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Social Services Employment

Social Services employment statistics for 2002 reveal that social and community service managers held approximately 111,480 jobs. Compensation for social services employment varied significantly depending upon the size and nature of the employer, its geographic location, and economic conditions. In 2002, most social and community service managers earned between $32,430 and $56,520. The lowest 10 percent of the profession earned less than $25,210, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $73,370. Most child, family, and school social workers earned between $26,310 and $42,940, with the lowest 10 percent of the profession earning less than $21,270, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $54,250.

Social service employment is designed to create social change, increase empowerment and liberation, and assist with problem solving in personal relationships, in an effort to enhance the well being of a patient.  Social service jobs are commonly associated with addicts, low income, mentally ill, elderly, or individuals in crisis.  Professionals may include counselors, social workers, and case managers. 

Depending upon the employer, social work careers may require employees to connect clients to programs designed to assist with their specific need(s).  They may be responsible for creating and implementing activities, intervening during crisis, or assisting individuals in need of counseling.  Each professional must maintain detailed records of all client interaction.  Social service professionals not only communicate with afflicted individuals, but with their families as well. 

While many professionals gain satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment from social work, certain situations can be disturbing, and may wreak havoc on emotions.  Jobs in social services are so vast that working conditions vary depending upon specific placement.  Professionals may work in a variety of locations including offices, clinics, hospitals, group homes, shelters, halfway houses, or day programs. 

Social service facilities are often understaffed, and offer rather low pay, which tends to lead to relatively high turnover rates.  This, associated with the high occupational growth projected, will create excellent opportunities for professionals seeking social work employment.  According to experts, social service jobs are expected to be in high demand and among the fastest growing fields through 2014.  Due to the high numbers of qualified professionals that will be needed, many employers have begun delegating more duties to social service assistants, in order to slightly decrease hiring needs.  A number of positions dealing with pregnant teens, the mentally disabled, substance abusers, and the elderly will arise due to the projected needs in these areas. 

Educational requirements for social work jobs often vary by employer.  Candidates with associates degrees or certifications are commonly preferred for these careers.  Some occupations allow candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent certification to start at entry level positions that offer extensive on the job training, but formal education is commonly necessary for advancement.  Positions related to social work, counseling, and rehabilitation may require a bachelors or masters degree.  Professionals must be patient and considerate, with a strong desire to assist others. 

For more information on employment in the social services industry, please visit the following sites:

• Center for Social Services Research
• National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists
• Society for Advancement Behavior Analysis
• The Future of Children
• KidsPeace

iHireSocialServices can help with your social work employment needs.  We are a niche job board specializing only in social service positions and job postings.  A few job titles we offer include:

• Parole Officer
• Probation Officer
• Correctional Treatment Specialist
• Case Manager