Social Services Professionals
Social services professionals provide counseling, support, and advocacy services to help individuals, families, and communities address mental health challenges, substance abuse issues, educational needs, and social problems. These professionals work in diverse settings including schools, hospitals, community centers, rehabilitation facilities, and government agencies to promote well-being and positive life changes. They maintain detailed records, develop treatment plans, and connect clients with resources while ensuring confidentiality and professional standards.
π¬Career Video
π€AI Resilience Assessment
AI Resilience Score
Score 3/6: high AI task exposure, strong human advantage means AI will assist but humans remain essential
How we calculated this:
53% of tasks can be accelerated by AI
+5% projected (2024-2034)
EPOCH score: 22/25
πKey Responsibilities
- β’Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.
- β’Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.
- β’Assess individuals' degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing urine samples.
- β’Follow progress of discharged patients to determine effectiveness of treatments.
- β’Conduct chemical dependency program orientation sessions.
- β’Review and evaluate clients' progress in relation to measurable goals described in treatment and care plans.
- β’Coordinate activities with courts, probation officers, community services, or other post-treatment agencies.
- β’Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories.
π‘Inside This Career
Social services professionals begin their days by reviewing case files, checking urgent messages, and preparing for scheduled appointments with clients who may be individuals, families, couples, or groups facing various life challenges. Their mornings often involve conducting assessments, facilitating therapy sessions, or providing crisis intervention support. Whether working in schools, hospitals, community centers, treatment facilities, or private practice, these professionals create safe spaces where people can address issues ranging from addiction and mental health concerns to educational planning and family conflicts. Documentation plays a crucial role throughout the day, as they maintain detailed records of client progress, treatment plans, and service coordination.
The afternoon hours frequently bring collaborative work with other professionalsβconsulting with teachers about student needs, coordinating with healthcare teams on patient care, or partnering with legal systems on rehabilitation programs. Many social services professionals also dedicate time to community outreach, leading educational workshops on topics like substance abuse prevention, conducting group counseling sessions, or developing programs that address specific community needs. They regularly connect clients with additional resources, making referrals to other agencies and following up on service delivery.
Administrative responsibilities weave throughout their schedules, including case management coordination, insurance authorization processes, and preparation of reports for supervisors or court systems. Despite the structured nature of appointments and documentation, social services professionals must remain flexible to handle unexpected crises, emergency interventions, or urgent client needs. Their work environment shifts between one-on-one counseling spaces, group meeting rooms, community locations, and occasionally clients' homes, requiring adaptability in both setting and approach while maintaining professional boundaries and ethical standards.
πCareer Progression
What does this mean?
This shows how earnings typically grow with experience. Entry level represents starting salaries, while Expert shows top earners (90th percentile). Most workers reach mid-career earnings within 5-10 years. Figures are national averages and vary by location and employer.
πEducation & Training
Requirements
- β’Entry Education: Associate's degree
- β’Experience: Several years
- β’On-the-job Training: Several years
- !License or certification required
Time & Cost
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Find jobs and training programs for social services professionals- Median salary: $55K/year
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π»Technology Skills
βKey Abilities
π·οΈAlso Known As
πSpecializations
This career includes 15 specialized roles with different focuses and compensation levels.
| Specialization | Median Pay | AI Outlook | O*NET Code | Find Jobs | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $63,770 | π’ | 21-1029.00 | View details | ||
| $62,940 | π’ | 21-1022.00 | View details | ||
| $62,860 | π‘ | 21-1091.00 | View details | ||
| $61,800 | π‘ | 21-1092.00 | View details | ||
| $61,710 | π‘ | 21-1012.00 | View details |
πRelated Careers
Other careers in social-services
πData Sources
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