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Summary Guide for

Social and Human Service Assistants in California

May also be called: Advocates; Human Services Program Specialists; Mental Health Technicians; Addictions Counselor Assistants; Caseworkers; Independent Living Specialists; Activities of Daily Living Specialists; Case Managers; Family Development Specialists; Family Self-Sufficiency Specialists; Case Aides; Home Visitors; and Human Services Workers.

What Would I Do?

Social and Human Service Assistants provide many types of assistance to people in the community, from determining eligibility for welfare and health programs and counseling on child care to helping clients with physical and mental problems and those involved in drug and substance abuse.

Social and Human Service Assistants serve their clients in many different settings. They may work in offices, clinics, hospitals, group homes, shelters, sheltered workshops, and day programs.

Will This Job Fit Me?

The job of Social and Human Service Assistant will appeal to those who enjoy activities that involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people.

What Wages and Benefits Can I Expect?

The median wage in 2009 for Social and Human Service Assistants in California was $32,101 annually, or $15.43 hourly. The median is the point at which half of the workers earn more and half earn less.

Annual Wages for 2009	Low (25th percentile)	Median (50th percentile)	High (75th percentile)
Change to Hourly Wages
California	$25,505	$32,101	$40,987
Source: EDD/LMID Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, 2009 Wages do not reflect self-employment.
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Hourly Wages for 2009	Low (25th percentile)	Median (50th percentile)	High (75th percentile)
Change to Annual Wages
California	$12.26	$15.43	$19.70
Source: EDD/LMID Occupational Employment Statistics Survey, 2009. Wages do not reflect self-employment.
View Wages for All Areas

Most employers provide medical, dental, vision, and life insurance as well as vacation and sick leave. Many employers also offer retirement plans.

What is the Job Outlook?

In California, the number of Social and Human Service Assistants is expected to grow much faster than average growth rate for all occupations. Jobs for Social and Human Service Assistants are expected to increase by 27.1 percent, or 7,900 jobs between 2006 and 2016.

Estimated Employment and Projected Growth Social and Human Service Assistants
Geographic Area (Estimated Year-Projected Year)	Estimated Employment	Projected Employment	Numeric Change	Percent Change	Additional Openings Due to Net Replacements
California (2006-2016)	29,100	37,000	7,900	27.1	3,400
Source: EDD/LMID Projections of Employment by Occupation
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Social and Human Service Assistants with postsecondary education in a relevant field should find excellent job opportunities. The demand for social and human services, as well as the growing elderly population, will continue to fuel this rapid growth.

How Do I Qualify?

Social and Human Service Assistants generally need an associate’s degree in a related field and work or volunteer experience.

Finding a Job

Direct application to employers remains one of the most effective job search methods. Online job opening systems include JobCentral at www.jobcentral.com and CalJOBS^SM at www.caljobs.ca.gov.

To find your nearest One-Stop Career Center, go to Service Locator. View the helpful job search tips for more resources. (requires Adobe Reader).

Learn More About Social and Human Service Assistants