Human Services Careers in North Dakota
Human services careers in North Dakota span social work, counseling, case management, and community support roles. Most positions require a bachelor’s degree, though some support roles accept an associate’s degree or equivalent experience. Clinical and supervisory roles require a master’s. Median salaries range from $47,010 for human service assistants to $83,410 for community service managers, per BLS May 2024 data.
North Dakota has a smaller population than most states, but it has the same needs: families in crisis, people struggling with addiction, older adults who need support, and children caught in systems they didn’t choose. Human services workers fill those gaps. They work in hospitals, school districts, state agencies, tribal communities, and non-profits spread across a geography that can make access to services particularly hard.
If you’re weighing a career in this field, the first question is which role fits you — and which degree gets you there. This guide covers the main career tracks in North Dakota, what they pay, and where the field is heading.
What Human Services Workers Do in North Dakota
The term “human services” encompasses a wide range of roles united by a single purpose: connecting people with support. That might mean a case manager helping a family navigate public assistance, a substance abuse counselor working with someone in recovery, a school social worker supporting a student in crisis, or a community outreach worker linking isolated rural residents with mental health resources.
In North Dakota, the Department of Health and Human Services employs over 2,800 people, according to the department’s latest available figures, across programs covering behavioral health, economic assistance, and developmental disabilities. Beyond the state agency, positions exist at the North Dakota University System, tribal health organizations, regional non-profits, and school districts statewide.
Career Paths by Degree Level
Most human services roles fall into one of two tiers: positions you can enter with a bachelor’s degree and positions that require a master’s. Here’s a breakdown of common career tracks at each level.
Bachelor’s-Level Careers
| Role | Typical Degree | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) | BSW from a CSWE-accredited program | Requires licensure through the ND Board of Social Work Examiners |
| Substance Abuse Counselor | Bachelor’s in Sociology, Social Work, or Psychology | Certification through the ND Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners |
| Rehabilitation Case Worker | BSW, Sociology, or Psychology | Often employed through the ND Division of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Juvenile Court Liaison | BSW, Psychology, or Criminal Justice | Works within the justice system and ND Department of Corrections |
| Behavioral Management Aide | BSW, Sociology, or Psychology | Supports students with emotional and behavioral challenges in school settings |
| Community Outreach Worker | BSW, Sociology, or Psychology | Common in rural and tribal settings across the state |
| Case Management Aide | BSW, Sociology, or Psychology | Entry point into the state’s case work career track within ND DHS |
Master’s-Level Careers
| Role | Typical Degree | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) | MSW from a CSWE-accredited school plus supervised field hours | North Dakota’s clinical licensure tier. Required for independent practice and diagnosis |
| Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) | Master’s in Counseling or a related field | Requires licensure through the ND Board of Counselor Examiners |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | Master’s in Counseling, Psychology, or MFT | Specialized training in systems-based therapy approaches |
| School Social Worker | MSW | Works within more than 160 school districts across North Dakota |
| Social and Community Service Manager | Master’s in Social Work, Business, or Public Administration | Oversees programs and staff at agencies, non-profits, and government entities |
| Child Welfare Case Manager | Master’s in Social Work, Psychology, or Sociology | Manages complex cases involving child safety and family services |
What Human Services Workers Earn in North Dakota
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks wages for human services occupations at the state level. Here’s a snapshot of median and mean annual salaries in North Dakota as of May 2024.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary | Mean Annual Salary | State Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $66,450 | $68,220 | 1,180 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $66,900 | $67,350 | 780 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $47,010 | $49,520 | 1,280 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $83,410 | $84,900 | 480 |
Job Outlook in North Dakota
North Dakota’s human services workforce is projected to grow across all major occupation categories through 2032. The largest raw gains are in the assistant and specialist categories, which don’t require advanced degrees. Social and human service assistants are projected to add 110 jobs, a 10.5% increase from 2022 levels. Community and social service specialists are expected to grow at 10.7%, the strongest rate among tracked categories.
| Occupation | 2022 Jobs | 2032 Projected | Change | Avg. Annual Openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social and Human Service Assistants | 1,050 | 1,160 | +10.5% | 120 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists | 280 | 310 | +10.7% | 30 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 440 | 480 | +9.1% | 40 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 350 | 380 | +8.6% | 30 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 740 | 800 | +8.1% | 60 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 160 | 170 | +6.3% | 10 |
Licensing in North Dakota
Most clinical and direct-service roles above require state licensure before you can practice independently. Social work licenses in North Dakota are issued at three tiers: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Social Worker (LSW), and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). Each has distinct education and supervised experience requirements. For the full breakdown, see our North Dakota social work licensure guide.
If you’re pursuing a career in substance abuse counseling, the North Dakota addiction counseling certification guide covers credential requirements under the ND Board of Addiction Counselor Examiners. For those working toward a counseling license, our North Dakota LPC licensure guide covers the requirements for the Licensed Professional Counselor credential in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do I need to work in human services in North Dakota?
Most entry-level human services positions require at a minimum a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Some support and aide roles accept an associate’s degree or equivalent experience. For licensed clinical roles such as LICSW or LPC, a master’s degree plus supervised post-graduate hours are required.
Which North Dakota schools offer accredited social work programs?
Several universities in North Dakota offer CSWE-accredited social work programs, including the University of North Dakota, North Dakota State University, and Minot State University. CSWE accreditation matters for licensure — some credential pathways require a degree from a CSWE-accredited program specifically, so confirm this before you enroll.
What is the highest-paying human services job in North Dakota?
Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2024 data, Social and Community Service Managers earn the highest median salary in the state at $83,410 annually. This role typically requires a master’s degree and several years of field experience managing programs or staff in a human services setting.
Is the human services field growing in North Dakota?
Yes. State labor market projections show growth across all major human services occupations through 2032. Social and human service assistants are projected to grow at 10.5%, and community and social service specialists at 10.7%. Every occupation category tracked shows net job gains during this period.
How do I become a licensed social worker in North Dakota?
North Dakota issues social work licenses at the LBSW, LSW, and LICSW levels, managed by the North Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners. Each tier has distinct education and supervised experience requirements. Our North Dakota social work licensure guide covers each credential in detail.
Key Takeaways
- Career paths split by degree level. Bachelor’s degrees open entry-level roles in case management, counseling, and community outreach. A master’s is required for clinical licensure and management positions.
- Salaries range from $47K to $83K. Social and Human Service Assistants earn a median of $47,010, while Social and Community Service Managers earn $83,410, per BLS May 2024 data.
- Growth is steady across all tracked occupations. Every major human services category in North Dakota is projected to add jobs through 2032, with assistant and specialist roles leading at over 10%.
- Licensing is role-specific. Social work, counseling, and addiction counseling each have separate boards and credential pathways in North Dakota. Knowing which applies to your target role matters before choosing a program.
Ready to map out your path in North Dakota? Explore our state licensing guides to understand credential requirements, compare accredited programs, and take your next step.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers, Social and Human Services Assistants, Social and Community Service Managers, and Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors, reflect state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed April 2026.