Every community needs an advocate, and many communities are fortunate to have social and community service managers fulfill that purpose. These professionals are sensitive to community needs, developing plans and raising funds to help serve children, the elderly, immigrants, ex-offenders, the homeless, and other groups within the community. Social and community service managers work closely with government offices, non-profit agencies, and other groups that represent their clients to ensure their organization’s services will meet community needs. They also raise money to pay for program costs by writing grant proposals and speaking at fundraising events. When they’re not out meeting with community members and donors, they may be found in the office developing program budgets, designing and analyzing surveys to identify service needs or measure program outcomes, or working on strategies to promote their programs. These managers work in many sectors including nursing, residential, religious, and rehabilitation. They usually work full time, with overtime hours expected when needed to meet important deadlines. Most have a bachelor’s degree in social work, urban studies, public health, or a related field. Many have extensive experience providing direct service before managing a program.
What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
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.
Business
customer service
management
Arts and Humanities
English language
Math and Science
psychology
sociology and anthropology
Education and Training
teaching and course design
Basic Skills
figuring out how to use new ideas or things
keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
People and Technology Systems
thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.
They do well at jobs that need:
Integrity
Leadership
Dependability
Adaptability/Flexibility
Initiative
Self Control
You might use software like this on the job:
Spreadsheet software
IBM Lotus 1-2-3
Microsoft Excel
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Data base user interface and query software
FileMaker Pro
Microsoft Access
bachelor's degree or master's degree usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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