Social services manager
Also known as: social and care services manager, social care team manager, frontline manager, older adults social services manager, social and community services manager, adult social services manager
About this occupation
Social services managers have the responsibility for strategic and operational leadership and management of staff teams and resources within and or across social services. They are responsible for the implementation of legislation and policies relating to, for example, decisions about vulnerable people. They promote social work and social care values and ethics, equality and diversity, and relevant codes guiding practice. They are responsible for liaising with other professionals in criminal justice, education and health. They can be responsible for contributing to local and national policy development.
Essential skills and knowledge
- handle conflicts
- assess social service users' situation
- show intercultural awareness
- demonstrate leadership in social service cases
- follow health and safety precautions in social care practices
- build helping relationship with social service users
- manage stress in organisation
- work within communities
- carry out social work research
- deliver social services in diverse cultural communities
- psychology
- manage government funding
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Social and Community Service Managers (O*NET 11-9151.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Social, Conventional
Top skills: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Active Learning, Monitoring
US median pay: US$80,390 a year (2025), 209,330 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.4)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.3)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (4.1)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.3)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.3)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- Community Health Workers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- Health Education Specialists
- Human Resources Managers
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.