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Group social worker vs activity assistant

The differences between group social workers and activity assistants can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a group social worker and an activity assistant. Additionally, a group social worker has an average salary of $52,195, which is higher than the $29,611 average annual salary of an activity assistant.

The top three skills for a group social worker include social work, community resources and crisis intervention. The most important skills for an activity assistant are patients, home health, and rehabilitation.

Group social worker vs activity assistant overview

Group Social WorkerActivity Assistant
Yearly salary$52,195$29,611
Hourly rate$25.09$14.24
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs52,38325,038
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Average age4343
Years of experience1212

Group social worker vs activity assistant salary

Group social workers and activity assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Group Social WorkerActivity Assistant
Average salary$52,195$29,611
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $76,000Between $23,000 And $37,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-Maine
Best paying company-Smithsonian Institution
Best paying industry--

Differences between group social worker and activity assistant education

There are a few differences between a group social worker and an activity assistant in terms of educational background:

Group Social WorkerActivity Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 62%Bachelor's Degree, 41%
Most common majorSocial WorkBusiness
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Long BeachCalifornia State University - Fullerton

Group social worker vs activity assistant demographics

Here are the differences between group social workers' and activity assistants' demographics:

Group Social WorkerActivity Assistant
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 34.4% Female, 65.6%Male, 16.8% Female, 83.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.1% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.7% Asian, 6.7% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 6.0% White, 57.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.1%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between group social worker and activity assistant duties and responsibilities

Group social worker example responsibilities.

  • Lead and co-le CBT and DBT skills-base groups with participants, as well as relapse prevention, mindfulness and process groups.
  • Conduct structured reminiscences and life review techniques with seniors to increase cognitive stimulation while promoting self-esteem among Alzheimer's patients.
  • Document cases using DMH standards.
  • Document sessions, consults, diagnostic updates, and treatment goals using DMH documentation.
  • Conduct structured reminiscences and life review techniques with seniors to increase cognitive stimulation while promoting self-esteem among Alzheimer's patients.

Activity assistant example responsibilities.

  • Prevent or manage aggressive behavior among individuals and administer CPR in emergency intervention.
  • Coordinate and manage group sessions, including recreational activities for senior citizens and occupational therapy with stroke patients.
  • Assist children with homework assignments, peer mediation, social skills and daily program activities.
  • Plan and execute a variety of enjoyable activities for residents and rehabilitation patients in a safe environment.
  • Post daily to Facebook page and also all waitress duties.
  • Conduct dog walks and in home pet sits with precision.
  • Show more

Group social worker vs activity assistant skills

Common group social worker skills
  • Social Work, 39%
  • Community Resources, 13%
  • Crisis Intervention, 11%
  • Discharge Planning, 8%
  • Mental Illness, 7%
  • Substance Abuse, 7%
Common activity assistant skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Home Health, 9%
  • Rehabilitation, 8%
  • Senior Care, 8%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Good Judgment, 7%

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