Social and Human Service Assistants
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.
- Median pay
- $45,930
- Doing it now
- 463,400
- By 2035
- Up 7.4%
- Usually needs
- High school diploma or equivalent
a year
across the country
48,900 openings a year
to get in
What the work involves
- Provide information or refer individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance.
- 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.
- Advise clients regarding food stamps, child care, food, money management, sanitation, or housekeeping.
- 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.
- Assess clients' cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions.
What to study
The fields of study the Department of Education links to this occupation, most widely taught first.
- Human Development, Family Studies, and Related ServicesSee 335 colleges that teach it
- Human Services, GeneralSee 212 colleges that teach it
Who it suits
O*NET scores every occupation on six interest dimensions. This one leans hardest on these three.
Helping and teaching
Organised and precise
Leading and persuading
Careers like this one
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$66,270
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$59,300
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary$42,910
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$64,330
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$105,870
- Training and Development Specialists$69,280
Where this comes from: the description and the task list are O*NET, which the Department of Labor maintains. Pay, workforce size, outlook and the education normally needed are the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections programme, 2025 wages and 2025 to 2035 projections. Half of them earn more than $45,930 a year, which means half earn less, and what you would earn depends on where you work and how long you have been doing it. The fields of study come from the National Center for Education Statistics crosswalk.