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A community service manager will coordinate and supervise social service programs and community organizations. They implement and suggest improvements to social services programs and manage staff who provide those services to the community. Sometimes called social services managers, they work with community members and other organizations constantly to help identify necessary community programs and services. Watch a video to learn more about what a community service manager does:
How to Become a Community Service Manager
The minimum education requirement for a social and community services manager is a bachelor’s degree. Degrees that may fit the requirement for this position include degrees in public or business administration, social work, public health, urban studies, or a related field. When selecting a degree make sure to include skills and gain knowledge in customer service, psychology, counseling, written/verbal communication, and administration. These may be key in becoming an effective social and community service manager.
Many employers prefer hiring candidates with a master’s degree with coursework in policy analysis, statistics, and program management. Along with these educational requirements, work experience in social work or a related field is necessary; therefore many start as social workers and transition into these positions.
Job Description of a Community Service Manager
Some organizations may focus on working with particular demographics like the homeless, elderly, veterans, or children. Other organization’s may focus on long-term unemployment, mental health, or hunger. A person in this career field must develop and manage budgets, write proposals for social services funding, and recruit and hire new staff members. Clinics, shelters, offices, and hospitals often hire people for these positions.
Since social and community services managers sometimes represent an organization, public speaking is vital. Speaking engagements in meetings and at community events may occur often. These speaking engagements can secure potential donors for fundraising purposes. They also oversee administrative aspects of programs and establish methods to gather relevant information about their impact and effectiveness.
Most social and community services managers work 40 hours a week. Sometimes extended hours are necessary to meet deadlines or accomplish tasks required by the organization they work for. Work tasks are performed in an office or out in the community, so some travel may be required.
Community Service Manager Career Video Transcript
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.
Career Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Social and Community Service Managers.
National Center for O*NET Development. 11-9151.00. O*NET OnLine.