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Home / Careers / Social and Community Service Manager
Social and community service managers organize programs to provide social services to the public. They analyze the needs of people in different kinds of communities and identifying opportunities to help them. Social and community service managers may organize programs that focus on increasing awareness, providing education, or offering an important service. These managers often work closely with social workers, counselors, mentors, and others to organize efficient delivery of important services to people in their area.
A social and community service manager in a small community may work on a variety of diverse programs. In a larger community, these professionals typically work with a more tight focus, assisting a particular group such as the homeless or veterans. They may also specialize with a single program when that program has a large reach and requires a significant commitment of time and energy. In larger programs, these managers will spend most of their time overseeing others and coordinating activities from the top. As part of a smaller organization or facility, you’re more likely to spend hands-on time working with program participants.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social and community service managers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 16,000 openings for social and community service managers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Much of the job growth in this occupation is the result of a population increasing its number of older adults. This age group has a greater need for social services, such as adult daycare, creating demand for social and community service managers.
In addition, employment growth is projected as people continue to seek treatment for their addictions and as people with substance abuse disorders are increasingly being directed to treatment programs rather than sent to jail. As a result, managers who direct treatment programs will be needed.”
The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the largest employers of social and community service managers are as follows: individual and family services, nursing and residential care facilities, local government, excluding education and hospitals, religious, grant making, civic, professional, and similar organizations, and community and vocational rehabilitation services.
Social and community service managers work for non-profit organizations, for-profit social service companies, and government agencies. They also work in a variety of settings, including offices, clinics, hospitals, and shelters.
You will need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree for most jobs in social and community service, particularly with a management role. A Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration is a well-rounded choice that will give you a background in key areas including:
Many employers also prefer industry experience for positions in social and community service management. You can gain this by working as a counselor or social worker. You may consider working on community projects under current social and community service managers in local organizations, or volunteering with various social programs in your area to gain relevant experience.
You should also focus on honing skills that are relevant to a position in social and community service management. You can do this by pursuing certificate programs or professional certifications in key areas, or by focusing on professional and volunteer projects that will clearly demonstrate these skills on your resume. Important skills for social and community services managers include:
A BS Health Services Administration degree prepares you for positions in the fields of medical and health services management or social and community services management. This degree will give you a strong background in the administrative, financial, and managerial responsibilities involved in these roles. With a BS Health Services Administration Degree, you should look for job postings with titles such as:
For more insights into the field of social and community service managers, visit the Healthcare section on the blog. You’ll find further career insights to guide your path in this area and help you determine the best way to build a satisfying future in this field.
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