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Career overview · SOC 21-1093

Social and Human Service Assistants

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.

Also called: Addictions Counselor Assistant · Advocate · Clinical Assistant · Residential Care Assistant · Social Services Aide · Social Services Assistant

Median pay (national)
$45,120
$33,280–$63,850 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
424,220
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+6.4%
~50,600 openings/yr
Typical entry
High school diploma or equivalent

What the numbers say

Refit analysis ·Pay for social and human service assistants shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $63,850 versus $33,280 at the bottom 10% — 1.9x. The median of $45,120 leaves roughly 42% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +6.4% from 2024 to 2034 — faster than the 3% all-occupation average. Even so, BLS projects about 50,600 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 54 states with released data, District of Columbia pays the most for this role (median $57,210, +27% vs the national median), while Mississippi sits lowest at $28,900 — a 98% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.

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Top skills employers ask for

Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.

  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Writing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring
  • Active Learning
  • Learning Strategies
  • Mathematics
  • Science

What they actually do

Core O*NET tasks for this role.

  • Assess clients' cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions.
  • Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients.
  • Visit individuals in homes or attend group meetings to provide information on agency services, requirements, or procedures.
  • Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
  • Interview individuals or family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.
  • Advise clients regarding food stamps, child care, food, money management, sanitation, or housekeeping.
  • Submit reports and review reports or problems with superior.
  • Provide information or refer individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance.
  • Oversee day-to-day group activities of residents in institution.
  • Consult with supervisor concerning programs for individual families.

Tools & technology

  • Microsoft Office software
  • MEDITECH software
  • Database software
  • Electronic medical record EMR software
  • Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking
  • PointClickCare healthcare software
  • Web browser software
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word

Knowledge areas

  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Psychology
  • Therapy and Counseling
  • English Language
  • Administrative
  • Sociology and Anthropology
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Education and Training