Overview
Social sciences professionals in state government use research, analysis and human services expertise to support public programs, inform policy decisions, preserve historical resources and improve the well-being of communities. They may provide counseling or social services, conduct research and program evaluation, analyze public policies, manage museum or archival collections or create written content that informs and engages residents.
This work is ideal for individuals who enjoy solving social challenges, conducting research, preserving history, communicating complex information and using their knowledge and skills to make a positive impact through public service.
What You Might Work On
In state government, professionals in this field often:
- Research state policies and regulations and draft reports with findings
- Curate exhibits and catalog historic items for state museums and archives
- Provide treatment to vulnerable populations in state institutions
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Want to implement policies and programs that impact state constituents
- Practice as a trained professional in psychology or social work in the public sector
- Enjoy performing research and analysis as part of your job
Where You Could Work
State government is broad — so where do you start?
One approach is to focus on a type of role. Another is to focus on a mission area or the kind of impact you want to make (i.e., in public health, education, transportation or elsewhere).
Keep in mind: mission areas often span multiple agencies, so you may find relevant roles in places you wouldn’t expect!
Professionals in this field work across many state agencies depending on mission area, including:
- Archival Research: Washington State Archives
- Mental and Behavioral Health: New Jersey Department of Human Services
- Policy Analysis: California Statewide Automated Welfare System
Sample positions
Psychologist
| Employer / agency | Office of Juvenile Justice |
| Location(s) | Bridge City, Louisiana |
| Mission context | Protects the public by providing safe and effective individualized services to youth who will become productive, law-abiding citizens. |
In this role, you may:
- Lead specialized treatment programs, design interventions and guide multidisciplinary staff
- Conduct psychological evaluations and adaptive assessments to inform treatment
- Deliver individual, group, family and specialized therapy
- Lead treatment team meetings, disciplinary committees and in-service training
Archaeology Specialist
| Employer / agency | Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites |
| Location(s) | Indianapolis, Indiana |
| Mission context | Discover, collect, preserve, interpret and present artifacts and exhibits that showcase the stories of Indiana’s natural and cultural history, art and science. |
In this role, you may:
- Acquire and manage scientifically collected archaeological material from throughout Indiana for the purpose of research and potential exhibition
- Oversee collection management from initial curation agreements to final invoicing
- Complete projects geared toward refining archaeology collections, including collections review, culling and inventorying
Social Work Associate
| Employer / agency | Iowa Department of Health and Human Services |
| Location(s) | Des Moines, Iowa |
| Mission context | Provide high quality programs and services that protect and improve the health and resiliency of individuals, families and communities. |
In this role, you may:
- Conduct patient/family interviews to obtain information for social histories
- Obtain case records and prior hospital stays and releases
- Make patient referrals
- Participate in discharge planning
