OVERVIEW
What is a Social Services Specialist?
Social services specialists—sometimes called “human services assistants” or “caseworker aids”—support vulnerable individuals and families in a variety of ways. These specialists typically determine an individual’s eligibility for certain social programs that can address their needs. They then develop plans with their clients to help them overcome difficulties related to their physical, mental, or social well-being.
For example, social services specialists may seek to improve education systems, assist individuals with mental health challenges, protect children suffering abuse, and much more.
The specific type of social services specialist depends largely on who they serve, which could include one or more of the following groups:
- Children
- Families
- Minorities
- Individuals with physical or mental disabilities
- Impoverished individuals
- Veterans
- Elderly people
- Refugees
- Immigrants
- Homeless people
- People formerly incarcerated
- Individuals affected by substance abuse
Current social problems across the world are vast and complex; social services specialists play an important role in helping to alleviate these systemic issues.
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Social Services Specialist Do?
Specialists in social services may work for government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or even on their own. Regardless of the setting, most specialists provide outreach to disadvantaged or otherwise struggling clients. A social services specialist’s day-to-day responsibilities generally include:
- Meeting with clients to establish expectations
- Developing treatment plans or steps to confront client obstacles
- Receiving client referrals from relevant assistance programs
- Researching methodologies in social welfare
- Recommending clients to health, housing, transportation, or other service providers
- Providing coaching, counseling, and therapy
- Recording data with computer programs like Microsoft Excel
- Participating in group trainings and conferences
- Traveling to and working in underdeveloped countries and regions
- Maintaining contact with clients to review progress
Social services specialists can become involved in programs at national or international levels and within smaller communities. Some specialists opt for one-on-one counseling in places like schools, clinics, and hospitals.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Social Services Specialist?
Almost all social services specialists hold a degree related to their field. The position and salary you seek depend largely on your level of education. You should take time to decide which type of service you are most passionate about and then study accordingly.
Consider the following steps as you prepare:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree in sociology, psychology, social work, or a similar area. Subjects like these provide a great foundation for social services professionals.
- Earn a relevant master’s degree to increase your earning potential or to qualify for higher-level jobs.
- Spend at least one or two years gaining professional experience in social or human services. This way, you can learn what skills to apply and narrow down the type of environment you’d like to work in long-term.
- Get certified or become licensed in your area of expertise. Some social services jobs require you to be licensed in your state or require some combination of a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or a state license or certification.
Best Degrees for a Social Services Specialist
Health & Nursing
Psychology – B.S.
An online psychology program for students who want to make a difference in...
An online psychology program for students who want to make a difference in their life, and the lives of others.
- Time: 95% of students finish similar programs in less than 4 years.
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 34 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé included in this program:
- Social psychology
- Consumer psychology
- Adult psychology
- Mental health awareness
- Psychopathology
This degree allows you to gain valuable knowledge and experience in the field of psychology and can prepare you for additional certifications or careers.
Health & Nursing
Health and Human Services – B.S.
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a...
An online health degree program for students who are committed to making a difference for patients in a variety of ways.
- Time: 63% of students finish this program in 24 months
- Tuition: $4,085 per 6-month term
- Courses: 35 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Epidemiology
- Community and Public Health
- Cultural Awareness
- Pathophysiology
- Healthcare Values and Ethics
- Substance Abuse Support
This degree allows you to work inside the healthcare industry, while also directly working with patients who need help.
How Much Does a Social Services Specialist Make?
$55,350
The amount of income that social services specialists earn varies depending on their specific field. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary in May 2022 for social workers was $55,350. The lowest 10% of social workers earned less than $36,600 while the highest 10% earned more than $87,300.
What Is the Job Outlook?
7%
The BLS states that employment of social workers is projected to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Around 63,800 openings for social workers are projected each year on average over the decade.
Additionally, employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow by 9% over the same period of time, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. About 16,000 openings for these managers are projected each year on average from 2022 to 2032.
These trends are similar for many other professional roles in social services.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Social Services Specialist Need?
Professionals in social services should cultivate a wide range of on-the-job skills to succeed. While some skills depend on your professional emphasis, the most important skills for any social services specialist include:
- Basic knowledge of social case work, group work, and welfare administration
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Empathy and compassion
- Problem-solving
- Adaptability
- Competency with word processing, spreadsheets, and similar software
- Organizational skills
- Critical thinking
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