Social and Community Service Manager

What is a 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.

Social and Community Service Manager Job Responsibilities:

• Developing social outreach programs 
• Hiring and training staff members 
• Communicating with supervisors and other superiors 
• Evaluating program effectiveness 
• Analyzing local demographics and needs 
• Processing data related to patients, participants, or programs 
• Advocating for social issues 
• Managing program budgets 
• Speaking publicly on programs and issues 
• Handling administrative tasks 

Career Outlook for Social and Community Service Managers

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.”

Where Do Social and Community Service Managers Work?

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.

What Can I Do with a BS Health Services Administration Degree?

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: 

• Health Information Management Director 
• Health Manager 
• Practice Administrator 
• Program Manager 
• Clinical Director 
• Mental Health Program Manager 
• Office Manager 

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.