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Sociology Careers and Jobs

Select, Find and Prepare for Sociology Careers and Jobs - all on one page

For people interested in social systems and human behavior who want flexibility across social services and policy. Use the tools below to see which sociology roles fit your background and goals.

Like other social-science majors, sociology's value lies in research and analytical skills applied broadly across social services, HR, and policy. Use the tools below to explore Sociology-related job titles sorted by growth rate, salary, or required education. You can start with entry points like Case Worker, or look ahead to advanced roles such as Social Services Program Manager or HR Specialist. Along the way, you will see specific certifications, such as None formally required; often paired with an MSW or MPA, that can help you move up the career ladder.



4 Steps to Use This Page: 1-Explore Careers of Intrerest 2-See Job Listings Matched to Career 3-Prepare for the Career 4-See External Career Resources

Here is a short Helper Video External Link

This page will take you through 4 steps to (1) Select from Sociology careers/jobs, (2) Find Sociology job listings, (3) Prepare for Sociology careers, and (4) Provide Sociology career-specific resources.

Step 1: Select a Career/Job: This page starts with 4 ways for you to identify and select from listings of Sociology careers/jobs:
A) Fastest Growing Sociology Careers - 2023 to 2033 (est.)
These listings are based on job growth estimates and helps you to identify the fastest growing and evolving Sociology careers. Some careers may not initially seem related to Sociology, so relevant Sociology jobs are listed alongside each listing. This can also help us to identify which careers (bottom of the listing) may have negative growth - perhaps due to automation or planned obsolescence.
B) Median Annual Salary U.S. Sociology Careers
These listings are sorted (descending) by median annual salary in the U.S. This may help us to identify our ideal career. We may not qualify at this time for the desired career, but this listing and the results provided can help us to explore job details, as well as learn how to appropriately prepare for the career.
C) Sociology Career Ladders (Educational Requirements)
These listings will help us to identify Sociology careers sorted by educational requirements (with the most difficult to obtain listed first). This may help us to identify career ladders (as we scroll down the list), and help us to get jobs that we qualify for now.
D) Select From a Listing of 61 Sociology Jobs.
The list may be quite long. There are two ways you might like to use this list:
1) Filter - As you enter a word, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles
2) Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.
Once you have identified a job title of interest, simply click on it.

Step 2: Find a Job: After you have selected a career/job title above, you will see a form asking for your location. You will see several radio selection choices to utilize the job search site of your choice.

Step 3: Prepare For a Career: In this section you will gain access to detailed information to help you prepare for the chosen career. Information may include (not every career choice includes all of the elements below - updates occur quarterly):
Core Duties: Lists the primary worker-related tasks performed in this occupation
Supplemental Duties: Lists additional tasks that are performed but are secondary to the core duties
Work Activities: Summarizes the broad types of behaviors and actions related to this career
Specific Work Activities: Provides more granular day-to-day activities tied to the work performed
Essential Skills: Provides foundational skills that are core to performing this specific occupation
Transferable Skills: Provides career-portable skills that can be applied across multiple occupations and industries
Day-in-the-Life Summaries: Provides a snapshot of the key activities performed on a typical workday in this career
Knowledge Required: Provides the requirements regarding the acquisition of facts and principles
Software Skills: Lists software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized by category and priority
Preparation Required: Provides a summary of the required experience and education
Education Required: Detailed breakdown of the education required
Training and Experience Required: Detailed breakdown of the training and Training and Experience Required
Local Salary Information: Provides national and local salary ranges
Certifications: Provides appropriate government and private-sector certifications and/or credentials that may be required
Professional Associations: Provides professional associations that are related to the career selected
Job Listings: Provides links to active current job listings for the selected career, along with multiple similar job titles to explore. All information appears on this page without navigating away.
Related Careers to Consider: Lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to your initial choice - what they do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit.

** If you clicked on a link from section D (as described in Step 1 above), you will see one or more links to an occupation that is usually a bit more general than your initial job selection - the link(s) is directly related to the specific job you identified through your prior selections.
*NOTE: It is possible that there may not be a career path identified for the specific job you selected in Step 1. If this is the case, scroll up the page and click on a different career/job.

Step 4: Career-Specific Resources (detailed and constantly updated): Continue to scroll down the page and you will find tabs that provide detailed (updated) links specific to the career you selected. This information includes:
Videos: Provides a listing of video links related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.
Resumes: Sources for resume materials and techniques. This can help to get you started.
Job Description: Sources that provide job descriptions, which are vital to resume and interview preparation.
Interviews: Provides links that can help you to prepare for and successfully complete the job interview. Can also assist with coffee chats.
Step by Step: Provides links to resources that can help to organize the career search process.
LinkedIn: One of the best professional social media sites that provides links, opportunities, and networking specifically for careers and career development.




Step 1 of 4: Select a Career/Job

8 Sociology careers are listed below (sorted by Percentage Change in Total Job Openings - 2023 to 2033 est.). Sociology-related jobs specific to each career are also provided. This shows which careers are emerging and growing the fastest. Please Scroll and Select below:

Occupations U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033 (% change) Sociology-Related Jobs

Social and Human Service Assistants 16.6% Clinical Social Work Aide
Occupation: Social and Human Service Assistants U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 16.6% Sociology-Related Jobs: Clinical Social Work Aide
Social and Community Service Managers 15.2% Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor
Occupation: Social and Community Service Managers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 15.2% Sociology-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 14.9% Behavioral Health Social Worker; Clinical Social Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Drug Abuse Social Worker; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Social Worker; Mental Health Social Worker; Psychiatric Social Worker; Psychotherapist Social Worker
Occupation: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 14.9% Sociology-Related Jobs: Behavioral Health Social Worker; Clinical Social Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Drug Abuse Social Worker; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Social Worker; Mental Health Social Worker; Psychiatric Social Worker; Psychotherapist Social Worker
Healthcare Social Workers 13.2% AIDS Social Worker; Certified Health Care Social Worker; Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC); Clinical Social Worker; Geriatric Social Worker; Group Social Worker; Health Care Social Worker; Healthcare Social Worker; Home Health Care Social Worker; Hospice Home Care Social Worker; Hospice Medical Social Worker; Hospice Social Worker; Hospital Social Worker; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Social Worker; LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker); LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker); LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker); LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker); Long Term Care Social Worker; Medical Social Consultant; Medical Social Worker; Neonatal Social Worker; Nephrology Social Worker; Nursing Home Social Worker; Older Adult Social Work Specialist; Oncology Social Worker; Pediatric Social Worker; Perinatal Social Worker; Public Health Social Worker; Renal Social Worker
Occupation: Healthcare Social Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 13.2% Sociology-Related Jobs: AIDS Social Worker; Certified Health Care Social Worker; Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC); Clinical Social Worker; Geriatric Social Worker; Group Social Worker; Health Care Social Worker; Healthcare Social Worker; Home Health Care Social Worker; Hospice Home Care Social Worker; Hospice Medical Social Worker; Hospice Social Worker; Hospital Social Worker; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Social Worker; LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker); LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker); LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker); LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker); Long Term Care Social Worker; Medical Social Consultant; Medical Social Worker; Neonatal Social Worker; Nephrology Social Worker; Nursing Home Social Worker; Older Adult Social Work Specialist; Oncology Social Worker; Pediatric Social Worker; Perinatal Social Worker; Public Health Social Worker; Renal Social Worker
Child, Family, and School Social Workers 12.6% Adoption Social Worker; Certified Child, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW); Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW); Child Protective Services Social Worker (CPS Social Worker); Child Welfare Social Worker; Delinquency Prevention Social Worker; Foster Care Social Worker; Licensed Social Worker; LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker); Protective Services Social Worker; School Social Worker
Occupation: Child, Family, and School Social Workers U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 12.6% Sociology-Related Jobs: Adoption Social Worker; Certified Child, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW); Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW); Child Protective Services Social Worker (CPS Social Worker); Child Welfare Social Worker; Delinquency Prevention Social Worker; Foster Care Social Worker; Licensed Social Worker; LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker); Protective Services Social Worker; School Social Worker
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary 8.9% Family Welfare Social Work Professor; Geriatric Social Work Professor; Health Social Work Professor
Occupation: Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 8.9% Sociology-Related Jobs: Family Welfare Social Work Professor; Geriatric Social Work Professor; Health Social Work Professor
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary 7.6% Adjunct Sociology Professor; Comparative Sociology Professor
Occupation: Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 7.6% Sociology-Related Jobs: Adjunct Sociology Professor; Comparative Sociology Professor
Sociologists 4.8% Clinical Sociologist; Family Sociologist; Medical Sociologist; Rural Sociologist; Urban Sociologist
Occupation: Sociologists U.S. Job Openings 2023-2033: 4.8% Sociology-Related Jobs: Clinical Sociologist; Family Sociologist; Medical Sociologist; Rural Sociologist; Urban Sociologist

9 Sociology careers are listed below (sorted by U.S. National Median Salary). Sociology-related jobs specific to each occupation are also provided. Please Scroll and Select below::

Occupations National Median Salary Sociology-Related Jobs

Chief Sustainability Officers $ 206,680 CSR and Sustainability VP (Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Vice President); ESG Manager (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance Manager)
Occupation: Chief Sustainability Officers National Median Salary: $ 206,680 Sociology-Related Jobs: CSR and Sustainability VP (Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Vice President); ESG Manager (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance Manager)
Sociologists $ 101,770 Clinical Sociologist; Family Sociologist; Medical Sociologist; Rural Sociologist; Urban Sociologist
Occupation: Sociologists National Median Salary: $ 101,770 Sociology-Related Jobs: Clinical Sociologist; Family Sociologist; Medical Sociologist; Rural Sociologist; Urban Sociologist
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $ 82,670 Adjunct Sociology Professor; Comparative Sociology Professor
Occupation: Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 82,670 Sociology-Related Jobs: Adjunct Sociology Professor; Comparative Sociology Professor
Social and Community Service Managers $ 77,030 Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor
Occupation: Social and Community Service Managers National Median Salary: $ 77,030 Sociology-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $ 75,020 Family Welfare Social Work Professor; Geriatric Social Work Professor; Health Social Work Professor
Occupation: Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary National Median Salary: $ 75,020 Sociology-Related Jobs: Family Welfare Social Work Professor; Geriatric Social Work Professor; Health Social Work Professor
Healthcare Social Workers $ 62,940 AIDS Social Worker; Certified Health Care Social Worker; Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC); Clinical Social Worker; Geriatric Social Worker; Group Social Worker; Health Care Social Worker; Healthcare Social Worker; Home Health Care Social Worker; Hospice Home Care Social Worker; Hospice Medical Social Worker; Hospice Social Worker; Hospital Social Worker; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Social Worker; LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker); LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker); LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker); LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker); Long Term Care Social Worker; Medical Social Consultant; Medical Social Worker; Neonatal Social Worker; Nephrology Social Worker; Nursing Home Social Worker; Older Adult Social Work Specialist; Oncology Social Worker; Pediatric Social Worker; Perinatal Social Worker; Public Health Social Worker; Renal Social Worker
Occupation: Healthcare Social Workers National Median Salary: $ 62,940 Sociology-Related Jobs: AIDS Social Worker; Certified Health Care Social Worker; Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC); Clinical Social Worker; Geriatric Social Worker; Group Social Worker; Health Care Social Worker; Healthcare Social Worker; Home Health Care Social Worker; Hospice Home Care Social Worker; Hospice Medical Social Worker; Hospice Social Worker; Hospital Social Worker; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Social Worker; LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker); LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker); LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker); LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker); Long Term Care Social Worker; Medical Social Consultant; Medical Social Worker; Neonatal Social Worker; Nephrology Social Worker; Nursing Home Social Worker; Older Adult Social Work Specialist; Oncology Social Worker; Pediatric Social Worker; Perinatal Social Worker; Public Health Social Worker; Renal Social Worker
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $ 55,960 Behavioral Health Social Worker; Clinical Social Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Drug Abuse Social Worker; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Social Worker; Mental Health Social Worker; Psychiatric Social Worker; Psychotherapist Social Worker
Occupation: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers National Median Salary: $ 55,960 Sociology-Related Jobs: Behavioral Health Social Worker; Clinical Social Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Drug Abuse Social Worker; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Social Worker; Mental Health Social Worker; Psychiatric Social Worker; Psychotherapist Social Worker
Child, Family, and School Social Workers $ 53,940 Adoption Social Worker; Certified Child, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW); Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW); Child Protective Services Social Worker (CPS Social Worker); Child Welfare Social Worker; Delinquency Prevention Social Worker; Foster Care Social Worker; Licensed Social Worker; LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker); Protective Services Social Worker; School Social Worker
Occupation: Child, Family, and School Social Workers National Median Salary: $ 53,940 Sociology-Related Jobs: Adoption Social Worker; Certified Child, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW); Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW); Child Protective Services Social Worker (CPS Social Worker); Child Welfare Social Worker; Delinquency Prevention Social Worker; Foster Care Social Worker; Licensed Social Worker; LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker); Protective Services Social Worker; School Social Worker
Social and Human Service Assistants $ 41,410 Clinical Social Work Aide
Occupation: Social and Human Service Assistants National Median Salary: $ 41,410 Sociology-Related Jobs: Clinical Social Work Aide

10 Sociology careers are listed (sorted by Education/Preparation Requirements - descending) to provide career ladders. Sociology-related jobs specific to each career are also provided.

Education/Preparation Categories:
5 = Usually requires graduate school (e.g., Master's degree, Ph.D., M.D., or J.D.)
4 = Usually requires a four-year Bachelor's degree
3 = Usually requires vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or Associate's degree
2 = Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, but not always
Please Scroll and Select below:
Occupations Education/Preparation Sociology-Related Jobs

Chief Sustainability Officers 5 CSR and Sustainability VP (Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Vice President); ESG Manager (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance Manager)
Occupation: Chief Sustainability Officers Education/Preparation: 5 Sociology-Related Jobs: CSR and Sustainability VP (Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Vice President); ESG Manager (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance Manager)
Healthcare Social Workers 5 AIDS Social Worker; Certified Health Care Social Worker; Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC); Clinical Social Worker; Geriatric Social Worker; Group Social Worker; Health Care Social Worker; Healthcare Social Worker; Home Health Care Social Worker; Hospice Home Care Social Worker; Hospice Medical Social Worker; Hospice Social Worker; Hospital Social Worker; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Social Worker; LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker); LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker); LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker); LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker); Long Term Care Social Worker; Medical Social Consultant; Medical Social Worker; Neonatal Social Worker; Nephrology Social Worker; Nursing Home Social Worker; Older Adult Social Work Specialist; Oncology Social Worker; Pediatric Social Worker; Perinatal Social Worker; Public Health Social Worker; Renal Social Worker
Occupation: Healthcare Social Workers Education/Preparation: 5 Sociology-Related Jobs: AIDS Social Worker; Certified Health Care Social Worker; Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC); Clinical Social Worker; Geriatric Social Worker; Group Social Worker; Health Care Social Worker; Healthcare Social Worker; Home Health Care Social Worker; Hospice Home Care Social Worker; Hospice Medical Social Worker; Hospice Social Worker; Hospital Social Worker; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Social Worker; LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker); LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker); LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker); LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker); Long Term Care Social Worker; Medical Social Consultant; Medical Social Worker; Neonatal Social Worker; Nephrology Social Worker; Nursing Home Social Worker; Older Adult Social Work Specialist; Oncology Social Worker; Pediatric Social Worker; Perinatal Social Worker; Public Health Social Worker; Renal Social Worker
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers 5 Behavioral Health Social Worker; Clinical Social Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Drug Abuse Social Worker; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Social Worker; Mental Health Social Worker; Psychiatric Social Worker; Psychotherapist Social Worker
Occupation: Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers Education/Preparation: 5 Sociology-Related Jobs: Behavioral Health Social Worker; Clinical Social Worker; Community Mental Health Social Worker; Drug Abuse Social Worker; Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW); Licensed Social Worker; Mental Health Social Worker; Psychiatric Social Worker; Psychotherapist Social Worker
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Family Welfare Social Work Professor; Geriatric Social Work Professor; Health Social Work Professor
Occupation: Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Sociology-Related Jobs: Family Welfare Social Work Professor; Geriatric Social Work Professor; Health Social Work Professor
Sociologists 5 Clinical Sociologist; Family Sociologist; Medical Sociologist; Rural Sociologist; Urban Sociologist
Occupation: Sociologists Education/Preparation: 5 Sociology-Related Jobs: Clinical Sociologist; Family Sociologist; Medical Sociologist; Rural Sociologist; Urban Sociologist
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary 5 Adjunct Sociology Professor; Comparative Sociology Professor
Occupation: Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary Education/Preparation: 5 Sociology-Related Jobs: Adjunct Sociology Professor; Comparative Sociology Professor
Child, Family, and School Social Workers 4 Adoption Social Worker; Certified Child, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW); Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW); Child Protective Services Social Worker (CPS Social Worker); Child Welfare Social Worker; Delinquency Prevention Social Worker; Foster Care Social Worker; Licensed Social Worker; LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker); Protective Services Social Worker; School Social Worker
Occupation: Child, Family, and School Social Workers Education/Preparation: 4 Sociology-Related Jobs: Adoption Social Worker; Certified Child, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW); Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW); Child Protective Services Social Worker (CPS Social Worker); Child Welfare Social Worker; Delinquency Prevention Social Worker; Foster Care Social Worker; Licensed Social Worker; LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker); Protective Services Social Worker; School Social Worker
Social and Community Service Managers 4 Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor
Occupation: Social and Community Service Managers Education/Preparation: 4 Sociology-Related Jobs: Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor
Social and Human Service Assistants 4 Clinical Social Work Aide
Occupation: Social and Human Service Assistants Education/Preparation: 4 Sociology-Related Jobs: Clinical Social Work Aide
Home Health Aides 2 Home Health Social Worker
Occupation: Home Health Aides Education/Preparation: 2 Sociology-Related Jobs: Home Health Social Worker

Scroll through the picklist (below). There are 61 specific Sociology job titles listed. Select those that may be of interest - you will get active job listing links, along with detailed resources to help you prepare for a career related to that job.
You can use this form two ways:

hidden filler

Filter - As you enter a keyword, you will filter (limit) the list of job titles below

Browse the list (Don't Filter) - You can simply explore the list of job titles. There may be many that you might never have considered to be of interest.

Enter a Keyword (filter the list below)
OR - leave blank and scroll through the choices:



Select a Job Title (Scroll and Select) :

Adjunct Sociology Professor
Adoption Social Worker
AIDS Social Worker
Behavioral Health Social Worker
Certified Child, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW)
Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW)
Certified Health Care Social Worker
Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC)
Child Protective Services Social Worker (CPS Social Worker)
Child Welfare Social Worker
Clinical Social Work Aide
Clinical Social Worker
Clinical Sociologist
Community Mental Health Social Worker
Comparative Sociology Professor
CSR and Sustainability VP (Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability Vice President)
Delinquency Prevention Social Worker
Drug Abuse Social Worker
ESG Manager (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance Manager)
Family Sociologist
Family Welfare Social Work Professor
Foster Care Social Worker
Geriatric Social Work Professor
Geriatric Social Worker
Group Social Worker
Health Care Social Worker
Health Social Work Professor
Healthcare Social Worker
Home Health Care Social Worker
Home Health Social Worker
Hospice Home Care Social Worker
Hospice Medical Social Worker
Hospice Social Worker
Hospital Social Worker
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Licensed Social Worker
LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker)
LISW (Licensed Independent Social Worker)
LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker)
LMSW (Licensed Medical Social Worker)
Long Term Care Social Worker
Medical Social Consultant
Medical Social Worker
Medical Sociologist
Mental Health Social Worker
Neonatal Social Worker
Nephrology Social Worker
Nursing Home Social Worker
Older Adult Social Work Specialist
Oncology Social Worker
Pediatric Social Worker
Perinatal Social Worker
Protective Services Social Worker
Psychiatric Social Worker
Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor
Psychotherapist Social Worker
Public Health Social Worker
Renal Social Worker
Rural Sociologist
School Social Worker
Urban Sociologist


Step 2 of 4: Find a Job

Find Job Listings: Social and Human Service Assistants.


Search results will open in a new tab.

Note: Job search results work best for U.S.-based locations. For international searches, try searching for "[job title] in [city, country]" directly on the selected job board, or visit their country-specific website.

Step 3 of 4: Prepare For a Career





Social and Human Service Assistants

Description: 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.

U.S. Total Employment (2023):
417,600
U.S. Total Employment (2033 est.):
487,100
Employment Change (2023-2033 est.):
69,500 (16.6%)
Average Annual Job Openings (2023-2033 est.):
59,100
Please click on a section below to expand and see detailed occupational information related to "Social and Human Service Assistants":

Core Duties

Important Core Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 97 (%) Description: Provide information or refer individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance.
Importance: 94 (%) Description: Assess clients' cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Submit reports and review reports or problems with superior.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients.
Importance: 82 (%) Description: Interview individuals or family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.
Importance: 78 (%) Description: Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Advise clients regarding food stamps, child care, food, money management, sanitation, or housekeeping.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Visit individuals in homes or attend group meetings to provide information on agency services, requirements, or procedures.
Supplemental Duties
Important Supplemental Job Duties (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Assist in locating housing for displaced individuals.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Consult with supervisor concerning programs for individual families.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Oversee day-to-day group activities of residents in institution.
Importance: 44 (%) Description: Observe and discuss meal preparation and suggest alternate methods of food preparation.
Importance: 43 (%) Description: Assist clients with preparation of forms, such as tax or rent forms.
Importance: 41 (%) Description: Transport and accompany clients to shopping areas or to appointments, using automobile.
Importance: 36 (%) Description: Observe clients' food selections and recommend alternate economical and nutritional food choices.
Importance: 32 (%) Description: Explain rules established by owner or management, such as sanitation or maintenance requirements or parking regulations.
Importance: 32 (%) Description: Inform tenants of facilities, such as laundries or playgrounds.
Importance: 30 (%) Description: Demonstrate use and care of equipment for tenant use.
Importance: 29 (%) Description: Assist in planning food budgets, using charts or sample budgets.
Work Activities

Important General Work Activities (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 95 (%) Description: Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Importance: 90 (%) Description: Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Importance: 86 (%) Description: Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Importance: 81 (%) Description: Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Importance: 80 (%) Description: Working with Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Communicating with People Outside the Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Importance: 74 (%) Description: Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Importance: 72 (%) Description: Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Importance: 71 (%) Description: Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Importance: 70 (%) Description: Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Providing Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Importance: 69 (%) Description: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Importance: 68 (%) Description: Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Importance: 67 (%) Description: Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Specific Work Activities

Important Specific Work Activities
How can you begin to build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation. Specific Work Activities appear below:
Advise clients or community groups on health issues.
Assist clients in handling details of daily life.
Collaborate with other professionals to assess client needs or plan treatments.
Conduct diagnostic tests to determine patient health.
Demonstrate activity techniques or equipment use.
Develop treatment plans for patients or clients.
Examine patients to assess general physical condition.
Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
Help clients get needed services or resources.
Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress.
Maintain social services program records.
Monitor activities of individuals to ensure safety or compliance with rules.
Monitor nutrition related activities of individuals or groups.
Present social services program information to the public.
Provide basic information to guests, visitors, or clients.
Refer clients to community or social service programs.
Teach life skills or strategies to clients or their families.
Transport clients to appointments.
Visit individuals in their homes to provide support or information.
Write reports or evaluations.
Knowledge Required

Knowledge Required (in order of importance)
For the Top 5 most important - How can you build experience and skill doing these? This will help now, to begin preparing for this type of occupation.
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 88 (%) Description: Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Importance: 84 (%) Description: Psychology: Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Importance: 77 (%) Description: Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Importance: 73 (%) Description: English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Importance: 65 (%) Description: Administrative: Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Importance: 63 (%) Description: Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Essential Skills

Essential Skills (in order of importance)
These are the foundational skills most central to success in this occupation. For the Top 5 most important, how can you begin building experience and confidence using these skills now?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Importance: 60 (%) Description: Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Transferable Skills

Transferable Skills (in order of importance)
These are skills that can transfer across occupations and industries. For the Top 5 most important, how can you strengthen these skills now so they support both this career and future career flexibility?
Importance (%) Description
Importance: 66 (%) Description: Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Importance: 64 (%) Description: Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Importance: 62 (%) Description: Coordination: Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Importance: 56 (%) Description: Persuasion: Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Importance: 54 (%) Description: Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Day-in-the-Life Summaries

Day-in-the-Life Summaries
These summaries show the main types of activities you are likely to perform on a regular basis in this occupation. How can you imagine your typical workday — using these examples to see if this type of work fits you?
Activity: Administer diagnostic tests to assess patient health.
Activity: Advise others on healthcare or wellness issues.
Activity: Assist individuals with special needs.
Activity: Assist others to access additional services or resources.
Activity: Confer with healthcare or other professionals about patient care.
Activity: Develop patient or client care or treatment plans.
Activity: Examine people or animals to assess health conditions or physical characteristics.
Activity: Explain regulations, policies, or procedures.
Activity: Interview people to obtain information.
Activity: Maintain operational records.
Activity: Monitor health conditions of humans or animals.
Activity: Monitor individual behavior or performance.
Activity: Present research or technical information.
Activity: Provide information or assistance to the public.
Activity: Provide information to guests, clients, or customers.
Activity: Provide support or encouragement to others.
Activity: Teach life skills.
Activity: Train others to use equipment or products.
Activity: Transport patients or clients.
Software Skills

Software Skills
These are examples of software tools commonly used in this occupation, organized from most to least important for your career preparation. How can you start learning or practicing the highest-priority tools so that you feel confident using them on the job?
High-Priority Tech Skills
Office suite software:
Microsoft Office software
Emerging Tech Skills
Data base user interface and query software:
Microsoft Access
Electronic mail software:
Microsoft Outlook
Medical software:
MEDITECH software
Presentation software:
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software:
Microsoft Excel
Word processing software:
Microsoft Word
General Software Tools
Data base user interface and query software:
Database software
Internet browser software:
Web browser software
Medical software:
Electronic medical record EMR software
PointClickCare healthcare software
Voice recognition software:
Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking
Preparation Required
Preparation Required - How much preparation is needed to obtain this type of job?
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.

Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Education Required

Education Required - by frequency of educational attainment
This shows you details about the level of education most commonly held by workers in this occupation. How can you begin planning the educational pathway that will prepare you best for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Education
Frequency of Attainment: 39.4 (%) Level of Education: Bachelor's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 18.0 (%) Level of Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Frequency of Attainment: 16.2 (%) Level of Education: Some College Courses
Frequency of Attainment: 10.4 (%) Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Frequency of Attainment: 7.4 (%) Level of Education: Master's Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 3.8 (%) Level of Education: Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level.
Frequency of Attainment: 3.8 (%) Level of Education: Doctoral Degree
Frequency of Attainment: 1.1 (%) Level of Education: Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master.
Training and Experience Required

Training and Experience Required - by frequency of training and work experience attainment
This section shows you how often different types of training and work experience are required for this occupation. How can you start gaining the kinds of experience and training that are most common for this type of work?
Frequency of Attainment (%) Level of Training and Work Experience
Frequency of Attainment: 33.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Frequency of Attainment: 17.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: None
Frequency of Attainment: 16.1 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
Frequency of Attainment: 15.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
Frequency of Attainment: 9.0 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Frequency of Attainment: 3.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
Frequency of Attainment: 3.8 (%) Level of Training and Work Experience: Over 8 years, up to and including 10 years
Certifications
Certifications
These are examples of certifications that may be important for this occupation. How can you begin exploring which certifications fit your goals and what steps you would need to take to earn them?
Center-Based Infant-Toddler Child Development Associate External Link
Center-Based Preschool Child Development Associate External Link
Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences External Link
Certified Peer Specialist External Link
Home Visitor Child Development Associate External Link
Professional Associations
Professional Associations
These associations connect people who work in this occupation or related fields. How can you start using these associations to learn more, build your network, or find mentoring opportunities?
Community Action Partnership External Link
Community Associations Institute (CAI) External Link
National Alliance for Direct Support Professional (NADSP) External Link
National Federation of the Blind (NFB) External Link
Related Careers to Consider
Related Careers to Consider
This lists up to 20 careers that might be of interest to you (related to what "Social and Human Service Assistants" do, what they know, and what they're called), ranked by best fit. How do these related occupations align with your interests, skills, and goals?
1 - Child, Family, and School Social Workers
2 - Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
3 - Healthcare Social Workers
4 - Marriage and Family Therapists
5 - Mental Health Counselors
6 - Rehabilitation Counselors
7 - Community Health Workers
8 - Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
9 - Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
10 - Health Education Specialists
11 - Psychiatric Technicians
12 - Psychiatric Aides
13 - Patient Representatives
14 - Occupational Therapy Aides
15 - Social and Community Service Managers
16 - Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
17 - Home Health Aides
18 - Recreational Therapists
19 - School Psychologists
20 - Personal Care Aides


Step 4 of 4: Career-Specific Resources

This section contains detailed external resources appropriate to "Social and Human Service Assistants". Explore these resources to start learning more. Links are constantly updated, so bookmark this page.

Videos

Here is a listing of videos related to this career. A great way to get a quick overview of the occupation.


Resumes

Here are resources that allow you to see example resumes for this occupation. It may be helpful to see examples from others who have this type of experience.


Job Description

Here are resources that provide job descriptions, which are vital for resume and interview preparation.


Interviews

There are many great resources that can help guide you through the interview process. These links provide help in preparing and performing an effective interview, specific to this occupation.


Salary Data

Here are links to help you identify salary ranges for this occupation. These data are necessary prior to effective salary negotiations.


Raises

Here are resources that help you to prepare to ask for a raise. These links will help you to prepare for the salary negotiation process.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Social and Human Service Assistants". Use these links to find a job.


Jobs

Here are resources that lead to links for actual jobs related to "Social and Human Service Assistants". Use these links to find a job.


Classifieds

There are various sources for job classified ads. These links should help get you started to find a job for this occupation.


Step-by-Step

Here are links to help guide you, step-by-step, to become a(n): Social and Human Service Assistants


Career Change

Here are resources to help you prepare for a career change. It is helpful to look carefully at the information provided in Section 3: Career Change (detailed previously on this page) prior to using these links. There is much to learn ...


LinkedIn®

Here are links to various posts and groups from LinkedIn ® that relate to this occupation. Great way to start building professional contacts in the field that might be most appropriate for you.


Career Path

Here are links to various resources to help you explore the career path related to the "Social and Human Service Assistants" occupation.






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