What Are Careers Are Available with a Social Services Associate's Degree?
An Associate of Science in Social Services program, or a related field of study such as human services or social work, could prepare students for entry-level positions that might lead to career advancement opportunities and the pursuit of higher degrees. A social services degree might qualify students for careers as social specialists, community service managers and social service assistants. Learn more about these careers here.
About Social Services Associate's Degrees
Although an associate's degree in social services does not qualify graduates to become social workers, the social and human services field offers numerous opportunities for job seekers who have earned the credential. A bachelor's degree is the minimum educational requirement for students who are interested in becoming social workers. A master's degree in social work provides the greatest professional opportunities for social workers.
Important Facts About Careers in Social Services
| Community Service Managers | Social Service Assistants | |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $74,000 | $37,610 |
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree | High school diploma or equivalent |
| On the Job Training | None | Short-term training |
| Work Environment | Government, private, social service and nonprofit organizations | Government, for-profit social service agencies |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Social Service Specialists
Often working with private companies, social service clinics and nonprofit organizations, social service specialists provide counseling and service tasks. Some may focus on a specific aspect of the profession such as community health, substance abuse or youth counseling.
An associate's degree in social services can qualify students for entry-level positions that allow them to work with other social service workers, caseworkers and health specialists. They are often responsible for coordinating company projects, objectives and administrative tasks. The required skills include communication abilities, general business knowledge and organizational abilities. From 2021 to 2031, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projected a 12% increase in job opportunities for social and human service assistants.
Community Service Managers
These specialists work with shelters, nonprofit organizations and foundations to direct and manage social service events and programs. Although many community service managers have bachelor's degrees, an associate's degree combined with relevant social service experience may qualify students for entry-level positions. Community managers must be able to cooperate with counselors, social workers, health professionals and other human service workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipated approximately 194,100 community service managing positions in 2031. During preceding ten year period, the BLS also projected a 12% increase in available jobs for social and community service managers.
Social Service Assistants
Social service assistants work with caseworkers, counselors and health care professionals to provide human services to clients. They are qualified to help with social service activities, events, counselor-patient relationships and basic administrative work. Within social service assisting, many concentrations allow these workers to focus on their specific areas of interest.
Social service assistants can work with youth coordinators, community outreach programs, nursing homes, private clinics and organizations that offer social services. Extensive experience in social work is the best way for social service assistants to improve their job prospects.