Social and Human Service Assistants
Social and human service assistants assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, and social work, including support for families. They may assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services and assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Social service assistants perform entry-level roles in social work, rehabilitation, and other social services fields, serving homeless people, immigrants, former prison inmates, veterans, struggling families or children, and the elderly.
They work at lower-level positions for social workers, and the jobs often function as stepping stones to their becoming licensed social workers themselves.
Social and human service assistant jobs description do not need a postsecondary degree and sometimes, even high school graduates without higher education can secure assistant positions. While training usually occurs on the job, employers look for candidates with some previous work experience. It can take up to two years to become a social and human service assistant.
Social and human service assistants' salaries can be in five-six figures depending on their experience and skills. They work in hospitals, shelters, clinics, and group homes. They commonly work at individual and family services organizations, but also find employment at nursing homes, residential care facilities, local and state government groups, and community services centres.
To succeed in social service jobs, one must assist and care for others, maintain interpersonal relations, provide consultations to others, resolve conflicts, think creatively, be able at decision making, problem-solving, communication and working with computers.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- MSW Master of Social Work
- BSW Bachelor of Social Work
Tasks
- Provide information or refer individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance.
- Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
- Visit individuals in homes or attend group meetings to provide information on agency services, requirements, or procedures.
- Advise clients regarding food stamps, child care, food, money management, sanitation, or housekeeping.
- Submit reports and review reports or problems with superior.
- Oversee day-to-day group activities of residents in institution.
- Interview individuals or family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.
- Meet with youth groups to acquaint them with consequences of delinquent acts.
- Transport and accompany clients to shopping areas or to appointments, using automobile.
- Explain rules established by owner or management, such as sanitation or maintenance requirements or parking regulations.
Progression Routes
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