"Not only are we providing great social value, we're also providing economic value as well," said Michael Weekes, president and CEO of the Providers' Council.

Jobs in human services grew faster in Massachusetts than they did nationally. They grew faster than the health care sector overall in Massachusetts. By far, the biggest jump was in individual and family services, where employment more than doubled between 2003 and 2011. This was due primarily to an increase in the services provided to the elderly and people with disabilities. There was also major growth in outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment centers.

Weekes said people are living longer and therefore requiring more support. There are more people being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders and more veterans with traumatic brain injuries. "People are needing more care than they had before. There are more caregivers and a greater human services workforce," Weekes said.