HIV/AIDS Counselors and Case Managers

Employment trends for HIV/AIDS counselors and case managers are likely to depend on government funding for AIDS-related programs, since private funding for such programs is usually limited. Government funding for health programs, however, fluctuates, and resistance from some special interest groups or policy makers may negatively influence spending on AIDS research and programs. Nevertheless, the U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for mental health counselors, who are closely related professionals, will grow much faster than the average through 2033. Employment for health care social workers (another related career) is also expected to grow much faster than the average during this time span. Additional factors influencing job opportunities for HIV/AIDS counselors and case managers include the continued spread of HIV, the increased number of people living longer with HIV than in previous years, and the new complications (medical, financial, and even social) that are brought on by new treatments and changes in the health insurance industry. Given all of these various factors, experts predict the employment outlook for HIV/AIDS counselors to be on the increase.

These professionals can play an especially important role in educating the public at large and those with HIV and AIDS on how to cope with the disease and avoid its spread. Jobs for HIV/AIDS counselors and case managers will probably be most plentiful in urban areas, with their larger populations. Those with the most current knowledge and HIV/AIDS training will find the best opportunities.