Human service worker and assistant occupations are
projected to be among the fastest growing. credit pacific service union
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Job opportunities should be excellent, particularly for
applicants with appropriate postsecondary education, but
pay is low. credit first service union
Nature of the Work Top
Human service workers and assistants is a generic term for
people with various job titles, including social service
assistant, case management aide, social work assistant,
community support worker, alcohol or drug abuse counselor,
mental health aide, community outreach worker, life skill
counselor, and gerontology aide. They usually work under the
direction of professionals from a variety of fields, such as
nursing, psychiatry, psychology, rehabilitative or physical
therapy, or social work. The amount of responsibility and
supervision they are given varies a great deal. Some have
little direct supervision; others work under close
direction. card credit mobile service
Human service workers and assistants provide direct and
indirect client services. They assess clients needs,
establish their eligibility for benefits and services, and help
clients obtain them. They examine financial documents such as
rent receipts and tax returns to determine whether the client
is eligible for food stamps, Medicaid, welfare, and other human
service programs. They also arrange for transportation and
escorts, if necessary, and provide emotional support. Human
service workers and assistants monitor and keep case records on
clients and report progress to supervisors and case managers.
Human service workers and assistants also may transport or
accompany clients to group meal sites, adult daycare centers,
or doctors offices. They may telephone or visit
clients homes to make sure services are being received, or
to help resolve disagreements, such as those between tenants
and landlords. They also may help clients complete insurance or
medical forms, as well as applications for financial
assistance. Additionally, social and human service workers and
assistants may assist others with daily living needs. card credit discover service
Human service workers and assistants play a variety of roles
in a community. They may organize and lead group activities,
assist clients in need of counseling or crisis intervention, or
administer a food bank or emergency fuel program. In halfway
houses, group homes, and government-supported housing programs,
they assist adults who need supervision with personal hygiene
and daily living skills. They review clients records,
ensure that they take correct doses of medication, talk with
family members, and confer with medical personnel and other
care givers to gain better insight into clients
backgrounds and needs. Human service workers and assistants
also provide emotional support and help clients become involved
in their own well being, in community recreation programs, and
in other activities. credit public service union
In psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and
outpatient clinics, human service workers and assistants work
with professional care providers, such as psychiatrists,
psychologists, and social workers to help clients master
everyday living skills, to teach them how to communicate more
effectively, and to get along better with others. They support
the client s participation in a treatment plan, such as
individual or group counseling or occupational therapy. card credit processing service
Working Conditions Top
Working conditions of human service workers and assistants
vary. Some work in offices, clinics, and hospitals, while
others work in group homes, shelters, sheltered workshops, and
day programs. Many spend their time in the field visiting
clients. Most work a 40-hour week, although some work in the
evening and on weekends. The work, while satisfying, can be
emotionally draining. Understaffing and relatively low pay may
add to the pressure. Turnover is reported to be high,
especially among workers without academic preparation for this
field. center credit service union
Employment Top
Human service workers and assistants held about 268, 000
jobs in 1998. Almost half worked in private social or human
services agencies, offering a variety of services, including
adult daycare, group meals, crisis intervention, counseling,
and job training. Many human service workers and assistants
supervised residents of group homes and halfway houses. About
one-third were employed by State and local governments,
primarily in public welfare agencies and facilities for
mentally disabled and developmentally challenged individuals.
Human service workers and assistants also held jobs in clinics,
detoxification units, community mental health centers,
psychiatric hospitals, day treatment programs, and sheltered
workshops. card credit service wireless
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Top
Although a bachelor s degree usually is not required
for this occupation, employers increasingly are seeking
individuals with relevant work experience or education beyond
high school. Certificates or associate degrees in subjects such
as social work, human services, or one of the social or
behavioral sciences meet most employers requirements. credit security service union
Human services programs have a core curriculum that trains
students to observe patients and record information, conduct
patient interviews, implement treatment plans, employ
problem-solving techniques, handle crisis intervention matters,
and use proper case management and referral procedures. General
education courses in liberal arts, sciences, and the humanities
also are part of the curriculum. Many degree programs require
completion of a supervised internship. credit report service
Educational attainment often influences the kind of work an
employee may be assigned and the degree of responsibility that
may be entrusted to them. For example, workers with no more
than a high school education are likely to receive extensive
on-the-job training to work in direct-care services, while
employees with a college degree might be assigned to do
supportive counseling, coordinate program activities, or manage
a group home. Human service workers and assistants with proven
leadership ability, either from previous experience or as a
volunteer in the field, often receive greater autonomy in their
work. Regardless of the academic or work background of
employees, most employers provide some form of in-service
training, such as seminars and workshops, to their
employees. blogspot com christian
Hiring requirements in group homes tend to be more stringent
than in other settings. For example, employers may require
employees to have a valid driver s license or to submit to
a criminal background investigation. christian counseling credit
Employers try to select applicants who have effective
communication skills, a strong sense of responsibility, and the
ability to manage time effectively. Many human services jobs
involve direct contact with people who are vulnerable to
exploitation or mistreatment; therefore, patience,
understanding, and a strong desire to help others, are highly
valued characteristics. credit federal service union
Formal education almost always is necessary for advancement.
In general, advancement requires a bachelor s or
master s degree in counseling, rehabilitation, social work,
human services management, or a related field. credit monitoring service
Job Outlook Top
Opportunities for human service workers and assistants are
expected to be excellent, particularly for applicants with
appropriate postsecondary education. The number of human
service workers and assistants is projected to grow
much faster than the average for all
occupations between 1998 and 2008-ranking among the most
rapidly growing occupations. The need to replace workers who
move into new positions due to advancement, retirement, or for
other reasons will create many additional job opportunities.
This occupation, however, is not attractive to everyone. It can
be draining emotionally and the pay is relatively low.
Qualified applicants should have little difficulty finding
employment. credit division service
Faced with rapid growth in the demand for social and human
services, employers are developing new strategies for
delivering and funding services. Many employers increasingly
will rely on human service workers and assistants to undertake
greater responsibility in delivering services to clients. card credit online service
Opportunities are expected to be best in job training
programs, residential care facilities, and private social
service agencies, which include such services as adult daycare
and meal delivery programs. Demand for these services will
expand with the growing number of elderly, who are more likely
to need services. In addition, social and human service workers
and assistants will continue to be needed to provide services
to pregnant teenagers, the homeless, the mentally disabled and
developmentally challenged, and those with substance-abuse
problems. consumer counseling credit inc
Job training programs are expected to require additional
human service workers and assistants. As social welfare
policies shift focus from benefit-based programs to work-based
initiatives, there will be an increased demand for people to
teach job skills to the people who are new to or re-entering
the workforce. Additionally, streamlined and downsized
businesses create increased demand for persons with job
retraining expertise. Human service workers and assistants will
help companies to cope with new modes of conducting business
and employees to master new job skills. card credit fleet service
Residential care establishments should face increased
pressures to respond to the needs of the chronically and
mentally ill. Many of these patients have been
deinstitutionalized and lack the knowledge or the ability to
care for themselves. Also, more community-based programs,
supported independent living sites, and group residences are
expected to be established to house and assist the homeless,
and the chronically, and mentally, ill. As a result, demand for
human service workers and assistants will increase. card consolidation credit
The number of jobs for human service workers and assistants
will grow more rapidly than overall employment in State and
local governments. State and local governments employ many of
their human service workers and assistants in corrections and
public assistance departments. Although employment in
corrections departments is growing, employment of social and
human service workers and assistants is not expected to grow as
rapidly as employment in other corrections jobs, such as guards
or corrections officers. Public assistance programs have been
employing more human service workers and assistants in an
attempt to employ fewer social workers, who are more educated,
thus more highly paid. credit free online report
State government, except education and hospitals $25, 600
Local government, except education and hospitals 23, 500
Hospitals 21, 200 Health and allied services, not elsewhere
classified 20, 600 Social services, not elsewhere classified
20, 200 Related Occupations Top Workers in
other occupations that require skills similar to those of human
service workers and assistants include social
workers, religious workers, residential
counselors, child-care workers,
occupational therapy assistants,
physical therapy assistants,
psychiatric aides, and activity leaders. credit federal first service
Sources of Additional Information Top
Information on academic programs in human services may be
found in most directories of 2- and 4-year colleges, available
at libraries or career counseling centers. For information on
programs and careers in human services, contact: consumer credit service
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National Organization for Human Service Education,
Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, NJ 07738. center credit family service
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Council for Standards in Human Services Education,
Northern Essex Community College, Haverhill, MA 01830. credit reporting service
Information on job openings may be available from State
employment service offices or directly from city, county, or
State departments of health, mental health and mental
retardation, and human resources. cca credit division service
Ambulance drivers and attendants, except
EMTs
Ambulance drivers and attendants, except emergency
medical technicians
Drive ambulance or assist ambulance driver in transporting
sick, injured, or convalescent persons. Assist in lifting
patients and rendering first aid. May be required to have Red
Cross first-aid training certificate. credit free report service
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1998 employment: 19, 000 card credit customer discover
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Projected 1998-2008 employment change: Faster than
average credit repair report service
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Most significant source of training: Short-term
on-the-job training credit legal repair service
Amusement and recreation attendants
Perform any of a variety of attending duties at amusement
or recreation facility. Schedule use of recreation facilities,
allocate equipment to participants of sporting events or
recreational pursuits, collect fees for games played, or
operate carnival rides and amusement concessions. cic credit monitoring service
Baggage porters and bellhops
Carry baggage for travelers at transportation terminals or
for guests at hotels or similar establishments. Additional
duties include assisting handicapped persons, running errands,
delivering ice, and directing people to their desired
destinations. ccs credit division service
Crossing guards
Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at such
places as street and railroad crossings and construction
sites. credit service union worker
Ushers, lobby attendants, and ticket takers
Assist patrons at entertainment events, such as sporting
events, motion pictures, or theater performances. Collect
admission tickets and passes from patrons. May assist in
finding seats, searching for lost articles, and locating such
facilities as rest rooms and telephones. 1st credit service union
Career View [ A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U
V W X Y Z ]
Amusement machine servicers and repairers,
see: Coin, vending, and amusement machine
servicers and repairers
Nature of the Work
| Working Conditions |
Employment | Training, Other
Qualifications, and Advancement | Job
Outlook | Earnings | Related
Occupations | Sources of Additional
Information card chase credit customer
Nature of the Work Top
Coin, vending, and amusement machines are a familiar sight
in offices, convenience stores, arcades, and casinos. These
coin-operated machines dispense refreshments, test our senses,
and spit out lottery tickets nearly everywhere we turn. Coin,
vending, and amusement machine servicers and repairers install,
service, and stock these machines and keep them in good working
order. credit plus service union
Vending machine servicers
, often called route drivers, visit coin-operated machines
that dispense soft drinks, candy and snacks, and other items.
They collect money from the machines, restock merchandise, and
change labels to indicate new selections. They also keep the
machines clean and appealing. credit farm service
When installing machines, vending machine repairers make the
necessary water and electrical connections and check the
machines for proper operation. They also make sure installation
complies with local plumbing and electrical codes. Because many
vending machines dispense food, these workers must comply with
State and local public health and sanitation standards. 1st credit federal service
Amusement machine servicers and repairers
work on juke boxes, video games, pinball machines, and slot
machines. They make sure the various levers, joysticks, and
mechanisms function properly, so that the games remain fair and
the juke box selections are accurate. They update selections,
repair or replace malfunctioning parts, and rebuild existing
equipment. Those who work in the gaming industry must adhere to
strict guidelines, because State and Federal agencies regulate
many gaming machines. credit paychex service tax
Preventive maintenance-avoiding trouble before it starts-is
a major job of repairers. For example, they periodically clean
refrigeration condensers, lubricate mechanical parts, and
adjust machines to perform properly. credit service tax
If a machine breaks down, vending and amusement machine
repairers inspect it for obvious problems, such as loose
electrical wires, malfunctions of the coin mechanism, and
leaks. When servicing electronic machines, repairers test them
with hand held diagnostic computers that determine the extent
and location of any problem. Repairers may only have to replace
a circuit board or other component to fix the problem. However,
if the problem cannot be readily located, these workers refer
to technical manuals and wiring diagrams and use testing
devices, such as electrical circuit testers to find defective
parts. Repairers decide if they must replace a part and whether
they can fix the malfunction on-site or if they have to send
the machine to the repair shop. aeon credit service
In the repair shop, vending and amusement machine repairers
use power tools, such as grinding wheels, saws, and drills, as
well as voltmeters, ohmmeters, oscilloscopes, and other testing
equipment. They also use ordinary repair tools, such as
screwdrivers, pliers, and wrenches. credit one service union
Vending machine servicers and repairers employed by small
companies may both fill and fix machines on a regular basis.
These combination servicers-repairers stock machines, collect
money, fill coin and currency changers, and repair machines
when necessary. bad cell credit phone service
Servicers and repairers also do some paper work, such as
filing reports, preparing repair cost estimates, ordering
parts, and keeping daily records of merchandise distributed.
However, new machines with computerized inventory controls
reduce the paperwork a servicer must complete. counseling credit debt service
Working Conditions Top
Some vending and amusement machine repairers work primarily
in company repair shops, but many spend substantial time on the
road visiting machines wherever they have been placed. Vending
and amusement machines operate around the clock, so repairers
often work at night and on weekends and holidays. Vending and
amusement machine repair shops generally are quiet, well
lighted, and have adequate work space. However, when servicing
machines on location, the work may be done where pedestrian
traffic is heavy, such as in busy supermarkets, industrial
complexes, offices, casinos, or arcades. Repair work is
relatively safe, although servicers and repairers must take
care to avoid hazards such as electrical shocks and cuts from
sharp tools and other metal objects. They also must follow safe
work procedures, especially when moving heavy vending and
amusement machines. card credit payment service
Employment Top
Coin, vending, and amusement machine servicers and
repairers held about 27, 000 jobs in 1998. Most repairers work
for vending companies that sell food and other items through
machines. Others work for soft drink bottling companies that
have their own coin-operated machines. A growing number of
servicers and repairers work for amusement establishments that
own video games, pin-ball machines, juke boxes, slot machines,
and similar types of amusement equipment. Although vending and
amusement machine servicers and repairers are employed
throughout the country, most are located in areas with large
populations and many vending and amusement machines. card credit merchant
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Top
Employers normally prefer to hire high school graduates.
New workers are trained to fill and fix machines informally on
the job by observing, working with, and receiving instruction
from experienced repairers. High school or vocational school
courses in electricity, refrigeration, and machine repair are
an advantage in qualifying for entry level jobs. Employers
usually require applicants to demonstrate mechanical ability,
either through work experience or by scoring well on mechanical
aptitude tests. counseling credit family
Because coin, vending, and amusement machine servicers and
repairers sometimes handle thousands of dollars in merchandise
and cash, employers hire persons who have a record of honesty.
The ability to deal tactfully with people also is important. A
commercial driver s license and a good driving record are
essential for most vending and amusement machine servicer and
repairer jobs. Some employers require their servicers to be
bonded. annual credit report request
As electronics become more prevalent in vending and
amusement machines, employers will increasingly prefer
applicants who have some training in electronics.
Technologically advanced machines with features such as
multilevel pricing, inventory control, and scrolling messages
extensively use electronics and microchip computers. Some
vocational high schools and junior colleges offer 1- to 2-year
training programs in basic electronics. area bay credit service
Beginners start training with simple jobs, such as cleaning
or stocking machines. They then learn to rebuild machines, by
removing defective parts, repairing, adjusting, and testing the
machines. Next, they accompany an experienced repairer on
service calls, and finally make visits on their own. This
learning process takes from 6 months to 3 years, depending on
the individual s abilities, previous education, types of
machines serviced, and the quality of instruction. atlanta consumer counseling
The National Automatic Merchandising Association has a
self-study mechanics training program for vending machine
repairers. Repairers use manuals for instruction in subjects
such as customer relations, safety, electronics, and schematic
reading. Upon completion of the program, repairers must pass a
written test, to become certified as a journey or master
mechanic. account card credit merchant
To learn about new machines, repairers and servicers
sometimes attend training sessions sponsored by manufacturers
that may last from a few days to several weeks. Both trainees
and experienced workers sometimes take evening courses in basic
electricity, electronics, microwave ovens, refrigeration, and
other related subjects to stay on top of new techniques and
equipment. Skilled servicers and repairers may be promoted to
supervisory jobs or go into business for themselves. aspire card credit customer
Job Outlook Top
Employment of coin, vending, and amusement machine
servicers and repairers is expected to grow about as
fast as the average for all occupations through the
year 2008, because of the increasing number of vending and
amusement machines in operation. Establishments are likely to
install additional vending machines in industrial plants,
hospitals, stores, and other business establishments, to meet
the public demand for inexpensive snacks and other food items.
The range of products dispensed by machine is expected to
increase, as vending machines continue to become increasingly
automated and machines are built that include microwave ovens,
mini-refrigerators, and freezers. In addition, casinos,
arcades, and other amusement establishments are an increasing
source of entertainment for baby boomers and young adults.
Also, State and multi-State lotteries are increasingly using
coin-operated machines, to sell scratch-off tickets in grocery
stores and other public places. card counseling credit service
Improved technology in newer machines will moderate
employment growth, because these machines require maintenance
less frequently than older ones. These new machines will need
repairing and restocking less often, and contain computers that
record sales and inventory data, reducing the amount of
time-consuming paperwork. Additionally, some new machines use
wireless data transmitters to signal the vending machine
company, when these machines need restocking or repairing. This
allows servicers and repairers to be dispatched only when
needed, instead of their having to check each machine on a
regular schedule. card credit online processing
Experienced workers who transfer to other occupations or
leave the labor force will create job openings. Persons with
some background in electronics should have good job prospects,
because electronic circuitry is an important component of
vending and amusement machines. If firms cannot find trained or
experienced workers for these jobs, they are likely to train
qualified route drivers or hire inexperienced people who have
acquired some mechanical, electrical, or electronic training by
taking high school or vocational courses. consolidated counseling credit
Related Occupations Top
Other workers who repair equipment with electrical and
electronic components include home appliance and power
tool repairers, electronic equipment
repairers, and general maintenance
mechanics. Sources of Additional Information
Top Disclaimer: Links to non-BLS Internet sites are
provided for your convenience and do not constitute an
endorsement. check credit service
Information on job opportunities in this field can be
obtained from local vending machine firms and local offices of
your State employment service. For general information on
vending machine repair, write to: card credit online payment
-
National Automatic Merchandising Association, 20 N.
Wacker Dr., Suite 3500, Chicago, IL 60606-3102. Internet:
http://www.vending.org civil credit ontario service
-
American Vending Sales, Inc., 750 Morse Ave., Elk Grove
Village, IL 60007. antonio credit san security
Nature of the Work Top
Many people like animals. But, as pet owners can attest,
taking care of them is hard work. Animal caretakers, sometimes
called animal attendants or animal keepers, feed, water, groom,
bathe, and exercise animals and clean, disinfect, and repair
their cages. They also play with the animals, provide
companionship, and observe behavioral changes that could
indicate illness or injury. card cardmember chase credit
Boarding kennels, animal shelters, veterinary hospitals and
clinics, stables, laboratories, aquariums, and zoological parks
all house animals and employ caretakers. Job titles and duties
vary by employment setting. clean credit repair service
Kennel staff usually care for small companion animals like
dogs and cats while their owners are working or traveling out
of town. Beginning attendants perform basic tasks, such as
cleaning cages and dog runs, filling food and water dishes, and
exercising animals. Experienced attendants may provide basic
animal health care, as well as bathe animals, trim nails, and
attend to other grooming needs. Caretakers who work in kennels
may also sell pet food and supplies, assist in obedience
training, help with breeding, or prepare animals for
shipping. credit management service
Animal caretakers who specialize in grooming, or maintaining
a pet s-usually a dog s or cat s-appearance are
called groomers. Some groomers work in kennels,
veterinary clinics, animal shelters, or pet supply stores.
Others operate their own grooming business. Groomers answer
telephones, schedule appointments, discuss with clients their
pets grooming needs, and collect information on the
pet s disposition and its veterinarian. Groomers are often
the first to notice a medical problem, such as an ear or skin
infection, that requires veterinary care. colorado credit public service
Grooming the pet involves several steps: An initial
brush-out is followed by a first clipping of hair or fur using
electric clippers, combs, and grooming shears; the groomer then
cuts the nails, cleans the ears, bathes, and blow-dries the
animal, and ends with a final clipping and styling. consolidation counseling
Animal caretakers in animal shelters perform a variety of
duties and work with a wide variety of animals. In addition to
attending to the basic needs of the animals, caretakers must
also keep records of the animals received and discharged and
any tests or treatments done. Some vaccinate newly admitted
animals under the direction of a veterinarian or veterinary
technician, and euthanize (painlessly put to death) seriously
ill, severely injured, or unwanted animals. Caretakers in
animal shelters also interact with the public, answering
telephone inquiries, screening applicants for animal adoption,
or educating visitors on neutering and other animal health
issues. bureau card credit service
Animal caretakers in stables are called grooms.
They saddle and unsaddle horses, give them rubdowns, and walk
them through a cool-off after a ride. They also feed, groom,
and exercise the horses, clean out stalls and replenish
bedding, polish saddles, clean and organize the tack (harness,
saddle, and bridle) room, and store supplies and feed.
Experienced grooms may help train horses. card credit customer service
Animal caretakers in animal hospitals or clinics are called
veterinary assistants. Veterinarians rely on
caretakers to keep a constant eye on the condition of animals
under their charge. Caretakers watch as animals recover from
surgery, check whether dressings are still on correctly,
observe the animals overall attitude, and notify a doctor
if anything seems out of the ordinary. Caretakers clean
constantly to maintain sanitary conditions in the hospital. credit financial service
Laboratory animal caretakers work in research facilities and
assist with the care of a wide variety of animals, including
mice, rats, sheep, pigs, cattle, dogs, cats, monkeys, birds,
fish, and frogs. They feed and water the animals, clean cages
and change bedding, and observe the animals for signs of
illness, disease, or injury. They may administer medications
orally or topically according to instructions, prepare samples
for laboratory examination, sterilize laboratory equipment, and
record information regarding genealogy, diet, weight,
medications, food intake, and clinical signs of pain and
distress. They work with scientists, physicians, veterinary
technicians, veterinarians, and laboratory technicians. card citibank credit customer
In zoos, caretakers called keepers prepare the
diets and clean the enclosures of animals, and sometimes assist
in raising them when they are very young. They watch for any
signs of illness or injury, monitor eating patterns or any
changes in behavior, and record their observations. Keepers
also may answer questions and ensure that the visiting public
behaves responsibly toward the exhibited animals. Depending on
the zoo, keepers may be assigned to work with a broad group of
animals such as mammals, birds, or reptiles, or they may work
with a limited collection of animals such as primates, large
cats, or small mammals. bad credit repair service
Working Conditions Top
People who love animals get satisfaction from working with
and helping them. However, some of the work may be unpleasant,
as well as physically and emotionally demanding, and sometimes
dangerous. Caretakers have to clean animal cages and lift,
hold, or restrain animals, risking exposure to bites or
scratches. Their work often involves kneeling, crawling,
repeated bending, and lifting heavy supplies like bales of hay
or bags of feed. Animal caretakers must take precautions when
treating animals with germicides or insecticides. The work
setting can be noisy. budget counseling credit
Animal caretakers who witness abused animals or who assist
in the euthanizing of unwanted, aged, or hopelessly injured
animals may experience emotional stress. Those working for
private humane societies and municipal animal shelters often
deal with the public, some of whom might react with hostility
to any implication that the owners are neglecting or abusing
their pets. Such workers must maintain a calm and professional
demeanor while they enforce the laws regarding animal care. credit equifax information
Caretakers may work outdoors in all kinds of weather. Hours
are irregular: Animals have to be fed every day, so caretakers
often work weekend and holiday shifts. In some animal
hospitals, research facilities, and animal shelters an
attendant is on duty 24 hours a day, which means night shifts.
Most full-time caretakers work about 40 hours a week; some work
50 hours a week or more. Caretakers of show and sports animals
travel to competitions. credit first houston service
Employment Top
Animal caretakers and veterinary assistants held about 181,
000 jobs in 1998. About 45, 000 of the total worked as
veterinary assistants in veterinary services. The remainder
worked primarily in boarding kennels, but also in animal
shelters, stables, grooming shops, zoos, and local, State, and
Federal agencies. In 1998, more than 1 out of every 4 animal
caretakers was self-employed, and more than 1 in 3 worked part
time. bad credit expertise in
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