Job Description

Assists social workers and caseworkers to organize and implement programs that aid families and individuals to prevent or resolve problems related to basic needs, substance abuse and human relationships.

A person in this career:

• Keeps records and prepares reports concerning interactions with clients
• Gives individuals and groups information about agency and community services
• Provides information on eligibility requirements and procedures
• Interviews individuals and family members to gather information on social, educational, criminal and institutional or drug history
• Provides information on and refers individuals to public or private agencies and community services for assistance
• Helps clients prepare forms, such as assistance applications and rent forms
• Observes a client’s food selection and preparation and makes recommendations for a healthier diet
• Oversees the day-to-day group activities of residents in an institution
• Transports and accompanies client to shopping areas and to appointments
• Helps locate housing for displaced individuals
• Assists clients in need of counseling or crisis intervention
• Assists in drug and alcohol counseling, prevention educational activities, and rehabilitation

Working conditions and physical demands

• Handle loads of up to 10 pounds, sometimes up to 20 pounds. You might do a lot of walking or standing.
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time.
• Work in this occupation involves sitting more than one-third of the time.

Working in this career involves the following physical activities:

• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Seeing clearly up close
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work hours and travel

• Irregular hours
• Weekend work

Career at a Glance

Salary Range
$20,190 to $32,656

Skills Needed
Enjoy working with and helping people
Good problem-solving and communication skills
Organized with good documentation skills
Thoughtful, genuine and empathetic

Job Duties
Work with at-risk adolescents, the elderly, the mentally ill, victims of domestic abuse, the homeless and clients with HIV
Transport and accompany clients to shopping areas and to appointments
Assist in counseling of clients with drug, alcohol and tobacco problems
Provide prevention-oriented education

Work Locations
Clinics/shelters
Corrections
Residential services
Mental health agencies
Rehabilitation centers