Social and Community Service Managers

What the job really is

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

At a glance

• Sector: Management
• O*NET-SOC code: 11-9151
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Establish and oversee administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management.
• Direct activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers.
• Evaluate the work of staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are of appropriate quality and that resources are used effectively.
• Participate in the determination of organizational policies regarding such issues as participant eligibility, program requirements, and program benefits.
• Prepare and maintain records and reports, such as budgets, personnel records, or training manuals.
• Provide direct service and support to individuals or clients, such as handling a referral for child advocacy issues, conducting a needs evaluation, or resolving complaints.
• Establish and maintain relationships with other agencies and organizations in community to meet community needs and to ensure that services are not duplicated.
• Recruit, interview, and hire or sign up volunteers and staff.
• Research and analyze member or community needs to determine program directions and goals.
• Implement and evaluate staff, volunteer, or community training programs.
• Act as consultants to agency staff and other community programs regarding the interpretation of program-related federal, state, and county regulations and policies.
• Speak to community groups to explain and interpret agency purposes, programs, and policies.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Word, 10-key calculators, Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge, Client information databases, Corel QuattroPro, Corel WordPerfect Office Suite

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Child, Family, and School Social Workers
• Rehabilitation Counselors
• Community Health Workers
• Healthcare Social Workers
• Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
• Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
• Social and Human Service Assistants
• Health Education Specialists

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Social and Community Service Managers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.