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Social And Human Service Assistants
from: Kyle BesserSocial and human service assistant is a generic term for workers with a wide array of job titles, including human service worker, case management aide, social work assistant, community support worker, mental health aide, community outreach worker, life skills counselor and gerontology aide. Social and human service assistants help social workers, health care workers and other professionals provide services to people. Social and human service assistants usually work under the direction of professionals from a variety of fields, including nursing, psychiatry, psychology, rehabilitative or physical therapy and social work. The amount of responsibility and supervision they are given varies a great deal. Some have little direct supervision while others work under close supervision.
Social and human service assistants provide services to people that will help them improve their quality of life. They assess client needs, investigate their eligibility for benefits and services and help them obtain them. They may arrange for transportation and provide emotional support. Social and human service assistants monitor and keep case records on clients and report progress to supervisors and case managers.
Social and human service assistants play a variety of roles in a community. They may organize and lead group activities or assist clients in need of counseling or crisis intervention. In halfway houses, group homes, and government-supported housing programs, they assist adults who need supervision with personal hygiene and daily living skills. They review client records, talk with family members and consult with medical personnel and other caregivers for an overview of client needs. Social and human service assistants give emotional support and help clients become involved in community recreation programs and other activities.
In psychiatric hospitals, rehabilitation programs and outpatient clinics, social and human service assistants work with the psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and others to assist clients learn living skills, communicate more effectively and live better with others. They support the client's participation in a treatment plan, such as individual or group counseling or occupational therapy.
The working conditions of social and human service assistants varies greatly from one job to another. Some work in offices, clinics, and hospitals. Others work in group homes, shelters and day programs. Some have to travel to see clients.
A bachelor's degree is not required for most jobs in this occupation, but many employers look for individuals with relevant work experience or some education beyond high school. Having a certificate or an associate degree in an area such as human services, gerontology or one of the social or behavioral sciences meet the requirements of many employers. Some fields, such as counseling, rehabilitation or social work, may require a bachelor's or master's degree in human services or a related field.
Formal education is almost always necessary for advancement. In general, advancement to case management, rehabilitation, or social work jobs requires a bachelor's or master's degree in human services, counseling, rehabilitation, social work or a related field.
The work of social and human service assistants can be very rewarding and satisfying, but it can also be emotionally draining and physically demanding. Even though most agencies do everything they can to ensure their workers' safety, working with some clients can be dangerous.
Social and human service assistants should have a strong desire to help others, effective communication skills, a sense of responsibility and the ability to manage time effectively. Many social and human services jobs involve direct contact with people who are vulnerable to exploitation or mistreatment so patience and understanding are highly valued characteristics.
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