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Social and Community Service Managers

  • Bright Outlook
  • Rapid Growth

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.

What you’d do

  • 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.

Skills that matter

  • Service Orientation
  • Social Perceptiveness
  • Active Learning
  • Active Listening
  • Complex Problem Solving
  • Coordination

How to get there

Considerable preparation: most need a four-year bachelor's degree

Also called

  • Child Welfare Services Director
  • Social Services Director
  • Transitional Care Director
  • Vocational Rehabilitation Administrator
  • Adoption Services Manager
  • Children's Service Supervisor

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