Social and Human Service Assistants
Social and Human Service Assistants provide many types of assistance to people in the community, from determining eligibility for welfare and health programs and counseling on child care to helping clients with physical and mental problems and those involved in drug and substance abuse.They help determine and locate appropriate social service agencies such as those providing health care and physical and mental rehabilitation.
They work under the direction and supervision of nurses, counselors, social workers, psychologists, or other professionals and may be a member of a treatment team.
Many Human Service Assistants serve clients in hospitals, halfway houses, detoxification centers, residential care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and outpatient clinics where they provide training in daily living skills, personal communications, and personal and vocational counseling.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent and some college.
- Good communication skills.
- Ability to motivate others while being sensitive to their needs.
- Interest in helping people and providing service to others.
- Fingerprint clearance may be required by employer.
Wages
- Social and Human Service Assistants Median hourly wage: $13.98
- Average annual wage: $30,820
Job Outlook
- Estimated number of Social and Human Service Assistants in 2002: 27,300
- Estimated number of Social and Human Service Assistants in 2012: 36,800
- Estimated annual job openings: 1,430
Possible Career Paths for Social and Human Service Assistants include becoming a:
- Psychiatric Technician
- Social Worker
- Occupational Therapist Assistant