Social Service Assistant

Social service assistants help clients attain a higher level of functioning in society through the use of direct and indirect services. They coordinate their work with professionals in psychology, rehabilitative or physical therapy, or social work.

Social service assistants fulfill a range of duties including determining their clients' eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid, or food stamps, organizing group activities or trips, running food banks or emergency fuel programs, or working in halfway houses, group homes, and government-supported housing programs.

The social service assistant absolutely must be emotionally stable and mature. They must be able to cope with responsibility and work independently without supervision. Thus must work well with others, and must inspire their clients to trust and respect them.

Education and Credentials Required
There are, strictly speaking, no mandatory credentials whatsoever for the would-be social service assistant. However, most employers expect at least a high school diploma and would prefer some experience in the field.

On the other hand, some jobs, particularly the ones involving counseling, rehabilitation, and social work, might require a degree. Normally, social service assistants interested in preparing for their career through higher education would pursue a bachelors’ degree in social work (BSW). A masters’ degree in social work (MSW), is useful for job in health settings and clinical work. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits about 436 BSW programs and 149 MSW programs.

Future Prospects
Employment opportunities for social service assistants will most likely grow more quickly than the national average. It is one of the fastest growing fields in the nation. Jobs in rural areas will be desperate for employees, but qualified applicants will easily find employment in the cities.

Salary Range
The median salary, as of 2002, for social service assistants was $23,370. The top ten percent salary-wise made more than $37,550, whereas the bottom ten percent made less than $15,420. Experience, location, skill, reputation, hours worked and other factors impact income.