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Employment Demands Employment Demands for Human Services& Human Services Chemical Dependency graduates.

Social and Human Service Assistants (SOC 21-1093) Location Employment & Growth >>>> Annual openings

This occupation All occupations Washington 6,984 & 20.8% 10.0% >>>> 235

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors (SOC 21-1011) Location Employment & Growth >>>> Annual openings

This occupation All occupations

Washington 2,381 & 34.1% 10.0% >>>> 137

Social and Human Service Assistants

At a Glance

• Work in a variety of places • Help people get financial, health, and food assistance • Work with clients, medical professionals, and coworkers • May work part or full time • College-level training is required to work with clients • Additional training is on the job • Earn $27,280 per year (national median)

Occupational Summary

Social and human service assistants help client’s access social services. Do you consider yourself the ultimate people person? Have you always thought of yourself as a helper, one who always has an "extra hand" to spare? You might want to consider working as a social and human service assistant. You'd be a helper in a helping profession.

Social and human service assistants work in a variety of places, including social service agencies, schools, and community assistance programs. In social service agencies, they help determine what people's needs are for financial, health, and food assistance. They interview people to assess their needs and determine if they qualify for benefits. Sometimes they help people fill out forms to get food stamps, Medicaid, and other benefits. They monitor and keep case records on clients.

Many social service assistants work in residential care homes for the elderly. They also deliver meals to elderly people's homes or provide transportation to medical appointments. Some social service assistants check in with older people on a regular basis so they can continue living at home.

Changes in the welfare system have led to a growing number of people needing to find jobs. Many social and human service assistants provide job training. They also help parents locate child care so they can work outside the home.

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In the community, social and human service assistants work in food banks and energy assistance programs. They may also work in drug and alcohol programs or homeless shelters. Sometimes they work in schools. They may serve as leaders of groups where students can express worries and concerns.

Social and human service assistants may organize or lead discussion groups for pregnant teens, AIDS patients, and others in need of support. They teach people budgeting, how to prepare healthy food, and other daily living activities. They also teach communication and conflict resolution skills.

Social and human service assistants provide emotional support and counseling to people. They work closely with social workers, psychologists, and providers of medical care. They must maintain accurate records and consult with supervisors when problems come up.

Related Occupations

This occupation is part of the Human Services cluster of occupations.

Related occupations include:

• Addictions Counselors • Genetic Counselors • Marriage and Family Therapists • Job Benefits and Analysis Specialists • Occupational Therapists • Personal and Home Care Aides • Residential Counselors

• Mental Health Counselors • Psychologists • Rehabilitation Counselors • Residential Counselors • School Counselors • School Psychologists • Social and Human Service Assistants • Social Workers

Task List

The following list of occupational tasks is specific to social and human service assistants.

• Refer clients to community services for assistance. • Monitor group activities of residents in institution. • Monitor and maintain case records on clients. Report progress to supervisors and care

managers. • Interview clients and family members to assess their needs. • Meet with youth groups to tell them about the consequences of certain actions. • Visit clients at home or in group meetings. Provide information on community services. • Provide or arrange transportation for elderly clients. • Advise clients on food stamps, money management, and sanitation. • Explain rules to clients about their housing, such as parking regulations. • Provide clients with new ideas for preparing meals. • Demonstrate proper use of equipment. • Review problems with supervisors or medical support personnel. • Monitor food programs for cleanliness and compliance to eligibility guidelines. • Advise clients on budgeting and shopping for well-balanced meals. • Inform clients of nearby facilities, such as laundries and playgrounds. • Help parents locate child care. • Assist in locating housing for clients. • Help clients fill out forms, such as tax or rent forms. • Provide emotional support to clients.

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• Organize or lead support groups.

Common Work Activities

Social and human service assistants perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many occupations.

• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates. • Assist others. • Get information needed to do the job. • Establish and maintain relationships. • Document and record information. • Identify objects, actions, and events. • Organize, plan, and prioritize work. • Update and use job-related knowledge. • Make decisions and solve problems. • Communicate with people from outside the organization. • Monitor events, materials, and surroundings. • Schedule work and activities. • Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others. • Process information. • Explain the meaning of information to others. • Coach others. • Work with the public. • Evaluate information against standards. • Use computers. • Teach others.

Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, social and human service assistants:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. Social and human service assistants work closely with clients, medical professionals, and other social service workers.

• Communicate with clients daily by telephone or in person. • Write e-mails, letters, and memos on a weekly basis. • Are often involved in conflict situations in which people might be unpleasant, angry, or rude. • Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of their clients. They must be sure that

clients receive the food and medical care they require. • May occasionally be exposed to people who may be aggressive or violent. • Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other assistants. • Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical Work Conditions

• Usually work indoors. However, they sometimes work outdoors when visiting clients or delivering meals.

• Work in a vehicle when visiting clients or delivering meals. • Work somewhat close to other people, such as when sharing office space.

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Work Performance

• Must be exact in their work. Errors could prevent clients from receiving the services they need. • Must repeat the same physical activities, such as driving to clients' homes. • Make decisions on a weekly basis that strongly impact clients. They rarely consult supervisors

before making decisions. • Are able to set most tasks for the day without consulting with a supervisor. • Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis.

Hours/Travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week. • May work part time or full time, but most work 40 hours a week. • May work evenings and weekends, if working at residential care homes.

Physical Demands

Social and human service assistants frequently:

• Sit while helping people fill out forms.

It is important for social and human service assistants to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand. • Understand the speech of another person. • See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for social and human service assistants to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away. • Use fingers or hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects. • Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm)

while remaining in place. • Focus on one source of sound and ignore others. • Determine the distance between objects. • See differences between colors, shades, and brightness. • Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls. • Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals. • Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired. • Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is

moving. • Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath. • Use muscles to jump, sprint, or throw objects. • Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects. • Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

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Skills and Abilities

Social and human service assistants need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others, understand, and ask questions. • Express ideas clearly when speaking or writing. • Read and understand written information.

Reason and Problem Solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses. • Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. • Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions. • Use reasoning to discover answers to problems. • Develop rules or follow guidelines for arranging items. • Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action. • Identify problems and review information. Develop, review, and apply solutions. • Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage Oneself, People, Time, and Things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something. • Manage the time of self and others.

Work with People

• Be aware of others' reactions and change behavior in relation to them. • Look for ways to help people. • Persuade others to approach things differently.

Knowledge

Social and human service assistants need knowledge in the following areas:

• Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of providing special services to customers based on their needs.

• Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of the effect of diseases and injuries. Knowledge of how to give advice on social or personal problems. Also includes the knowledge of setting up a plan for treatment.

• Psychology: Knowledge of people, their actions, and mental processes. This may include knowledge of how to treat emotional and behavioral problems.

• Administration and Management: Knowledge of managing the operations of a business, company, or group.

• Clerical: Knowledge of general office work such as filing and recording information. • English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English language.

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• Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of protecting people, data, and property. • Education and Training: Knowledge of teaching and the methods involved in learning and

instruction. • Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of the behavior, customs, and origins of groups of

people. • Law, Government, and Jurisprudence: Knowledge of laws, rules, court procedures, and the

political process.

Interests

Social and human service assistants are people who tend to:

• Consider relationships important. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive environment. They like to do things for other people. They prefer jobs where they are not pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.

• Consider support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where they are trained well.

• Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.

• Have conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority to follow.

• Have social interests. They like work activities that assist others and promote learning and personal development. They like to communicate with others: to teach, give advice, help, or otherwise be of service to others.

• Have enterprising interests. They like work activities that involve starting up and carrying out projects, especially in business. They like to lead and persuade others, make decisions, and take risks for profit.

Training

The chart below shows the level of education reported by a subset of workers in this occupation. The workers surveyed were between age 25 and 44.

Moderate-Term On-the-Job Training (One to Twelve Months)

Residential Counselors $23,410 $30,741

Associate Degree Social and Human Service Assistants $27,280 $27,880

Bachelor's Degree Addiction Counselors $37,030 $34,702 Social Workers $39,530 - $45,650 $36,984 - $53,241

Master's Degree Genetic Counselors No national data No state data Marriage and Family Therapists $44,590 $42,834 Mental Health Counselors $36,810 $35,385 Rehabilitation Counselors $30,930 $38,700

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School Counselors $51,050 $52,663 School Psychologists No national data No state data Social Workers $37,210 $36,984 - $53,241

Doctoral Degree Psychologists $64,140 $66,038

To work as a social or human service assistant, you must:

• have at least a high school diploma or GED; • have good communication skills; • have a strong desire to help others; and • complete training.

Education After High School

Social and human service assistants who specialize in clerical work must have at least a high school diploma. To work directly with clients, you need college-level training. Certificates or degrees in social work, psychology, sociology, human services, or gerontology are favored. Community colleges and universities offer degrees in these areas. Look for programs that train you to observe patients and write reports. You should also know how to conduct interviews, manage caseloads, and perform crisis intervention.

Work Experience

Experience working with people and handling clerical tasks is good background for this occupation.

On-the-job Training

Social and human service assistants receive training after they are hired. This may be in a classroom setting, on the job, or both. You learn to observe clients, record information, conduct client interviews, and make referrals. You also learn to use problem-solving skills, perform crisis intervention, and use proper case management methods. You may receive training for up to one year.

You should consider participating in an internship while in college. An internship is usually part of a four-year degree program. It offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

Educational Programs

The programs listed below are the recommended areas of study to pursue if you wish to enter the occupation you are exploring.

Educational Programs Directly Related to this Occupation

• Community Services • Gerontology • Human Services • Mental Health Counseling • Social Work • Addiction Counseling

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Helpful High School Courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:

• Computer Applications • Ethnic and Gender Studies • Keyboarding • Legal System • Psychology • Sociology

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.

Hiring Practices

Most employers require applicants to have some education beyond high school. Work experience may also be required. Sometimes summer jobs or volunteer positions lead to permanent work. Some employers hire student interns after they complete their degree.

Social and human service assistants who work in group homes may be required to have a valid driver's license. They may also be required to pass a background check.

Employers look for applicants with good communication and time management skills. Employers also look for applicants who are patient, supportive, and encouraging.

Assistants must learn about programs and procedures on the job.

Job Listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the JOBcentral website that relate to this occupation. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Social and Human Service Assistants

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Jobs retrieved from the JOBcentral website

• CULTURAL SPECIALIST F/T • Washington Employer (Spokane Valley, WA) • first acquired 2009-10-22 9:02 AM • COMMUNITY LIVING SUPPORT STAFF • Washington Employer (Spokane, WA) • first acquired 2009-11-24 9:01 AM • RESIDENT MONITORS FT / PT • Washington Employer (Spokane, WA) • first acquired 2009-11-10 9:01 AM • EARLY HEAD START COORDINATOR ASSISTANT, HOME BASED SERVICES #0910-10 / KITSAP COUNTY/ ARRA

FUNDED • Washington Employer (Bremerton, WA) • first acquired 2009-11-9 9:02 AM • KINDERGARTEN DIRECTOR • Washington Employer (Lynnwood, WA) • first acquired 2009-12-16 9:01 AM • COUNSELOR TECHNICAIN • Washington Employer (Longview, WA) • first acquired 2009-12-15 9:01 AM • FAMILY HEALTH HOME VISITOR, #0910-15 / KITSAP COUNTY/ ARRA FUNDED • Washington Employer (Bremerton, WA) • first acquired 2009-11-23 9:02 AM • RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT SPECIALIST • Washington Employer (Spokane, WA) • first acquired 2009-12-22 9:01 AM • Resident Assistant • Providence Health & Services (Seattle, WA) • first acquired 2009-12-3 1:17 AM • BILINGUAL SPANISH, PROGRAM ASSISTANT • Washington Employer (Seattle, WA) • first acquired 2009-10-29 9:02 AM • RESIDENTIAL SPECIALIST • Washington Employer (Longview, WA) • first acquired 2009-12-15 9:01 AM • DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SPECIALIST / FULL-TIME / BREMERTON • Washington Employer (Bremerton, WA) • first acquired 2009-12-11 9:01 AM • PROGRAM ASSISTANT • Washington Employer (Lynnwood, WA) • first acquired 2009-12-16 9:01 AM • SITE OPERATOR (LIVE IN) • Washington Employer (Monroe, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-6 9:01 AM • SUPPORT STAFF MEMBER • Washington Employer (Spokane, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-14 9:01 AM • WEEKEND OVERNIGHT OPERATIONS • Washington Employer (Monroe, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-13 9:02 AM • FAMILY SERVICE SUPPORT SPECIALIST/TRANSLATOR • Washington Employer (White Salmon, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-12 9:01 AM • CHILD & YOUTH PROGRAM ASSISTANT

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• Washington Employer (Mcchord Afb, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-15 9:01 AM • EARLY HEAD START COORDINATOR ASSISTANT/ PORT ORCHARD • Washington Employer (Port Orchard, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-15 9:01 AM • SKILLS COACH F/T • Washington Employer (Spokane Valley, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-8 9:02 AM • Case Mgmt Social Worker • Evergreen Healthcare (Kirkland, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-13 0:25 AM • Client Service Specialist - Spokane, WA • Charles Schwab (Spokane, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-9 1:12 AM • Resident Assistant • Emeritus Corporation (Federal Way, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-15 11:14 PM • Neighborhood Coordinator • Equity Residential (Dupont, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-17 5:33 AM • BH Case Aide (GSBH) • MultiCare Health System (Puyallup, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-4 11:46 PM • BH Case Aide (GSBH) • MultiCare Health System (Puyallup, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-6 0:15 AM • RESEARCH STUDY ASSISTANT • University of Washington (Seattle, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-7 0:44 AM • Resident Assistant • Brookdale Senior Living (Gig Harbor, WA) • first acquired 2009-12-15 10:28 PM • Psychological Health Outreach Coordinator • Serco Inc. (Everett, WA) • first acquired 2009-12-24 1:24 AM • Clinical Applications Coordinator [CAC] • Indian Health Service (Longview, WA) • first acquired 2009-10-27 10:38 PM • Resident Assistant • Emeritus Corporation (Renton, WA) • first acquired 2009-12-15 0:46 AM • Medication Aide Coordinator/Med Tech • Emeritus Corporation (Silverdale, WA) • first acquired 2009-12-9 0:34 AM • Resident Assistant • Emeritus Corporation (Silverdale, WA) • first acquired 2009-12-9 0:34 AM • Family Readiness Support Assistant (OA) • U.S. Federal Government (Tacoma/olympia/bremerton, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-16 6:18 PM • Social Services Representative • U.S. Federal Government (Tacoma/olympia/bremerton, WA) • first acquired 2010-1-16 6:26 PM

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Advancement Opportunities

Social and human service assistants may advance to other positions in their agency. They may advance to dealing with more difficult cases or have larger caseloads. Those who have good organizational skills may become managers or supervisors. Attending in-service training, such as seminars and workshops, is a good way to acquire skills needed for advancement.

Assistants may also advance to other occupations that involve counseling. For example, they may become social workers, counselors, or psychologists. However, a master's degree is usually required for these positions. Some employers may pay for assistants to take classes.

Wages

Social and human service assistants (SOC 21-1093)

Location Pay Period

25% Median 75%

Washington Hourly $11.08 $13.40 $16.63 Monthly $1,920 $2,322 $2,882 Yearly $23,039 $27,880 $34,595

Asotin-Lewiston Hourly $11.20 $12.97 $14.63 Monthly $1,941 $2,248 $2,535 Yearly $23,293 $26,996 $30,412

Bellingham Hourly $9.65 $11.03 $12.58 Monthly $1,672 $1,911 $2,180 Yearly $20,081 $22,940 $26,155

Bremerton Hourly $10.70 $12.01 $14.49 Monthly $1,854 $2,081 $2,511 Yearly $22,249 $24,978 $30,147

Kennewick-Richland-Pasco

Hourly $11.72 $14.18 $16.31 Monthly $2,031 $2,457 $2,827 Yearly $24,383 $29,482 $33,912

Longview-Kelso Hourly $11.22 $13.39 $16.08 Monthly $1,944 $2,320 $2,787 Yearly $23,331 $27,845 $33,448

Mt. Vernon-Anacortes Hourly $11.76 $17.02 $19.32 Monthly $2,038 $2,950 $3,348 Yearly $24,460 $35,392 $40,183

Olympia Hourly $11.07 $12.29 $15.09 Monthly $1,918 $2,130 $2,615 Yearly $23,030 $25,573 $31,405

Seattle-Bellevue-Everett Hourly $11.82 $14.34 $17.31 Monthly $2,048 $2,485 $3,000 Yearly $24,592 $29,835 $35,988

Spokane Hourly $9.69 $11.07 $12.75 Monthly $1,679 $1,918 $2,210 Yearly $20,158 $23,018 $26,511

Tacoma Hourly $13.00 $16.84 $20.06 Monthly $2,253 $2,918 $3,476

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Location Pay Period

25% Median 75% Yearly $27,045 $35,017 $41,714

Vancouver Hourly $10.29 $12.21 $14.37 Monthly $1,783 $2,116 $2,490 Yearly $21,414 $25,398 $29,880

Wenatchee Hourly $11.13 $12.60 $14.85 Monthly $1,929 $2,184 $2,574 Yearly $23,147 $26,192 $30,878

Yakima Hourly $10.46 $12.12 $15.05 Monthly $1,813 $2,100 $2,608 Yearly $21,748 $25,206 $31,307

United States Hourly $10.51 $13.12 $16.63 Monthly $1,821 $2,274 $2,882 Yearly $21,860 $27,280 $34,590

Half of all workers earn between the low and high amounts. 25% earn less than the low amount and 25% earn more than the high amount.

In Washington, the average entry level wage for social and human service assistants is $10.42 per hour ($1,806 per month). Half of all social and human service assistants earn between $11.08 and $16.63 per hour ($1,920 and $2,882 per month).

Nationally, the median wage for social and human service assistants is $2,274 per month ($13.12 per hour). Half of all social and human service assistants earn between $1,821 and $2,882 per month ($10.51 and $16.63 per hour).

Wages vary by the assistant's level of responsibility and training. Those who have experience generally earn more than those who are new to the occupation. In addition, wages vary by employer and area of the country.

Social and human service assistants who work for state and local government agencies usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include health insurance, paid vacation, sick leave, and a retirement plan. Many employers give benefits only to full-time employees. Some employers may not offer benefits.

Employment and Outlook

Social and Human Service Assistants (SOC 21-1093) Location Employment & Growth >>>> Annual openings

This occupation All occupations Washington 6,984 & 20.8% 10.0% >>>> 235 Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan Counties

232 & 11.6% 7.9% >>>> 5

Asotin, Columbia, Ferry,

266 & 19.2% 9.1% >>>> 9

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Location Employment & Growth >>>> Annual openings

Garfield, Lincoln, Pend Oreille, Stevens, Walla Walla, and Whitman Counties Benton and Franklin Counties

228 & 24.6% 14.9% >>>> 9

Clallam, Jefferson, and Kitsap Counties

427 & 21.3% 8.2% >>>> 15

Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties

345 & 32.2% 10.4% >>>> 16

Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties

624 & 17.8% 8.7% >>>> 20

Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties

303 & 21.8% 10.9% >>>> 11

King County 1,936 & 16.6% 10.1% >>>> 57 Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties

372 & 20.4% 6.5% >>>> 13

Pierce County 1,003 & 15.0% 9.1% >>>> 28

Snohomish County 428 & 26.9% % >>>> 17

Spokane County 804 & 29.0% 10.0% >>>> 35

United States 338,743 & 33.6% 10.4% >>>> 15,306

Employment

According to estimates by the Washington State Department of Employment Security, there were 6,984 social and human service assistants employed in Washington in 2007. It is projected that by 2017 there will be 8,435.

Nationally, about 338,743 social and human service assistants work in this occupation.

Major employers:

• State and local government agencies

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• Social services agencies • Residential care centers • Job training programs

Outlook

Between 2007 and 2017, the number of jobs in this occupation is projected to increase 20.8%. It is estimated that there will be 145 openings annually due to new positions and 90 openings annually from workers leaving this occupation.

The estimated average growth for all occupations in Washington between 2007 and 2017 is 10%.

In Washington, the outlook depends on the health of the economy, public financial support for social services, and the amount of recognition given to the role of paraprofessionals. The current economic recession is expected to impact funding for state and local social and human service agencies and increase competition for jobs. The outlook should be best for people who have skills, such as training in geriatrics or fluency in Spanish, that enable them to relate to special groups.

Nationally, the number of jobs for social and human service assistants is expected to grow much faster than average through the year 2016.

The demand for social services will increase as the population grows and people get older. For example, meal delivery programs will continue to expand as the population ages. In addition, more of the elderly will move to residential care homes. Assistants will be needed to make sure the elderly get all the services they are eligible for.

Job training programs also are expected to require additional social and human service assistants. Social welfare policies have shifted from benefit-based programs to work-based initiatives. Thus, there will be more demand for people to teach job skills to the people who are new to, or returning to, the workforce.

In addition, opportunities will be available at residential care establishments, as they are facing higher needs as the number of people who are disabled is increasing. Workers will also be needed at community-based and independent-living sites that are being established to assist the homeless and mentally and physically disabled. Treatment programs for substance abuse are also going to need more assistants.

Low pay and stressful working conditions cause some people to leave this occupation. The need to replace workers who retire or leave this occupation will create many openings. Job prospects will be best for those with related postsecondary education.

Adapted from: http://www.wois.org/use/occs/viewer.cfm?occnum=111000

© 2010 WOIS/The Career Information System, 1415 Harrison Ave NW Suite 201, Olympia, Washington 98502 Phone: 360.754.8222 or 1.800.700.WOIS Fax: 360.943.4257 E-mail: info@wois.org

Addictions Counselors At a Glance

• Have at least a bachelor's degree • Develop treatment plans for clients • Need to be certified or hold a state license • Can advance to become program managers • Earn $37,030 per year (national median)

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15

Occupational Summary

Addictions counselors help people overcome alcohol, drug, gambling, and other dependencies.

Addictions counselors may also be called chemical dependency counselors.

Addiction is a disease. There are over 10 million people with drug or alcohol dependency in the United States. Current estimates suggest that one in three adults will experience serious problems associated with gambling addiction. Addiction is a large problem facing our nation.

People with addictions suffer emotionally, physically, and economically. It is the job of addictions counselors to help these people identify their problem behaviors and find ways to lead normal, healthy lives.

Addictions counselors help their clients change compulsive habits and learn new ways of coping with problems. They work with individuals and groups. They may help families learn how to deal with the emotional and social effects of addictions. Counselors teach family members how to provide support for the addict and for themselves.

Addiction counselors review records and interview clients. They may speak with doctors, family members, police, and other counselors to determine the client's condition and situation. The counselor and patient develop a therapy plan for recovery.

Counselors may refer patients to support services such as medical evaluation and treatment, social services, and employment services. They often refer addicts to support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Counselors follow the patient's progress and may revise the therapy plan as needed. Addictions counselors prepare and maintain written records and case files.

Addictions counselors speak to groups concerned with drug and alcohol abuse and other addictions. They may prepare documents for presentation in court and accompany clients to legal proceedings.

Addictions counselors provide treatment in a variety of settings including hospitals, private and public treatment centers, private practice, and community-based behavioral health agencies.

Addictions counselors with advanced degrees and licenses can become program directors in hospitals, clinics, and other facilities. They may also run government health and human service agencies.

Related Occupations

This occupation is part of the Human Services cluster of occupations.

Related occupations include:

• Marriage and Family Therapists • Mental Health Counselors • Psychologists • Rehabilitation Counselors • Residential Counselors • School Counselors • Social and Community Service Managers • Social Workers

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16

Military Occupations

• Caseworkers and Counselors

Task List

The following list of occupational tasks is specific to addictions counselors.

• Counsel clients and patients, individually and in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies.

• Develop client treatment plans based on research, clinical experience, and client histories. • Interview client, review records, and talk with medical personnel to evaluate client's mental and

physical condition. • Determine client's treatment needs and which program is best. • Review and evaluate client's progress and make changes to treatment as needed. • Coordinate counseling efforts with other health professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and

social workers. • Make accurate records and reports about the client's history and progress. • Provide information about addiction programs to clients and their families. • Coordinate post-treatment activities, including follow-up care, court dates, community service,

and probation requirements. • Attend training sessions in order to increase knowledge and skills.

Common Work Activities

Addictions counselors perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many occupations.

• Get information needed to do the job. • Assist and care for others. • Establish and maintain relationships. • Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates. • Document and record information. • Make decisions and solve problems. • Organize, plan, and prioritize work. • Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others. • Evaluate information against standards. • Communicate with people from outside the organization. • Work with the public. • Develop goals and strategies. • Update and use job-related knowledge. • Explain the meaning of information to others. • Think creatively. • Identify objects, actions, and events. • Teach others. • Judge the value of objects, services, or people. • Process information. • Schedule work and activities.

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Working Conditions

In a typical work setting, addictions counselors:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Have a high level of social contact. They constantly work with clients and other health professionals.

• Communicate with coworkers and clients daily by telephone or in person. • Are placed in conflict situations weekly and often deal with violent clients. • Work well in teams and with groups of people. This is extremely important because counseling is

often done in groups. • Are responsible for clients' and coworkers' health and safety. • Write letters, memos, and e-mails on a weekly basis.

Physical Work Conditions

• Mostly work indoors. • Work close to clients, such as when sitting across from them in a meeting. May need to hold

clients that become violent. • May occasionally be exposed to diseases or infections through contact with clients.

Work Performance

• Have the potential to make serious mistakes that are difficult to correct. This is because they are working with another person's health.

• Must be somewhat exact in their work. This is especially important when keeping client records. • Make decisions that strongly impact the lives of their clients. • Rarely consult a supervisor before making decisions and set their own priorities and goals. • Must meet strict deadlines weekly. It is important that counselors make the appointments they

set with clients and staff. • May repeat the same mental tasks.

Hours/Travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week. • Work 40 hours a week.

Physical Demands

Addictions counselors frequently:

• Sit or stand for long periods of time.

It is important for addictions counselors to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand. • Understand the speech of another person. • See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.

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It is not as important, but still necessary, for addictions counselors to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.

Skills and Abilities

Addictions counselors need to:

Communicate

• Express ideas clearly when speaking or writing. • Listen to others, understand, and ask questions. • Read and understand written information.

Reason and Problem Solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. • Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses. • Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them. • Identify problems and review information. Develop, review, and supply solutions. • Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions. • Use reasoning to discover answers to problems. • Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action. • Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order. • Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.

Manage Oneself, People, Time, and Things

• Manage the time of self and others. • Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with People

• Be aware of others' reactions and change behavior in relation to them. • Look for ways to help people. • Persuade others to approach things differently. • Use several methods to teach others how to do something. • Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.

Knowledge

Addictions counselors need knowledge in the following areas:

• Therapy and Counseling: Knowledge of the effect of diseases and injuries. Knowledge of how to give advice on social or personal problems. Also includes the knowledge of setting up a plan for treatment.

• Psychology: Knowledge of people, their actions, and mental processes. This may include knowledge of how to treat emotional and behavioral problems.

• Sociology and Anthropology: Knowledge of the behavior, customs, and origins of groups of people.

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• Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of providing special services to customers based on their needs.

• Education and Training: Knowledge of teaching and the methods involved in learning and instruction.

• English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English language. • Philosophy and Theology: Knowledge of different religions. Knowledge of ways of thinking that

attempt to examine the nature of reality. • Administration and Management: Knowledge of managing the operations of a business,

company, or group. • Law, Government, and Jurisprudence: Knowledge of laws, rules, court procedures, and the

political process. • Clerical: Knowledge of general office work such as filing and recording information.

Interests

Addictions counselors are people who tend to:

• Consider achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of accomplishment from their work.

• Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.

• Consider relationships important. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive environment. They like to do things for other people. They prefer jobs where they are not pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.

• Consider good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all the time.

• Consider recognition important. They like to work in jobs which have opportunities for them to advance, be recognized for their work, and direct and instruct others. They usually prefer jobs in which they are looked up to by others.

• Have social interests. They like work activities that assist others and promote learning and personal development. They like to communicate with others: to teach, give advice, help, or otherwise be of service to others.

• Have investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out solutions to problems mentally.

Training

To work as an addictions counselor, you must:

• have a high school diploma or GED; • have an associate degree; • complete an internship; • pass a state or local licensing exam; • be free of drugs or alcohol; and • have strong interpersonal skills.

Education After High School

You need at least an associate's degree to work as a counselor. Programs are available at professional-technical schools and two-year colleges. These programs teach you counseling skills. You also learn about drug and alcohol pharmacology. Programs also include education on HIV and AIDS risk assessment.

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Or, you might choose to attend a four-year college or universities' bachelor or master's program in addiction counseling. Most four-year institutions offer advanced degrees in various human services fields of study. Graduate programs take one to two years of full-time study after you have a bachelor's degree. You should take classes that develop your skills in clinical assessments, caseload management, and counseling.

Some addictions counselors have a certificate degree in addictions counseling. These programs are meant for people who have a degree in a related field, such as social work.

Addictions counselors may need to obtain certification in CPR and first aid. This training is available in most communities through the Red Cross and local hospitals.

Work Experience

Part-time or volunteer work at a social service agency is good background for this occupation. Internships may be available at some agencies.

On-the-job Training

Employers often provide training to new addictions counselors. They may allow you to work while you get your state or local certification. You will also be trained in the operational procedures of the new facility and its treatment program. Training generally lasts up to a year.

Military Training

The military trains people to work as caseworkers and counselors. This training lasts from eight to ten weeks. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.

Some military counselors focus on drug and alcohol-related issues.

Educational Programs

The programs listed below are the recommended areas of study to pursue if you wish to enter the occupation you are exploring.

Educational Programs Directly Related to this Occupation

• Addiction Counseling • Mental Health Counseling

Other Educational Programs to Consider

• Social Work

Helpful High School Courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

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Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:

• Anthropology • Child Development • Ethnic and Gender Studies • Parenting • Psychology • Sociology

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.

Hiring Practices

Most employers prefer at least a bachelor's degree in a human services field, such as psychology or sociology, to work as a counselor.

Employers are looking for addictions counselors who have cooperative working skills, leadership skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with a wide variety of people.

Certification or licensing as a counselor is also preferred. However, some employers will allow you to complete your certifications while you work.

Licensing/Certification

Addictions counselors need to be certified as chemical dependency professionals by the State of Washington. Changes are being made to the laws regulating counselor licensing and these requirements will be changing in the near future. The current certification requirements include:

• passing the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADAC) level 1 or higher, or the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (ICRC) level II or higher examination;

• an associate degree in human services or a related field from an approved school; or 90 quarter or 60 semester college credits in courses from an approved school of which at least 45 quarter or 30 semester credits must be in courses related to the chemical dependency profession;

• meeting supervised clinical experience requirements; and • completion of four hours of AIDS education.

To renew their license, addictions counselors must complete a plan that shows how they will stay proficient in their occupation. They also must complete 28 hours of continuing education and 12 hours of professional development activities every two years.

For more information on state licensing, contact:

Washington State Department of Health Health Professions Quality Assurance

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Customer Service Center PO Box 47865 Olympia, WA 98504-7865 360.236.4700 http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/professions/Chemical_Dependency/default.htm

Advancement Opportunities

Addictions counselors may advance their careers based on experience and performance on the job. However, most employers favor additional education when seeking employees and giving promotions.

Addictions counselors who chose bachelor's and master's degree programs should focus on human services fields such as psychology, sociology, and social anthropology. Some degree programs also offer a focus on addictions treatment.

Special advanced state licenses may also be attained in social work, family therapy, and counseling.

Addictions counselors with advanced degrees and licenses can become program directors in hospitals, clinics, and other facilities. They may also run government health and human service agencies.

Wages

Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors (SOC 21-1011)

Location Pay Period

25% Median 75%

Washington Hourly $13.27 $16.68 $21.28 Monthly $2,300 $2,891 $3,688 Yearly $27,611 $34,702 $44,270

Bremerton Hourly $14.20 $17.21 $21.13 Monthly $2,461 $2,982 $3,662 Yearly $29,528 $35,807 $43,944

Kennewick-Richland-Pasco

Hourly $16.36 $19.35 $22.69 Monthly $2,835 $3,353 $3,932 Yearly $34,026 $40,267 $47,196

Longview-Kelso Hourly $11.37 $14.76 $18.24 Monthly $1,970 $2,558 $3,161 Yearly $23,664 $30,696 $37,945

Mt. Vernon-Anacortes Hourly $18.16 $23.90 $29.26 Monthly $3,147 $4,142 $5,071 Yearly $37,786 $49,716 $60,867

Olympia Hourly $15.16 $18.28 $22.24 Monthly $2,627 $3,168 $3,854 Yearly $31,519 $38,034 $46,257

Seattle-Bellevue-Everett

Hourly $15.40 $18.48 $22.86 Monthly $2,669 $3,203 $3,962 Yearly $32,033 $38,442 $47,545

Spokane Hourly $10.46 $12.78 $16.41 Monthly $1,813 $2,215 $2,844 Yearly $21,751 $26,581 $34,130

Tacoma Hourly $14.48 $17.70 $21.63

http://www.doh.wa.gov/hsqa/professions/Chemical_Dependency/default.htm�http://www.wois.org/use/occs/viewer.cfm?occnum=100505�

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Location Pay Period

25% Median 75% Monthly $2,509 $3,067 $3,748 Yearly $30,133 $36,813 $44,980

Vancouver Hourly $15.69 $18.75 $25.34 Monthly $2,719 $3,249 $4,391 Yearly $32,625 $38,999 $52,695

Yakima Hourly $12.19 $13.57 $14.92 Monthly $2,113 $2,352 $2,586 Yearly $25,346 $28,208 $31,027

United States Hourly $14.14 $17.80 $22.74 Monthly $2,450 $3,085 $3,941 Yearly $29,410 $37,030 $47,290

Half of all workers earn between the low and high amounts. 25% earn less than the low amount and 25% earn more than the high amount.

In Washington, the average entry level wage for addictions counselors is $2,081 per month ($12.01 per hour). Half of all addictions counselors earn between $2,300 and $3,688 per month ($13.27 and $21.28 per hour).

Working for the State of Washington, an alcoholism therapist 1 with a bachelor's degree and two years experience in the direct delivery of alcohol therapy or a master's degree in social or behavioral science, public health, nursing, or a related field (including training in alcoholism counseling) earns $3,549 to $4,653 per month.

Nationally, the median wage for addictions counselors is $3,085 per month ($17.80 per hour). Half of all addictions counselors earn between $2,450 and $3,941 per month ($14.14 and $22.74 per hour).

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The counselor's level of experience also affects wages.

Counselors who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

Note: Wages for Washington State have been adjusted to reflect projections for 2009. National wage figures are based on 2008 data and have not been adjusted.

Costs to Workers

Addictions counselors need to be certified as chemical dependency professionals by the State of Washington. The application fee is $200 and the initial certification fee is $225. The annual renewal fee is $230.

Employment and Outlook

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors (SOC 21-1011) Location Employment & Growth >>>> Annual openings

This occupation All occupations

Washington 2,381 & 34.1% 10.0% >>>> 137 Benton and Franklin Counties

164 & 44.5% 14.9% >>>> 12

Clallam, Jefferson, and 132 & 36.4% 8.2% >>>> 9

http://www.wois.org/use/occs/viewer.cfm?occnum=100505�

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Location Employment & Growth >>>> Annual openings

Kitsap Counties Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum Counties

146 & 46.6% 10.4% >>>> 10

Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston Counties

192 & 21.9% 8.7% >>>> 9

Island, San Juan, Skagit, and Whatcom Counties

109 & 25.7% 10.9% >>>> 6

King County 502 & 30.1% 10.1% >>>> 27 Kittitas, Klickitat, Skamania, and Yakima Counties

140 & 30.7% 6.5% >>>> 8

Pierce County 107 & 17.8% 9.1% >>>> 4

Snohomish County 102 & 40.2% % >>>> 7

Spokane County 595 & 40.5% 10.0% >>>> 39

United States 83,343 & 34.3% 10.4% >>>> 4,514

Employment

According to estimates by the Washington State Department of Employment Security, there were 2,381 addictions counselors employed in Washington in 2007. It is projected that by 2017 there will be 3,192.

Nationally, about 83,343 addictions counselors work in this occupation.

Major employers:

• Outpatient care centers • Residential patient care centers • Local and state government agencies • Hospitals

Outlook

Between 2007 and 2017, the number of jobs in this occupation is projected to increase 34.1%. It is estimated that there will be 81 openings annually due to new positions and 56 openings annually from workers leaving this occupation.

The estimated average growth for all occupations in Washington between 2007 and 2017 is 10%.

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Tougher DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) laws requiring treatment have increased the number of programs and the need for substance abuse counselors. Increased federal emphasis on drug abuse treatment and prevention may generate demand for workers.

Nationally, the number of jobs for addictions counselors is expected to grow much faster than average through the year 2016.

Demand is expected to be strong for addictions counselors. A few states have recently passed laws requiring counseling instead of jail for people caught with drugs. This shift will require more substance abuse counselors in those states. In addition, some insurance companies are paying for their subscribers to see counselors. This is because it generally costs less for a patient to see a counselor than a psychiatrist or psychologist.

Adapted from: http://www.wois.org/use/occs/viewer.cfm?occnum=111000

© 2010 WOIS/The Career Information System, 1415 Harrison Ave NW Suite 201, Olympia, Washington 98502 Phone: 360.754.8222 or 1.800.700.WOIS Fax: 360.943.4257 E-mail: info@wois.org

mailto:info@wois.org�

Social and Human Service AssistantsAt a GlanceOccupational SummaryRelated OccupationsTask ListCommon Work ActivitiesWorking ConditionsInterpersonal RelationshipsPhysical Work ConditionsWork PerformanceHours/Travel

Physical DemandsSkills and AbilitiesCommunicateReason and Problem SolveManage Oneself, People, Time, and ThingsWork with People

KnowledgeInterestsTrainingEducation After High SchoolWork ExperienceOn-the-job Training

Educational ProgramsEducational Programs Directly Related to this Occupation

Helpful High School CoursesHiring PracticesJob Listings

WagesEmploymentOutlook

Moderate-Term On-the-Job Training (One to Twelve Months)Associate DegreeBachelor's DegreeMaster's DegreeDoctoral DegreeAddictions CounselorsAt a GlanceOccupational SummaryRelated OccupationsMilitary Occupations

Task ListCommon Work ActivitiesWorking ConditionsInterpersonal RelationshipsPhysical Work ConditionsWork PerformanceHours/Travel

Physical DemandsSkills and AbilitiesCommunicateReason and Problem SolveManage Oneself, People, Time, and ThingsWork with People

KnowledgeInterestsTrainingEducation After High SchoolWork ExperienceOn-the-job TrainingMilitary Training

Educational ProgramsEducational Programs Directly Related to this OccupationOther Educational Programs to Consider

Helpful High School CoursesHiring PracticesLicensing/Certification

Advancement OpportunitiesWagesCosts to Workers

Employment and OutlookEmployment