase. As the population ages, if you will, you see an increase in need for individuals in the hospital and medical social workers space. Criminal justice is still ever present, so there, too,” Pace said.
Pathways to a career in human services
For those interested in pursuing a career in human services through NC State College, the process begins with contacting an advisor and mapping out a course of action. After completing a two-year program, students have the option to transfer to a four-year institution to obtain a bachelor’s degree in social work.
“It helps if you have a plan in your head so when you meet with staff you can begin to implement that plan and see what financial aid services are available to you,” Pace said.
NC State College offers a robust program that combines academic rigor with practical experience. The journey begins with a single step—reaching out to NC State College and taking advantage of the resources and support available to students.
Pace emphasizes a need for empathy, effective communication, and a genuine desire to help others if interested in this field. These qualities are needed in building trust and providing effective support to clients.
Human services takes a look at people. Wholly. That includes mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well being, all critical to maintaining one’s health.
“Social workers tend to those clients to ensure their mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well being are okay. There are even social workers and therapists who practice spiritually based counseling,” Pace said.
The field of human services offers a fulfilling and impactful career path. With dedicated educators like Pace at NC State College, students are well-equipped to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others, addressing some of the most pressing needs in our society today.
