National
| Median wages (2008) |
$13.12 hourly, $27,280 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
339,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Much faster than average (21% or higher)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
153,000 additional employees |
21-1093.00 - Social and Human Service Assistants
Assist professionals from a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, to provide client services, as well as support for families. May assist clients in identifying available benefits and social and community services and help clients obtain them. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or adult daycare.
Sample of reported job titles:
Social Worker, Caseworker, Advocate, Homebased Assistant, Human Services Program Specialist, Mental Health Technician, Outreach Specialist, Addictions Counselor Assistant, Case Worker, Casework Specialist
Tasks
- Keep records and prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
- Submit reports and review reports or problems with superior.
- Interview individuals and family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.
- Provide information and refer individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance.
- Consult with supervisor concerning programs for individual families.
- Advise clients regarding food stamps, child care, food, money management, sanitation, or housekeeping.
- Oversee day-to-day group activities of residents in institution.
- Visit individuals in homes or attend group meetings to provide information on agency services, requirements and procedures.
- Monitor free, supplementary meal program to ensure cleanliness of facility and that eligibility guidelines are met for persons receiving meals.
- Meet with youth groups to acquaint them with consequences of delinquent acts.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Automobiles or cars — Passenger vehicles |
| Desktop computers |
| Facsimile machines — Fax machines |
| Photocopiers — Photocopying equipment |
| Special purpose telephones — Multi-line telephone systems |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Data base user interface and query software — Microsoft Access |
| Internet browser software — Web browser software |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
| Spreadsheet software — Microsoft Excel |
| Word processing software — Microsoft Word |
