When someone is released from prison and reaches out to us, they will be added to my case load. Then I reach out to them to discuss their goals. I help them set up a plan and get resumes together. I'll help them learn various digital skills as well. My focus is connecting with people and helping them successfully move onto the next part of their lives.
CAREER
Social and Human Service Assistants
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$35,960
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+16.8% (much faster than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Social and Human Service Assistants Do
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Other Job Titles Social and Human Service Assistants May Have
Addictions Counselor Assistant, Advocate, Clinical Assistant, Residential Care Assistant, Social Services Aide, Social Services Assistant, Social Work Assistant, Social Work Associate, Social Worker Assistant
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I use my own experience as an immigrant parent to help other immigrant parents navigate systems. I improve the materials that the organization uses to education families. Immigrant parents especially need the context involved with a situation rather than just the information. So when helping them navigate a specific system, I'll break down each step, give context, and build trust. I also supervise a team of four employees who are working to do similar things.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Assess clients' cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions.
- Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients.
- 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.
- Submit reports and review reports or problems with superior.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Social and Human Service Assistants
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (35%)
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Community Health and Preventive Medicine
Graduate
Public Administration
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Child Development
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Persistence is important. There have been many people who tell me I can't do something or dismiss me because of my label. Persistence is key for succeeding through that.
In working with a diverse population, being able to connect and work with various cultures is important. Each individual possesses different cultural backgrounds and as a direct service provider you must be culturally sensitive.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
High School Students
The most important first steps for someone looking to pursue my occupation is deciding whether or not you enjoy working with people! Sometimes we *think* we know what we would like to do only to discover "Oh no, that's definitely not for me!" So first step...go and volunteer! Volunteer anywhere you can!
Education.
Start figuring out and pursuing your interests early. I recommend starting on that path in high school. Whatever it is that you're interested in, find ways to start pursuing it while still in school.
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
