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Public Service Social Services Assistant
Hourly Rates up to Jobs Available
$39 50,700+

What Does a Social Services Assistant Do?

Social services assistants change lives every day. 

They work with licensed professionals to help clients from many walks of life find the services they need. 

They go by many titles, including human services assistant, addiction counselor assistant, social worker assistant and social service aide.

Social services assistants help clients solve an array of problems: a lack of food, unemployment, divorce, the need for childcare, meal deliveries, food stamps, help with addiction or substance abuse, a complex adoption process or a serious medical diagnosis.

They work with social workers, psychologists and community service workers. 

Social services assistants counsel clients about government aid or community services and connect them with service providers, such as a transportation service or a personal aide. They also follow up to make sure clients are getting the services they need to get their lives back on track.

Some social services assistants work primarily with the elderly, the disabled or people with mental health issues. Others specialize in working with other groups, such as veterans, immigrants or the homeless.

There are many people to help, even for entry-level assistants, and there’s room for advancement. However, that will require additional education.

If you’re a helper by nature and you want to make a difference in your community, keep reading to learn more about training and education requirements for this role. 

A social services assistant checks on an elderly client in a medical setting
Social services assistants usually work for nonprofit organizations and local or state governments. They work in hospitals, clinics, homeless shelters and many other places. (Credit: ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock)

Responsibilities

  • Interview clients to understand needs
  • Share information about programs and community resources
  • Work with more experienced social and human services workers to find solutions
  • Screen clients for program eligibility 
  • Provide administrative support, such as filling out service paperwork for clients
  • Schedule interviews between clients and service providers
  • Follow up with clients 
  • Keep records of conversations

How To Become a Social Worker Assistant: FAQs

The bottom line:

This is a demanding but highly rewarding role. If you get satisfaction out of helping others, this is a career that allows you to work directly with clients and make a positive difference in their lives. Interested? Take a look at SkillPointe’s training opportunities and get started!

Find Social Services Assistant Training In Your Area

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