Houston-area residents looking to make a meaningful impact through their work are invited to attend the Empowering Careers: Community, Education, & Social Service Hiring Event, hosted by Workforce Solutions in collaboration with Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones. The event will take place on Thursday, April 17, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Burnett Bayland Community Center, located at 6026 Chimney Rock Rd, Houston, TX 77081.
Whether you’re launching a new career or seeking to grow in your field, this free event offers an excellent opportunity to connect with employers across sectors that help shape and strengthen communities. Attendees will be able to explore jobs in education, social work, nonprofits, and community outreach, while also accessing resources to support their career journeys.
Meeting the Need for Skilled Professionals in Community and Education Careers
Careers in education and social services continue to be vital to Houston’s development. For instance, the number of elementary school teachers is projected to grow by 17.8% between 2022 and 2032, with 3,257 annual openings expected due to retirements, career transitions, and new job creation, according to the 2025 Where-the-Jobs-Are Occupations Workforce Solutions report. Meanwhile, demand for school bus drivers, cafeteria cooks, and social service assistants remains strong across school districts and community programs, offering a wide range of meaningful opportunities.
These careers offer strong job stability and growth potential—whether you’re entering the workforce or making a career shift to something more impactful. From hands-on roles with students to operations and support positions, there are pathways to purpose at all levels.
High-Growth Careers in Community, Education, and Social Services
For individuals interested in these careers, there are numerous roles that offer strong job growth and wages. According to the 2025 Where-the-Jobs-Are Occupations Workforce Solutions report, many of these careers require similar levels of training and experience, providing multiple pathways to success in the industry.
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education
Teach foundational subjects to young learners in public and private schools.
Median Hourly Wage: $31.08
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Projected Growth: 17.8%
Annual Openings: 3,257
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and CTE
Educate students in grades 6–8 and bridge the transition to high school.
Median Hourly Wage: $31.93
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Projected Growth: 18.1%
Annual Openings: 1,509
Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary
Support classroom instruction by helping teachers manage student learning and engagement.
Median Hourly Wage: $14.23
Education: Some college, no degree
Projected Growth: 17.2%
Annual Openings: 3,424
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term
Step into classrooms on an as-needed basis to ensure educational continuity.
Median Hourly Wage: $15.13
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Projected Growth: 22.9%
Annual Openings: 2,840
Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education
Guide early childhood learning in foundational areas such as language, motor skills, and social development.
Median Hourly Wage: $16.46
Education: Associate’s degree
Projected Growth: 21.2%
Annual Openings: 1,995
Tutors
Provide individualized academic support outside traditional classroom settings.
Median Hourly Wage: $15.45
Education: Some college, no degree
Projected Growth: 28.7%
Annual Openings: 926
Social and Human Service Assistants
Assist social workers and help clients access community-based support programs.
Median Hourly Wage: $20.89
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected Growth: 16.3%
Annual Openings: 592
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria
Prepare meals for schools, community centers, and care facilities.
Median Hourly Wage: $15.34
Education: No formal educational credential
Projected Growth: 17.0%
Annual Openings: 1,763
Bus Drivers, School
Transport students safely to and from school and activities.
Median Hourly Wage: $21.10
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected Growth: 16.7%
Annual Openings: 1,300
Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners
Ensure clean, safe, and healthy environments in schools and community spaces.
Median Hourly Wage: $13.80
Education: No formal educational credential
Projected Growth: 15.9%
Annual Openings: 8,344
First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
Lead teams that provide community-facing services, often in schools and nonprofit settings.
Median Hourly Wage: $20.87
Education: High school diploma or equivalent
Projected Growth: 20.4%
Annual Openings: 669
Event Details
The event is hosted by Workforce Solutions and Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones. Registration is encouraged—attendees can scan the QR code on the event flyer or visit https://bit.ly/41uub1q for more information.
By connecting job seekers to meaningful opportunities and highlighting career paths in community and social impact roles, Workforce Solutions aims to empower Houstonians to build careers that make a difference. Those interested in learning more or getting additional job search support can visit any Workforce Solutions career office. To find a location near you, visit Workforce Solutions Career Offices.
