Social and Human Service Assistants
Community and Social Service
Works under social workers and other human-service staff to assess a client's thinking, physical needs, and emotional state, then helps put behavioral and care plans into practice. Interviews people and families about social, educational, criminal, or drug history, visits homes or group meetings to explain agency rules and services, and refers people to public or private programs. Advises on practical matters such as food stamps, child care, money management, sanitation, and housekeeping. Writes reports on visits and reviews problems with a supervisor. Suits people who like hands-on client contact, clear explanations, and steady follow-through on paperwork.
Typical education: Bachelor’s Degree (4-year)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$45'930
Median Wage Market Position
$45'930
What you might do
- Interview families to compile social and drug histories
- Assess needs and put care plans into action
- Refer clients to public and private aid agencies
- Advise on food stamps, child care, and housekeeping
- Visit homes to explain agency rules and services
- Write reports on visits for your supervisor
Skills that matter
- Home visits to explain agency services
- Care plans based on assessed needs
- Client interviews covering history and needs
- Clear notes on visits and problems
- Guidance on food stamps and child care
- Referrals to public and private agencies
AI & the future of this role
Scheduling, eligibility checks, and referral lookups are tasks AI could streamline. Helping clients navigate systems in person, building trust, and handling sensitive situations still tend to anchor the role, leaving prospects only moderately sheltered.
Does Social and Human Service Assistants fit your values?
Take the free LostInCareer assessment to see personalized matches based on your core values—not just a personality label.
Related careers
Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details