A college or university degree can offer a career in mental health or social services. Here’s a list of jobs for psychology grads, and tips on how to find a psychology job.
These psych careers and jobs for psychology graduates are divided into three different categories: social services jobs, residential care jobs, and human resources jobs. At the end of the human resources, the category is “How to Find a Job in Psychology“, which includes tips on job seeking strategies.
Social Services Jobs for Psychology Graduates
Some social service jobs are immediately recognizable, such as the Department of Justice or the Red Cross. Others are less well-known, such as a service center for the blind or Big Sisters and Big Brothers. Social services workers serve a huge array of populations and clients.
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Social services employers include:
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Corrections facilities
- Various chronic illness services
- Various psychological disorder services
Jobs in social services include:
- Pregnancy and maternity counselors
- Foster care workers
- Domestic violence counselors
- Suicide prevention services
- Children’s services
- Crime victim services
- Economic assistance counselors
- Job counselors
- Volunteer coordinators
Residential Care Jobs for Psychology Graduates
Generally, a residential care setting involves both long and short-term living situations. Clients in residential care homes are usually able to take care of themselves and/or participate in chores, shopping, decisions, etc. Most residential care homes offer a variety of psychological services, ranging from addictions counseling to recreational therapy.
Residential care homes include:
- Adult or teen group homes
- Shelters for battered women
- Group homes for mentally handicapped people
- Drug rehab care facilities
- Adolescent delinquent facilities
- Youth shelters
- Retirement communities
Jobs in residential care homes include:
- Youth counselor
- Mental health worker
- Counselor
- Houseparent
- Crisis worker
- Child-care worker
- Program assistant
- Resident services provider
- Youth corrections officer
Human Resources Jobs for Psychology Graduates
Human resources jobs involve hiring and training new employees and working in the human resources department to help employees manage change. At first glance, this may not seem like a true career in the mental health field, but human resources workers are extremely beneficial in many organizations.
Human resources employers include:
- Large for-profit businesses
- Nonprofit organizations
- Healthcare organizations
- Staffing companies
- Education settings
Jobs in human resources include:
- Human resources assistant
- Grievance officer
- Staffing coordinator
- Mediator
- Education specialist
- Benefits manager
- Affirmative action coordinator
- Interviewer
How to Find a Job in Psychology
CharityVillage is a huge database for job seekers and potential employers. CharityVillage offers resources such as career assessments, professional development, and news updates from the job front.
Company Websites
Most nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses update their websites regularly when new social services jobs arise. Psychology graduates should check Big Sisters and Big Brothers, government websites, and university websites for the latest jobs in social services or human resources. There are many types of psychologists in companies and businesses.
Job Websites
Monster.ca and Workopolis are a potential source for psychology jobs, but they’re also quite competitive. Job websites are definitely worth watching, especially in conjunction with other job-seeking strategies.
Word of Mouth
If you’re looking for a job in social services or psychology, tell everyone – including your mom and little brother. The more comfortable you are in spreading the word, the more often you’ll do it – and the higher your chances are of getting job leads.
