Community & Social Service
Social and Human Service Assistants
Also called: Addictions Counselor Assistant, Advocate, Clinical Assistant, Residential Care Assistant
US median pay
$45,930
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+7.4%
faster than average
Openings a year (US)
48,900
463,400 employed
Typical entry education
High school diploma or equivalent
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job 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.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Social Perceptiveness4.0/5
- Service Orientation3.9/5
- Coordination3.8/5
- Persuasion3.4/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.2/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.2/5
- Time Management3.0/5
- Negotiation3.0/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.5/5
- Psychology4.3/5
- Therapy and Counseling3.9/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Administrative3.3/5
- Sociology and Anthropology3.3/5
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): High school diploma or equivalent.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree39%
- Associate's degree18%
- Some college16%
Who this job suits
Mostly Social
Helping, teaching and caring for people
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.