Counselors, Social Workers, and Other Community and Social Service Specialists

How to become a Social and Human Service Assistant

Official title: Social and Human Service Assistants

Also called: Addictions Counselor Assistant, Advocate, Clinical Assistant, Residential Care Assistant, Social Services Aide, Social Services Assistant, Social Work Assistant, Social Work Associate, Social Worker Assistant

Assist other social and human service providers 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.

Main tasks

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.

How to become one

Social and human service assistants typically need at least a high school diploma, although specific requirements may vary. Training is usually provided on the job.

Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent

Read the full guide from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Direct Support Specialist.
Apprenticeship: Social Services Assistant (Nof).
Apprenticeship: Youth Development Practitioner.
Licence: A licence is required in 7 states.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Median pay: $45,930 a year The middle half earn $38,150 to $54,350.
About 463,400 people work in this job now, and about 497,600 are projected by 2035. (+7.4%)
People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Questions people ask

How do I become a Social and Human Service Assistant?

Social and human service assistants typically need at least a high school diploma, although specific requirements may vary. Training is usually provided on the job.

How much does a Social and Human Service Assistant earn in the US?

Median full-time pay is $45,930 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). The middle half earn $38,150 to $54,350.

Is a Social and Human Service Assistant a growing career in the US?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2035, from about 463,400 to about 497,600 people (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).

Do you need a degree to become a Social and Human Service Assistant?

Not always. 49% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Direct Support Specialist.

Will AI change the work of a Social and Human Service Assistant?

People already use generative AI for a good share of this work, which usually changes the job more than it replaces it. Microsoft Research rates its AI applicability as high.

Sources

Microsoft Research: Working with AI: AI applicability by occupation (2025-12-22 (built on O*NET 29.0)), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections (2025-35 (released 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (2025-35 edition (published 2026-08-27)), Public domain (BLS); photographs excluded, retrieved 2026-10-03
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Public domain (BLS), retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.