Management
Social and Community Service Managers
Also called: Adoption Services Manager, Child Welfare Services Director, Children's Service Supervisor, Clinical Services Director
US median pay
$80,390
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+7.2%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
18,500
231,000 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
What they do day to day
- Establish and oversee administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management.
- Direct activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers.
- Evaluate the work of staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are of appropriate quality and that resources are used effectively.
- Participate in the determination of organizational policies regarding such issues as participant eligibility, program requirements, and program benefits.
- Prepare and maintain records and reports, such as budgets, personnel records, or training manuals.
- Provide direct service and support to individuals or clients, such as handling a referral for child advocacy issues, conducting a needs evaluation, or resolving complaints.
- Establish and maintain relationships with other agencies and organizations in community to meet community needs and to ensure that services are not duplicated.
- Recruit, interview, and hire or sign up volunteers and staff.
- Research and analyze member or community needs to determine program directions and goals.
- Implement and evaluate staff, volunteer, or community training programs.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness4.0/5
- Service Orientation4.0/5
- Time Management3.9/5
- Management of Personnel Resources3.9/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.9/5
- Coordination3.9/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.9/5
- Systems Evaluation3.8/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.6/5
- Administration and Management4.4/5
- English Language4.3/5
- Psychology4.1/5
- Education and Training3.9/5
- Personnel and Human Resources3.7/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree, plus less than 5 years of related work experience.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree50%
- Master's degree24%
Who this job suits
Mostly Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.