The Role of Social and Community Service Managers

Are you considering the options a social work career can offer? With a social work degree, you can make a positive impact on the health and well-being of a community in a variety of ways. One career option is working as a social and community service manager. As a social and community service manager, you could apply your BSW degree to a wide range of initiatives, from community organizing and education to legislative advocacy and policy analysis. Your job might be located in a state, local, or private hospital; an office; a state or local government agency; or a private nonprofit.

Talking to social and community service managers, you might hear about the day-to-day tasks they perform, including:

• Planning and managing activities that increase awareness of available services and programs in the community they serve.
• Meeting with their community to identify necessary programs and services.
• Analyzing data to determine the effectiveness of those programs and services.
• Writing proposals for funding.
• Organizing and overseeing fundraising activities.
• Meeting with potential donors.
• Planning and administering budgets.
• Evaluating and managing staff and volunteers who provide services to the public.
• Interacting directly with the population they serve, such as providing referrals for services or addressing complaints.
• Delivering reports on the effectiveness of the programs they offer.

You may also hear social and community service managers speak passionately about their mission to help those in need. Working for a variety of public and private social and human service organizations, social and community service managers interact with different populations. They might help advocate for children, seniors, veterans, or the homeless, or people who are struggling with chronic unemployment, mental health issues, hunger, or substance abuse.

In a larger organization or public agency with many administrative layers, social and community service managers typically specialize in certain areas and focus on specific duties. For example, they might administer only one program or type of community service and report to their organization’s management or other stakeholders. Managers who work in smaller-scale human service organizations often wear many hats and pitch in directly where they’re needed most, whether it’s supervising staff, designing new programs, or meeting with clients or potential donors.

If community service is the sort of work that speaks to you, your prospects look good. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for social work professionals is expected to increase by 16% through 2026, much faster than the national average for all occupations.¹

If you’re thinking about next steps—such as how to become a social worker, the different degrees for social workers, and how to balance your life with your educational and professional goals—consider an online BSW degree program. Walden University’s CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work program offers the flexibility and convenience of online learning and an opportunity to build the skills and knowledge required to work toward social justice in your community.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering a CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree program online. Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

¹Source: www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm#tab-1

Walden University's Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). CSWE’s Commission on Accreditation is responsible for developing standards that define competent preparation for professional social workers and ensuring that social work programs meet these standards.

Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.