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Social/Human Service Assistant  What They Do

Just the Facts


Assists in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.

This career is part of the Human Services cluster Family and Community Services pathway.


A person in this career:

  • Keeps records or prepares reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
  • Provides information or refers individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance.
  • Visits individuals in homes or attends group meetings to provide information on agency services, requirements, or procedures.
  • Interviews individuals or family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.
  • Submits reports and reviews reports or problems with superior.
  • Advises clients regarding food stamps, child care, food, money management, sanitation, or housekeeping.
  • Consults with supervisor concerning programs for individual families.
  • Oversees day-to-day group activities of residents in institution.
  • Assists in locating housing for displaced individuals.
  • Transports and accompanies clients to shopping areas or to appointments, using automobile.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

  • You would often handle loads up to 10 lbs., sometimes up to 20 lbs. You might do a lot of walking or standing, or you might sit but use your arms and legs to control machines, equipment or tools.
  • Exposed to disease and infections more than once a month through work such as patient care, laboratory work, and sanitation control
  • Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
  • Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting
  • Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

  • Seeing clearly up close
  • Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
  • Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

  • Irregular hours
  • Weekend work

Specialty and Similar Careers

Careers that are more detailed or close to this career:

  • Addictions Counselor Assistant -- Functions as a member of the treatment team providing support and guidance to residents in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction.
  • Domestic Violence Advocate -- Advocates on behalf of community members that have been victims of domestic violence.
  • Outreach Worker -- Conducts interviews, intakes and screenings of clients to discern needs and makes referrals to appropriate agencies or contact persons.
  • Social Work Assistant -- Supports social workers by handling administrative duties and assisting them in ways that allow them to concentrate on dealing with their clients.
  • Red Cross Worker --