Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 420,600 people employed as social and human service assistants in the United States. The median annual salary is $37,610. Entry level employees earn approximately $27,910 per year and senior employees earn approximately $59,490 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Assess clients' cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions.
• Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients.
• Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
• Visit individuals in homes or attend group meetings to provide information on agency services, requirements, or procedures.
• Submit reports and review reports or problems with superior.
• Interview individuals or family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.
• Provide information or refer individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance.
• Advise clients regarding food stamps, child care, food, money management, sanitation, or housekeeping.
• Assist in locating housing for displaced individuals.
• Consult with supervisor concerning programs for individual families.
• Oversee day-to-day group activities of residents in institution.
• Meet with youth groups to acquaint them with consequences of delinquent acts.
• Demonstrate use and care of equipment for tenant use.
• Assist in planning food budgets, using charts or sample budgets.
• Assist clients with preparation of forms, such as tax or rent forms.
• Explain rules established by owner or management, such as sanitation or maintenance requirements or parking regulations.
• Observe clients' food selections and recommend alternate economical and nutritional food choices.
• Observe and discuss meal preparation and suggest alternate methods of food preparation.
• Transport and accompany clients to shopping areas or to appointments, using automobile.
• Inform tenants of facilities, such as laundries or playgrounds.

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