Social and Human Service Assistants
Social and human service assistants support social workers, psychologists, and other professionals by helping clients access benefits and community services. They work in hospitals, mental health clinics, nonprofits, government agencies, and rehabilitation centers, assisting with paperwork, connecting people to resources, and providing basic support to individuals and families.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against social and human service assistants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves meeting with clients to understand their needs, completing intake forms and applications for assistance programs, and researching available services. Assistants may schedule appointments, follow up on referrals, maintain client records, and answer questions about benefits eligibility. Much time goes toward coordinating between clients and service providers, often by phone and email, to ensure people get connected to the help they need.
Who this work suits
Holland code SCE. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to be organized and detail-oriented, comfortable following established procedures and managing administrative tasks. You're drawn to helping others and find satisfaction in problem-solving practical challenges that affect people's access to services and support.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Social Services Assistant · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Fort Drum, New York · $45409–$72644
- SOCIAL SERVICES ASSISTANT (OA) · U.S. Marine Corps · Camp Lejeune, North Carolina · $40736–$52957
- Social Services Assistant · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Fort Riley, Kansas · $55882–$72644
- Social Media Marketing Assistant · HighKey Agency · United States · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $49,190 | $59,460 | $65,510 | 2,080 |
| Washington | $47,520 | $54,770 | $61,640 | 7,590 |
| Oregon | $46,130 | $51,230 | $59,010 | 11,260 |
| California | $46,110 | $51,090 | $61,450 | 58,730 |
| Minnesota | $45,630 | $49,940 | $59,880 | 11,110 |
| New Jersey | $41,240 | $48,420 | $58,530 | 17,270 |
| Rhode Island | $37,900 | $47,720 | $57,740 | 2,290 |
| Maine | $44,260 | $47,710 | $53,860 | 4,580 |
| Colorado | $43,790 | $47,690 | $55,930 | 5,410 |
| Idaho | $43,870 | $47,540 | $53,290 | 3,810 |
| Wisconsin | $38,600 | $47,500 | $60,380 | 7,750 |
| Alaska | $44,490 | $47,360 | $59,990 | 1,370 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Human Services - Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCPT) — Center for Credentialing & Education, Inc.
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 43 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against social and human service assistants and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 21-1093.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.