Social and human services assistants aide people and make sure that they’re receiving the proper services.
Unlike social workers, social and human service assistants don’t handle cases, but they’re responsible for helping individuals that are under the supervision of social workers or case managers.
Job Outlook for Social and Human Services Assistants
Job opportunities for social and human services assistants are projected to grow 13% from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. As the older adult population continues to grow, a demand for service arrangements like meal transportation and adult daycare will keep these professionals busy.
In addition, the rise of addiction treatment services, as an alternative to time in jail will also result in a growing demand for social and human service assistants who are prepared to work in the centers and with people with addictions.
While these job prospects are expected to be good, the best opportunities will come to those with a related social or human service postsecondary degree.
Job Duties
Social and human services assistants can find themselves in a dynamic and oftentimes active environment. Some of the most common duties these professionals take on include:
- Help determine what kind of aide clients need
- Keep records and/or prepare reports of clients
- Research services like food stamps and Medicaid
- Check in with clients to make sure services are provided
- Oversee day-today group activities of residents in institutions
- Work with clients, as well as social workers to develop a treatment plan
These professionals might also continue to follow up on clients after services have been confirmed. Social and human services assistants always work under the supervision of social workers or psychologists and can offer clients a sense of companionship if they’re emotionally struggling.
Social and Human Services Potential Salary Range
According to the BLS, the average salary for social and human services assistants nationwide was 33,370 as of May 2018. Annual salaries for the top 10% earners exceeded $50,000.
Likelihood of salaries for social and human services assistants will depend on the location and job description.
What Jobs Are in the Social and Human Service Field?
According to aggregate data from Indeed and LinkedIn, the work is quite versatile and can be found in the following places:
- Private medical groups
- Behavioral health centers
- Elderly care facilities
- Veteran health centers
- Public health centers
How Do I Become a Social and Human Services Assistant?
The BLS notes that the lowest educational requirement to become a social worker aide is a high school diploma or a GED. Most employers prefer candidates with, at least a certificate or an associate’s degree in a relevant field like social services, applied psychology or social behavioral science.
A first step to a social and human services career could be an associate’s in applied psychology, which takes 2 years or less to complete. Its coursework usually includes principles of psychology, and life and social sciences.
Advancement Options
Additional education is required for social and human service assistants interested in advancing within the field. A bachelor’s or a master’s in human services, social work, or a related field like psychology can forge career paths like case management and social work.
Students who pursue an advanced education can also find themselves applying to roles that include:
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Counselor
Work Environment and Clientele
Day-to-day responsibilities will vary depending on the client and employer. For example, when assigned to children and families these professionals will likely prioritize the children’s safety and whether the family has access to food and transportation.
When assigned to people with mental illnesses, they’ll help the client identify support groups and in severe cases, safe housing. In this case, these assistants tend to fall under the supervision of psychology case managers, responsible for evaluating treatment options for clients.
In other cases, these assistants might support immigrants seeking SNAP and Medicaid services. With over 44.7 million immigrants in the U.S., the demand for help is likely to increase, according to the BLS.
Social and human services assistants with more experience can also be assigned to help former prison inmates find job training and placement programs to reenter society.
Is a Social and Human Service Assistant Career a Good Fit for You?
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S, Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social and Human Services Assistants, on the internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-and-human-service-assistants.htm#tab-1 (Accessed February 19, 2020).
National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. Degree and/or certificate program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information.
According to O*Net Online,
-degree requirements vary between certificate and associates (AA in Applied Psychology)