All About Social and Human Service Assistants
Position Description Assist 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.
What Do Social and Human Service Assistants Do On a Daily Basis?
- Consult with supervisor concerning programs for individual families.
- Demonstrate use and care of equipment for tenant use.
- 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.
- Assist clients with preparation of forms, such as tax or rent forms.
- Meet with youth groups to acquaint them with consequences of delinquent acts.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Social & Human Service Assistant?
When polled, Social and Human Service Assistants say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Types of Social and Human Service Assistant
- Human Service Specialist
- Outreach Coordinator
- Head Worker
- Group Worker
- Community Service Worker
Social & Human Service Assistant Employment Estimates
There were about 389,800 jobs for Social and Human Service Assistant in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 16.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 63,800 new jobs for Social and Human Service Assistant by 2026. The BLS estimates 55,400 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Social & Human Service Assistant are Arizona, Utah, and Colorado. Watch out if you plan on working in Maine, Illinois, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Social & Human Service Assistant Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Social & Human Service Assistant ranges between $22,430 and $52,420.

Social and Human Service Assistants who work in District of Columbia, California, or Alaska, make the highest salaries.
How much do Social and Human Service Assistants make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $28,740 |
Alaska | $40,720 |
Arizona | $34,190 |
Arkansas | $30,390 |
California | $43,330 |
Colorado | $36,180 |
Connecticut | $40,800 |
Delaware | $33,590 |
District of Columbia | $45,340 |
Florida | $34,250 |
Georgia | $29,360 |
Hawaii | $36,700 |
Idaho | $33,070 |
Illinois | $32,910 |
Indiana | $31,080 |
Iowa | $35,030 |
Kansas | $33,620 |
Kentucky | $30,220 |
Louisiana | $30,360 |
Maine | $34,830 |
Maryland | $35,520 |
Massachusetts | $35,390 |
Michigan | $31,640 |
Minnesota | $36,160 |
Mississippi | $28,710 |
Missouri | $29,960 |
Montana | $30,420 |
Nebraska | $28,540 |
Nevada | $36,850 |
New Hampshire | $33,120 |
New Jersey | $36,470 |
New Mexico | $33,630 |
New York | $37,180 |
North Carolina | $30,840 |
North Dakota | $37,120 |
Ohio | $34,450 |
Oklahoma | $29,400 |
Oregon | $38,020 |
Pennsylvania | $34,320 |
Rhode Island | $35,300 |
South Carolina | $31,660 |
South Dakota | $25,540 |
Tennessee | $32,920 |
Texas | $36,000 |
Utah | $28,840 |
Vermont | $35,400 |
Virginia | $33,580 |
Washington | $40,200 |
West Virginia | $30,750 |
Wisconsin | $37,230 |
Wyoming | $34,710 |
What Tools do Social and Human Service Assistants Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Social and Human Service Assistants may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Web browser software
- Microsoft Access
- Word processing software
- Database software
- MEDITECH software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking
- PointClickCare HER
How to Become a Social & Human Service Assistant
What education or degrees do I need to become a Social and Human Service Assistant?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Social & Human Service Assistant?

Where Social and Human Service Assistants Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Social and Human Service Assistant might also be interested in the following careers:
Those who work as a Social and Human Service Assistant sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: University of the Fraser Valley via Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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