Community and Social Service Occupations: Job, Examples, Education, and Progression

Community and social service occupations are essential to helping individuals and communities improve their quality of life. These jobs involve providing assistance, support, and counseling to people facing various challenges, such as poverty, homelessness, substance abuse, mental health issues, domestic violence, and more. Here are some examples of community and social service occupations:

• Social worker: They help people cope with personal and social problems, connect them with services and resources, and advocate for their rights.
• Substance abuse counselor: They assist individuals with addiction problems, conduct assessments, develop and implement treatment plans, and offer support and education to their families.
• Community health worker: They promote health and wellness in specific populations, such as low-income or minority communities, by providing information, referrals, and resources.
• Childcare worker: They care for and supervise young children, plan and lead activities, and ensure their safety and well-being.

Getting into community and social service occupations requires obtaining education and training suited for the specific job and population served. For example, social workers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, and may need a clinical license for advanced practice. Substance abuse counselors may need a degree or certification in addiction counseling or a related field, as well as supervised experience and passing an exam. Community health workers may need a high school diploma or equivalent, as well as certification or on-the-job training in specific areas of health promotion. Childcare workers may need a high school diploma or equivalent, and in some states, a certification or relevant coursework.

Progression in community and social service occupations depends on experience, education, and job performance. Social workers, for example, may start as entry-level case managers or assistants, and then advance to supervisor, program director, or clinical coordinator roles. Substance abuse counselors may move from counselor to lead counselor or program manager. Community health workers may become specialized in certain aspects of health promotion, such as HIV prevention or chronic disease management. Childcare workers may advance to lead teacher or director positions.

If you’re new to community and social service occupations, you can enter the field through various pathways, such as:

• Volunteering or interning at a social service agency or community organization to gain experience and exposure to the field
• Attending community college or vocational school to obtain a certificate or associate degree in a related field, such as social work, human services, or child development
• Joining a national service program, such as AmeriCorps or Peace Corps, to serve in a community-based project and receive training and support
• Starting in an entry-level position, such as case manager or direct care worker, and gaining experience and skills on the job

Community and social service occupations offer fulfilling and impactful careers for those who are passionate about helping others and creating positive change. By pursuing the appropriate education, training, and career paths, you can make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and communities.

Community and social service occupations are occupations that are focused on helping individuals and communities. These occupations can include social workers, counselors, community organizers, and other professionals who work to support and strengthen communities.

The salary data for community and social service occupations varies depending on job level and whether or not the job is unionized. According to US National Average data, the average salary for all workers in this field ranges from $31,595.20 to $90,584.00. The highest paid level is Level 11, which has an average salary of $90,584.00, while the lowest paid level is Level 05, with an average salary of $31,595.20.

Unionization has some impact on the salaries of community and social service workers. The average salary for unionized workers in this field is $69,659.20, while non-unionized workers have an average salary of $50,939.20.

The table below provides a summary of the salary data for community and social service occupations, broken down by job level, unionization, and full-time vs. part-time status. Additionally, two geographic areas are included indicating where this job function is best paid (District of Columbia) and least paid (Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area).

| Geographic Area | Union | Full-time/part-time | Job Level | Average Salary Range (USD) |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| US National Average | Yes | All levels | N/A | $69,659.20 – $68,473.60 |
| US National Average | No | All levels | N/A | $50,939.20 – $46,904.00 |
| US National Average | N/A | Full-time | Level 05 | $36,337.60 – $30,846.40 |
| US National Average | N/A | Full-time | Level 06 | $42,993.60 – $39,353.60 |
| US National Average | N/A | Full-time | Level 07 | $51,417.60 – $47,569.60 |
| US National Average | N/A | Full-time | Level 08 | $62,961.60 – $56,388.80 |
| US National Average | N/A | Full-time | Level 09 | $69,139.20 – $65,540.80 |
| US National Average | N/A | Full-time | Level 10 | $80,433.60 – $74,776.00 |
| US National Average | N/A | Full-time | Level 11 | $89,980.80 – $76,024.00 |
| US National Average | N/A | Full-time | Not able to be leveled | $54,683.20 – $52,748.80 |
| US National Average | N/A | Part-time | Level 05 | $40,289.60 – $35,339.20 |
| US National Average | N/A | Part-time | Level 06 | $36,108.80 – $30,596.80 |
| US National Average | N/A | Part-time | Level 07 | $53,476.80 – $48,838.40 |
| US National Average | N/A | Part-time | Level 09 | $67,454.40 – $64,771.20 |
| US National Average | N/A | Part-time | Not able to be leveled | $48,318.40 – $42,411.20 |
| US National Average | N/A | Time-based pay | All levels | $55,411.20 – $51,833.60 |
| District of Columbia | Yes | All levels | N/A | $86,944.00 – $83,449.60 |
| Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area | N/A | Part-time | All levels | $33,404.80 – $29,432.00 |

In summary, the salary data for community and social service occupations can vary significantly depending on job level, unionization, and geographic location. Unionization can have a notable impact on the salaries of workers in this field, with unionized workers earning higher average salaries on average. The District of Columbia is the geographic area where this job function is best paid, while the Southern West Virginia nonmetropolitan area is where this job function is least paid.