Social and Human Service Assistants

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Community & Social Service
• O*NET-SOC code: 21-1093
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Interview individuals or family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.
• Provide information or refer individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance.
• Advise clients regarding food stamps, child care, food, money management, sanitation, or housekeeping.
• Oversee day-to-day group activities of residents in institution.
• Assist in locating housing for displaced individuals.
• Consult with supervisor concerning programs for individual families.
• Demonstrate use and care of equipment for tenant use.

Tools and technology

MEDITECH software, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, 10-key calculators, Amplified telephones, Computer laser printers, Database software, Desktop computers

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Child, Family, and School Social Workers
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
• Healthcare Social Workers
• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Mental Health Counselors
• Rehabilitation Counselors
• Community Health Workers
• Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Social and Human Service Assistants — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.