What Does a Social Services Assistant Do?

First, you’ll need to get your high school diploma or equivalent. After that, requirements for this job vary by employer. 

If you’re an entry-level social services assistant with no training, many employers will provide on-the-job training in case management, which means working with clients from a variety of backgrounds. 

A more common way to gain entry to this profession is to get more education and training before you look for a job. Your best bet? Earn an associate degree or certificate. Common fields of study include human services, social work, behavioral science and gerontology. 

Programs will cover practical coursework and training in case management. You’ll learn how to interview clients, how to set up treatment plans and how to handle difficult situations, such as dealing with a client who is undergoing a crisis. Much of your training will be learned on the job, working with real clients under supervision.

If an internship is available, take it, as all hands-on experience in this role will be helpful. 

If you want to move up, some positions will require more years of work experience or a bachelor’s degree. Some higher-level jobs may require a master’s degree. Many social services assistants go back to school to become licensed social workers. 

Specialization is common in this line of work, and it will open up more job opportunities.

You’ll need a valid driver’s license to visit clients, and you must pass a criminal background check. 

A certificate program typically takes a year, and an associate degree takes two years. This relatively short training window is one of the reasons this role is one of the top jobs for community college and trade school students. Continuing education is ongoing.

Their skills are needed in many settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, group homes, clinics and community service centers. They typically work for family services organizations, nonprofits and local or state governments.

Work hours may vary, depending on the employer.

Yes. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 12% growth for this job, which is much faster than the growth of other jobs. That works out to 55,900 openings per year from 2021 to 2031. 

The reason? There will be more older adults who need their specialized help.

The need is already visible in cities like Phoenix, where social services assistants are in demand, along with other public service professionals. 

Most successful social work assistants share certain traits, including: 

• Excellent communication skills
• Compassion and empathy
• Good time-management skills
• Good problem-solving skills
• Strong organizational skills