With a blend of compassion, determination,
and strong organizational skills,
social and human service assistants
help a wide variety of people
get the services they need.
Social and human service assistants
help clients obtain benefits
and services in their community,
and follow up to ensure services
are in place.
For example, they may connect families
to food assistance or childcare,
help immigrants enroll in
language classes and job training,
or help people leaving prison
find jobs and housing.
People in this field
work under a variety of job titles,
including case work aide,
social work assistant or aide,
counselor assistant,
and human services worker.
Typically with the supervision of
a social worker or counselor,
social and human service assistants
serve many different clients
such as veterans, the homeless,
children and families, the elderly,
and clients rehabilitating from
addiction or injuries.
They work in many types of organizations
that provide social assistance programs,
including: non-profits, social service agencies,
government offices, hospitals, and shelters.
Some may visit clients in the community.
Most social and human service assistants
work full time.
They generally need at least
a high school education,
and may be required to have a certificate
or associate’s degree
in a human services field.
More education usually qualifies a candidate
for higher-level work.