Social and Human Service Assistant
O*NET-SOC: 21-1093.00
Assists social workers, healthcare providers, and other professionals in providing client services, including intake, eligibility determination, community resource referrals, and case documentation.
About this Role
Social and human service assistants help people access the support they need by conducting intake interviews, determining eligibility for programs, and connecting clients with community resources. They work in a variety of settings including nonprofit organizations, community health centers, residential care facilities, and local government offices. A typical day involves sitting down with individuals or families to understand their circumstances, which might range from housing instability and food insecurity to substance abuse recovery or difficulties navigating benefits after a job loss, and then figuring out which services can help.
A Day in the Life
8:00 AM
Case file review
Check the client database for overnight updates and identify which new intakes need to be handled first.
9:00 AM
Client intake interviews
Meet with walk-in clients to understand their situation and start gathering the information needed for assistance applications.
10:30 AM
Eligibility screening
Review applications to determine whether clients qualify for available programs, and flag any that need a supervisor's decision.
12:00 PM
Lunch break
Step out for a meal and review a directory of local community resources.
1:00 PM
Service coordination
Call housing organizations, counseling providers, and transportation services to arrange support for active clients.
2:30 PM
Follow-up calls
Phone clients to confirm they received the services they were referred to and discuss any next steps.
4:00 PM
Documentation
Enter detailed case notes, update client files, and prepare summary reports for the team lead.
Tools & Technologies
Office Suites
- Microsoft Office
Medical & Health Records
- MEDITECH
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- PointClickCare healthcare software
Databases & Data Tools
- Microsoft Access
Spreadsheets
- Microsoft Excel
Email
- Microsoft Outlook
Presentations
- Microsoft PowerPoint
Salary Details
Salary Distribution
Most professionals earn between $38K and $53K
| Percentile | Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th | $33K |
| 25th | $38K |
| 50th (Median) | $45K |
| 75th | $53K |
| 90th | $64K |
Certifications, Training & Memberships
Recommended
Certified Human Services Practitioner (CHSP)
National Organization for Human Services (NOHS)
Entry-level credential validating core competencies in human services through exam and experience.
Human Services - Associate Degree
Bryant & Stratton College
Career-focused program covering client assessment, resource navigation, and case management skills.
Helpful
Certified Addiction Counselor Assistant (CAAC)
National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP)
Supports roles in substance abuse assistance with training in counseling basics and ethics.
Mental Health First Aid Certification
Mental Health First Aid USA
Trains in recognizing and responding to mental health crises in community settings.
Professional Memberships
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Membership
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Offers professional development, advocacy, and networking for human services workers.
Work Environment
- Remote Work
- Hybrid (Remote + Office)
- Work Setting
- Traditional office / indoor
- Physical Activity
- Mostly sedentary
- Social Interaction
- Highly collaborative — frequent team interaction
- Schedule
- Extended hours common
Your Skills & Attributes
Skills & Competencies Matches (42)
- Reading ComprehensionGood Match
- CoordinationGood Match
- WritingGood Match
- Critical ThinkingGood Match
- MonitoringGood Match
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Social and Human Service Assistant a good career?
Social and Human Service Assistant can be a rewarding career choice. Based on current data, the median salary is $45K and job outlook is growing (12% projected growth). Whether it's a good fit depends on your skills, interests, and values — take our quiz to find out how well you match.
What degree do you need to become a Social and Human Service Assistant?
The typical education requirement for a Social and Human Service Assistant is a High School Diploma. However, requirements can vary by employer and specialization. Some professionals enter the field with alternative credentials or relevant work experience.
How long does it take to become a Social and Human Service Assistant?
Becoming a Social and Human Service Assistant typically requires about 4 years of high school education. Additional time may be needed for certifications, internships, or on-the-job training depending on the specific role and employer requirements.
What is the work-life balance like for a Social and Human Service Assistant?
The work-life balance for a Social and Human Service Assistant is moderate, with some periods requiring extended hours or flexibility. Individual experiences vary based on employer, specialization, seniority level, and geographic location.
What is the job outlook for Social and Human Service Assistant?
The job outlook for Social and Human Service Assistant is growing. Employment is projected to grow by 12% over the coming decade. Labor market conditions can vary by region and specialization.
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