Occupation AtlasSocial and Human Service Assistants
O*NET · 21-1093.00
Social and Human Service Assistants
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.
52 more
Child and Youth Care Practitioner · Children's Aide · Client Advocate · Clinical Assistant · Clinical Social Work Aide · Community Advocate · Community Aide · Community Development Aide · Community Organization Aide · Community Program Assistant · Counseling Aide · Counselor Aide · Court Advocate · Direct Support Specialist · Domestic Violence Advocate · Family Advocate · Family Service Aide · Family Service Assistant · Food Management Aide · Gerontology Aide · Group Activities Aide · Home Visitor · House Visitor · Housing Assistant · Human Services Assistant · Intake Worker · Management Aide · Neighborhood Aide · Peer Support Specialist · Psychological Aide · Residential Care Assistant · Service Aide · Shelter Advocate · Social and Human Services Assistant · Social Service Aide · Social Service Designee (SSD) · Social Services Aide · Social Services Assistant · Social Welfare Clerk · Social Work Assistant · Social Work Associate · Social Worker Aide · Social Worker Assistant · SSD · Support Worker · Therapeutic Assistant · Victim Advocate · Welfare Aide · Welfare Service Aide · Welfare Visitor · Youth Advocate · Youth Development Practitioner
Compare with another occupationCompare with Psychiatric Technicians
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation Needed
Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree plus several years of work-related experience, knowledge, or training.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
SCESocial · Conventional · Enterprising — the three strongest interests, in order
- S Social6.09
- C Conventional4.57
- E Enterprising3.61
- I Investigative2.80
- A Artistic1.95
- R Realistic1.28
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (34%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (38%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (42%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Service OrientationImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- CoordinationImportance 3.8Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.6Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- WritingbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- PersuasionImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Convince a supervisor to purchase new office equipment
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
Show the other 23
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
- NegotiationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- InstructingImportance 2.9Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Determine how a new piece of equipment will affect production rates
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Operation and ControlImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Operations AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Operations MonitoringImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- SciencebasicImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
- Technology DesignImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- ProgrammingImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.1Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
8 core · 11 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Assess clients' cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions.Importance 4.4
- Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients.Importance 4.1
- Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.Importance 4.0
- Visit individuals in homes or attend group meetings to provide information on agency services, requirements, or procedures.Importance 4.0
- Submit reports and review reports or problems with superior.Importance 3.9
- Interview individuals or family members to compile information on social, educational, criminal, institutional, or drug history.Importance 3.8
- Provide information or refer individuals to public or private agencies or community services for assistance.Importance 3.6
- Advise clients regarding food stamps, child care, food, money management, sanitation, or housekeeping.Importance 3.4
Show the other 11
- Oversee day-to-day group activities of residents in institution.Importance 4.1
- Assist in locating housing for displaced individuals.Importance 3.8
- Consult with supervisor concerning programs for individual families.Importance 3.5
- Demonstrate use and care of equipment for tenant use.Importance 3.3
- Assist clients with preparation of forms, such as tax or rent forms.Importance 3.1
- Assist in planning food budgets, using charts or sample budgets.Importance 3.1
- Explain rules established by owner or management, such as sanitation or maintenance requirements or parking regulations.Importance 3.0
- Observe and discuss meal preparation and suggest alternate methods of food preparation.Importance 2.9
- Observe clients' food selections and recommend alternate economical and nutritional food choices.Importance 2.9
- Transport and accompany clients to shopping areas or to appointments, using automobile.Importance 2.8
- Inform tenants of facilities, such as laundries or playgrounds.Importance 2.6
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 4.5Level 5.4Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- PsychologyImportance 4.3Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 3.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
- English LanguageImportance 3.7Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- AdministrativeImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.2Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- Education and TrainingImportance 3.1Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
Show all 33
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.8Level 2.7
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 2.6Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand another culture's religious practices
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
- MathematicsImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- TelecommunicationsImportance 1.9Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Communications and MediaImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- TransportationImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.5Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
- ChemistryImportance 1.4Level 0.8Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- GeographyImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.4Level —
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.4Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.2Level —
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.1Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.1Level —
- MechanicalImportance 1.1Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.0Level —
- DesignImportance 1.0Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
- PhysicsImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
Show all 52
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.3Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
- Near VisionImportance 3.3Level 3.9
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
- Information OrderingImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Far VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- MemorizationImportance 2.8Level 2.9
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.8Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Time SharingImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.3Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- VisualizationImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Depth PerceptionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
- Number FacilityImportance 2.0Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.9Level 0.9
- StaminaImportance 1.9Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Static StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.8Level 0.8
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.6Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.6Level 0.8
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.5Level 0.9
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
- Response OrientationImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.4Level 0.5
- Night VisionImportance 1.3Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.3Level —
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.3Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.7Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 4.5Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Getting InformationImportance 4.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.1Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 4.0Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.0Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.0Level 2.7
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
Show all 41
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.7Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 3.7Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.7Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 3.6Level 2.8
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.6Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.6Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.4Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 3.3Level 2.7
- Processing InformationImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.3Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 3.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.9Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Skim a short article to gather the main point
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.6Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.2Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.0Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.3Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
12 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (1)
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
Hot (6; 1 more marked hot above)
- MEDITECH software
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Other tools (5)
- Database software
- Electronic medical record EMR software
- Nuance Dragon NaturallySpeaking
- PointClickCare healthcare software
- Web browser software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Psychiatric Technicians
Average difference 0.2 points · Troubleshooting +0.9, Management of Financial Resources −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Residential Advisors
Average difference 0.2 points · Troubleshooting +0.7, Reading Comprehension −0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Park Naturalists
Average difference 0.2 points · Coordination −0.8, Operations Analysis +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Recreational Therapists
Average difference 0.2 points · Instructing +1.0, Operations Analysis +0.8
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Patient Representatives
Average difference 0.2 points · Operation and Control −1.0, Operations Analysis −0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Personnel Resources +1.5, Service Orientation −0.9
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Nannies
Average difference 0.2 points · Reading Comprehension −0.8, Systems Analysis −0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Service Orientation −0.9, Coordination −0.7
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Use this in your own job architecture
BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.