Social and human services assistants aid people and ensure they receive the proper services. Unlike social workers, social and human service assistants don’t handle cases, but they’re responsible for helping individuals who are under the supervision of social workers or case managers.
Enrolling in the online Associate of Arts (AA) in Applied Psychology program from Florida Institute of Technology can be an excellent first step on this career path. The degree program helps students develop the skills and knowledge to excel in social and human services roles, thereby increasing the positive impact they can have on the lives of the people they serve.
Job Outlook for Social and Human Services Assistants
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that job opportunities for social and human services assistants will increase by 8% from 2023 to 2033, which is twice the average growth rate for all occupations. As the older adult population continues to grow, demand for social services will increase accordingly. This development will drive more demand for social and human services assistants, the professionals that arrange and provide services such as in-home meal delivery and care and community center activities.
In addition, the rise of addiction treatment services as an alternative to jail time will result in the need for more addiction treatment professionals. This need increases demand for social and human service assistants who have the preparation, training and skills to work effectively with people with substance abuse disorders.
Overall, BLS expects solid job prospects for this occupational group. The best opportunities will likely come to professionals with training and postsecondary education.
Social Services Assistant Job Description
Social and human services assistants can find themselves in dynamic and oftentimes active environments. According to BLS, some of the most common duties these professionals take on include:
- Helping determine what kind of aid clients need
- Collaborating with clients and other professionals to develop treatment plans
- Researching services like food stamps and Medicaid
- Assisting clients with identifying appropriate services and completing necessary paperwork for program application and renewal
- Checking in with clients to make sure services are provided
These professionals might also continue to follow up with clients to make sure the services received meet their needs. Social and human services assistants work under the supervision of social workers, psychologists and other well-trained professionals in the field.
Social and Human Services Assistant Salary Range
BLS reports that the median annual salary for social and human service assistants nationwide was $45,120 as of 2024. Annual salaries for the top 10% of earners exceeded $63,850.
The range of salaries for social and human services assistants will depend on the location and job description. Further education can qualify social and human services assistants for higher-level positions with an increased earning potential.
Where Are Jobs Available in the Social and Human Services Field?
Social and human services assistant work is quite versatile and found in numerous professional environments. According to BLS, the top-paying industries that employ social and human service assistants are:
- Local and state government, excluding education and hospitals
- Individual and family services
- Community food and housing, emergency and other relief services, and vocational rehabilitation services
- Nursing and residential care facilities
How to Become a Social and Human Services Assistant
BLS notes that the lowest educational requirement to become a social and human services assistant is a high school diploma or a GED, coupled with on-the-job training. However, some employers prefer candidates with a post-secondary certificate or associate degree in a relevant field like social services or social and behavioral sciences.
A first step to a social and human services career could be earning an AA in applied psychology. Coursework in this type of degree program typically covers principles of psychology, as well as life and social sciences. While an associate degree program generally takes roughly two years to complete, Florida Tech allows online AA in Applied Psychology students to transfer in up to 45 of the 61 required credit hours, expediting degree completion.
Advancement Options in Social and Human Services
An AA in applied psychology prepares students for a variety of interesting careers. Professionals may decide to work in areas like child care or mental health.
Advancement in the social and human services field typically requires additional education. A bachelor’s or master’s in human services, social work or a related field like applied psychology can open doors to career paths such as case management and social work. Students who pursue higher levels of education can also find themselves applying to roles that include:
- Rehabilitation counselor
- Probation officer and correctional treatment specialist
- Substance abuse and mental health counselor
Work Environment and Clientele
BLS outlines how day-to-day responsibilities vary depending on the client, employer and work environment. For example, when assigned to children and families, these professionals will likely prioritize the children’s safety and whether the family has access to food and transportation.
When assigned to people with mental illnesses, they’ll help identify an assistance network for clients. Such networks could include self-help and support groups, personal care services and group housing opportunities.
In other cases, these assistants might support immigrants seeking work, housing and legal assistance. Social and human services assistants may also help immigrants find language acquisition resources, such as programs that teach English.
Additionally, social and human services assistants may work with former prison inmates to find housing as well as job training and placement programs. These services are critical to helping formerly incarcerated individuals reenter society successfully, mitigating the possibility of recidivism.
Clearly, social and human services professionals work with a wide range of populations. Beyond the populations mentioned above, these professionals may work with people experiencing homelessness, people who suffer from addictions, veterans, older adults, people with disabilities, and more.
Is a Social and Human Service Assistant Career a Good Fit?
The social and human services field provides critical assistance to the vulnerable populations that need it most. For those who care about helping people and have the work ethic and determination to tackle challenging and stressful situations with creativity and empathy, a career in social and human services can be an excellent fit.
Working in this field requires excellent communication, interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving and time-management skills, as well as a great deal of compassion. Prospective social and human services assistants can hone these skills while preparing for career advancement by earning an AA in Applied Psychology online from Florida Tech. This degree program also prepares students to pursue further education and the array of career opportunities that can come with advanced qualifications.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online AA in Applied Psychology program.
