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Casework specialist vs child care counselor

The differences between casework specialists and child care counselors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a casework specialist and a child care counselor. Additionally, a casework specialist has an average salary of $40,044, which is higher than the $36,843 average annual salary of a child care counselor.

The top three skills for a casework specialist include social work, vulnerable adults and social services. The most important skills for a child care counselor are CPR, child care, and behavioral issues.

Casework specialist vs child care counselor overview

Casework SpecialistChild Care Counselor
Yearly salary$40,044$36,843
Hourly rate$19.25$17.71
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs33,160100,538
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does a casework specialist do?

A Casework Specialist advises the public about how to maintain the well-being of their children and family life. They work for schools, social services agencies, healthcare facilities, or government departments.

What does a child care counselor do?

Child care counselors monitor the progress of children who have behavioral, physical, and mental issues in between counseling appointments. These counselors create daily schedules for children that include field trips, play dates, and learning plans to ensure that children get the most out of their days. They use their critical thinking skills, organizational skills, and interpersonal skills to deal with children diagnosed with psychological issues and to coordinate with their patients' families. Most of the cases they handle are the abuse, bullying, and past traumas of children.

Casework specialist vs child care counselor salary

Casework specialists and child care counselors have different pay scales, as shown below.

Casework SpecialistChild Care Counselor
Average salary$40,044$36,843
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $53,000Between $28,000 And $47,000
Highest paying City-Chicago, IL
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-Washington State University
Best paying industry-Finance

Differences between casework specialist and child care counselor education

There are a few differences between a casework specialist and a child care counselor in terms of educational background:

Casework SpecialistChild Care Counselor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorSocial WorkPsychology
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaSUNY at Albany

Casework specialist vs child care counselor demographics

Here are the differences between casework specialists' and child care counselors' demographics:

Casework SpecialistChild Care Counselor
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 23.4% Female, 76.6%Male, 34.4% Female, 65.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%Black or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between casework specialist and child care counselor duties and responsibilities

Casework specialist example responsibilities.

  • Provide comprehensive case management to DCFS clients and their families to achieve case goals as outlined in the client service plan.
  • Review applicant documentation to determine eligibility for state and federal aid programs, including Medicaid, food stamps and emergency assistance.
  • Participate in transition educational meetings IEP.

Child care counselor example responsibilities.

  • Train in managing risk and restraining only when need, CPR, and first aid.
  • Remain non-denominational, open, flexible and ecumenical in service to patients while also providing additional resources from local spiritual communities.
  • Organize and lead regular youth and college bible studies, teaching about prayer and promoting spirituality.

Casework specialist vs child care counselor skills

Common casework specialist skills
  • Social Work, 47%
  • Vulnerable Adults, 16%
  • Social Services, 15%
  • Protective Services, 11%
  • Child Abuse, 2%
  • Mental Health, 1%
Common child care counselor skills
  • CPR, 21%
  • Child Care, 20%
  • Behavioral Issues, 11%
  • Crisis Intervention Techniques, 8%
  • Direct Supervision, 6%
  • Mental Health, 5%

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