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Program support assistant vs family service assistant

The differences between program support assistants and family service 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 program support assistant and a family service assistant. Additionally, a program support assistant has an average salary of $41,107, which is higher than the $33,090 average annual salary of a family service assistant.

The top three skills for a program support assistant include patients, veterans and program support. The most important skills for a family service assistant are social work, child care, and community resources.

Program support assistant vs family service assistant overview

Program Support AssistantFamily Service Assistant
Yearly salary$41,107$33,090
Hourly rate$19.76$15.91
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs163,71647,477
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Average age4343
Years of experience1212

What does a program support assistant do?

A program support assistant is responsible for performing administrative functions to ensure a program's smooth operations. Program support assistants organize the necessary documents, create the expense sheet, respond to the clients' inquiries and concerns, negotiate with vendors and suppliers, and conduct data analysis. They also act as a liaison between the clients and the senior planners to resolve issues and address the clients' requests. A program support assistant maintains the accuracy of client information on the database and regularly updates the clients' files as needed.

What does a family service assistant do?

A family service assistant offers practical and emotional support to family service workers in support of families. Family service workers are often assigned to at-risk clients through government or social service agencies. A service assistant assesses these families' needs to identify how to resolve issues. A family service assistant must have good communication skills, be calm under pressure, and be adaptable.

Program support assistant vs family service assistant salary

Program support assistants and family service assistants have different pay scales, as shown below.

Program Support AssistantFamily Service Assistant
Average salary$41,107$33,090
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $54,000Between $18,000 And $59,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateConnecticutCalifornia
Best paying companyNew York State Restaurant AssociationMount Sinai Health System
Best paying industryGovernmentNon Profits

Differences between program support assistant and family service assistant education

There are a few differences between a program support assistant and a family service assistant in terms of educational background:

Program Support AssistantFamily Service Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 49%Bachelor's Degree, 57%
Most common majorBusinessPsychology
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversitySUNY at Binghamton

Program support assistant vs family service assistant demographics

Here are the differences between program support assistants' and family service assistants' demographics:

Program Support AssistantFamily Service Assistant
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 27.7% Female, 72.3%Male, 18.8% Female, 81.2%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.9% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.7% Asian, 6.5% White, 54.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%Black or African American, 11.7% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 6.3% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between program support assistant and family service assistant duties and responsibilities

Program support assistant example responsibilities.

  • Create reports, graphs, and PowerPoint presentations for special projects.
  • Design and implement new web pages for all libraries in the district using HTML.
  • Perform student information management application updates and maintain SharePoint log.
  • Ensure all timekeeping data are accurate and produce routine timekeeping reports as requested.
  • Establish and maintain a computerize tracking system on SharePoint for all congressional correspondence.
  • Assist with eligibility and enrollment of new veterans; produce primary care assignments and arrange initial medical appointments.
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Family service assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage the battalion Facebook page to disseminate information out to a more widespread audience.
  • Assist patrons at check-in station, manage equipment rentals, operate POS system and member database.
  • Research and apply knowledge of food allergies and restrictions.
  • Create and conduct small and large group briefings using PowerPoint.
  • Maintain records on parent and child food allergies, as needed.
  • Participate and present monthly orientations for new participants in the TANF and PSP programs.
  • Show more

Program support assistant vs family service assistant skills

Common program support assistant skills
  • Patients, 14%
  • Veterans, 10%
  • Program Support, 8%
  • Customer Service, 8%
  • Rehabilitation, 5%
  • Provides Administrative Support, 4%
Common family service assistant skills
  • Social Work, 19%
  • Child Care, 16%
  • Community Resources, 11%
  • Social Services, 6%
  • Mental Health, 6%
  • Community Agencies, 4%

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