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Degrees and Schools
These management positions require a minimum of a bachelor's degree but oftentimes require a master's degree. The type of degree required will depend on the type of service organization. Family service, mental health, elder services and substance abuse agencies will be looking for candidates to have a degree in social work, psychology or counseling. Health care organizations will typically require a degree in nursing. Corrections jobs such as in a parole department will require a degree in criminal justice, psychology or counseling. A degree in business administration in addition to one of the degrees mentioned above can also be advantageous.
Classes
Students who pursue a degree in social work or counseling will participate in field placements and may take classes that cover topics such as:
- human behavior as it pertains to children, families at risk, mental health, aging
- direct practice instruction in behavioral and cognitive realms, social systems, psychopathology and psychodynamics
- special topics such as substance abuse, sexual and physical abuse, foster care and adoption
- policy in areas of child and family, mental health and gerontology
Students who pursue a degree in criminal justice will take courses such as:
- criminology and criminal law
- deviant behavior and abnormal psychology
- behavior modification
- judicial process
- juvenile justice and delinquency
Online Classes and Programs
Many programs in social work, nursing and criminal justice are available online. Since Social Services Manager positions often require a master's degree, many students are working while attending school. Online programs are ideal for these working students with limited time in their schedules and who may need to attend school part-time. Field placements are usually required but, unlike at many traditional schools, are often the student's responsibility because of the diversity of student locations. Schools should be accredited by a regional accrediting agency and/or a national agency such as the Accreditation Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).
Employment Requirements
Management positions in social services will require that candidates have at least a few years of prior experience in the same area of service. The amount and relevancy of experience is often more important than the specific degree a person holds. Depending on the position, other requirements may include appropriate licensing, computer skills and/or foreign language skills.
How to Evaluate Social Service Manager Schools
The following questions may be helpful to prospective students as they choose a program and school:
- Convenience - Will the program provide enough flexibility to enable a student to continue working? If on campus, how long will the commute be? When are classes scheduled?
- Field Practice - What are the requirements for field practice? Whose responsibility is it to find an appropriate placement? Are the field placement options relevant to future career goals?
- Relevance to management career - Is the program designed for those who will fill supervisory roles or for those planning to work directly with clients, or both?
- Relevance to service sector - Is the program designed for a specific service sector? Are electives available for specialized areas?
- Administration coursework - Are there opportunities to take management courses? Are the management courses relevant to non-profit/government agencies?
- Costs - What are the tuition and fee costs? Are scholarships or other financial aid available? Will future salary be adequate to pay off school loans?
Social Service Manager Job Description
Managers in the social service sector are afforded career rewards of two types – the rewards of knowing individual people are being helped and the satisfaction of knowing that one's leadership is responsible for the success of the organization as a whole. These positions provide a career option for those who have gained valuable experience in a hands-on role and are ready to take on additional responsibilities and challenges. Social Service Managers can work in a wide variety of settings that serve a community in the areas of health, child welfare, substance abuse, mental health, housing, job training and corrections. Some roles that fall into this category include:
- social work case manager
- vocational rehabilitation administrator
- clinical services director
- director of child welfare services
- community health service manager
- community outreach coordinator
- parole services director
Responsibilities of a Social Services Manager can include a wide variety of management responsibilities of which the following is a sampling:
- hiring staff and recruiting volunteers
- training, directing, supervising and evaluating staff and volunteers
- creating and implementing policies to meet organizational goals
- creating and managing a budget
- determining organization's mission and goals
- preparing reports and maintaining operational records
- developing marketing and/or public relations programs
Resources
National Association of Social Workers - This association provides up-to-date information and research to help social workers enhance their professional growth and development. They are also involved in creation of professional standards and social policy.
American Public Human Services Association - This organization promotes policies and practices that improve the health and well-being of families, children and adults. They educate Congress, the media and the public regarding social policies that affect the economically disadvantaged.National Association for State Community Services Programs - The NASCSP is a membership organization of state administrators of community service organizations that recieve federal funding to address poverty issues through state-run programs.
American Probation and Parole Association - The APPA is a membership organization for all levels of parole and probation professionals working in any level of government. They provide training, create standards and models, share information, and provide advocacy for those working in the parole and probation professions.
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