Management
Social and community service managers
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.
Median pay
$80,390
Growth to 2035
+7%
faster than average
Openings a year
18,500
Time to qualify*
2 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Social and community service managers
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Bachelor's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- Less than 5 years
Calculate your switch to social and community service managers
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Exposure to disease
Social and community service managers: 54% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- Participate in the determination of organizational policies regarding such issues as participant eligibility, program requirements, and program benefits.
- Prepare and maintain records and reports, such as budgets, personnel records, or training manuals.
- Provide direct service and support to individuals or clients, such as handling a referral for child advocacy issues, conducting a needs evaluation, or resolving complaints.
- Establish and maintain relationships with other agencies and organizations in community to meet community needs and to ensure that services are not duplicated.
- Recruit, interview, and hire or sign up volunteers and staff.
Also called: Adoption Services Manager · Child Welfare Services Director · Children's Service Supervisor · Clinical Services Director · Community Services Director · Psychiatric Social Worker Supervisor · Social Services Director · Transitional Care Director
Outlook and AI
Social and community service managers held 231,000 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 247,700 by 2035 (+7%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
Compare with
- Social and community service managers vs. Social worker
- Social and community service managers vs. Rehabilitation counselor
- Social and community service managers vs. Community health worker
- Social and community service managers vs. Healthcare social worker
- Social and community service managers vs. Mental health and substance abuse social workers
- Social and community service managers vs. Educational, guidance, and career counselors and advisors
- Social and community service managers vs. Social and human service assistants
- Social and community service managers vs. Health education specialist
- Social and community service managers vs. Human resources manager
- Social and community service managers vs. Directors, religious activities and education