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What is a social service coordinator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted Expert
Virginia Schwindt
introduction image

A Job as a social service coordinator falls under the broader career category of social and community service managers. They plan, direct and coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization.

They are responsible for overseeing the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may include directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Their responsibilities also include organizing, implementing, and evaluating the social services program to meet the psycho-social needs, including but not limited to resident assessment, maintenance of resident records, coordination of services to meet the needs of residents, and relocation when necessary.

They also act as consultants where necessary, represent organizations in relation to government organizations and media, analyze proposed legislation, and direct fundraising activities. Basic skills required for this role include computer skills, leadership skills, and flexibility.

A Bachelor's degree in social work, business administration, humanities, or a relevant field is essential for this role. A social service coordinator's average hourly salary is $18.91, which amounts to over $39,000 a year. The career is projected to grow another 13% in the coming years and create various opportunities across the United States.

What general advice would you give to a Social Service Coordinator?

Virginia SchwindtVirginia Schwindt LinkedIn Profile

MSW Field Director/Associate Professor, Union University

Take the licensing test as soon as you are able to, and be open to where you work. It is great to want a specific population or employer, but being open to other experiences may be where God wants you to be. Don't limit yourself because, as a social worker, you can do so many different things.
ScoreSocial Service CoordinatorUS Average
Salary
3.2

Avg. Salary $40,946

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
8.9

Growth Rate 12%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
10.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 2.16%

Asian 6.35%

Black or African American 11.99%

Hispanic or Latino 19.63%

Unknown 5.18%

White 54.68%

Gender

female 81.62%

male 18.38%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress Level
8.9

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
8.1

Complexity Level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
6.2

Work Life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

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Social Service Coordinator career paths

Key steps to become a social service coordinator

  1. Explore social service coordinator education requirements

    Most common social service coordinator degrees

    Bachelor's

    63.6 %

    Master's

    22.7 %

    Associate

    8.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific social service coordinator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Social Work22.21%
    Home Health13.70%
    Patients12.18%
    Community Resources10.98%
    Rehabilitation4.98%
  3. Complete relevant social service coordinator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New social service coordinators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a social service coordinator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real social service coordinator resumes.
  4. Research social service coordinator duties and responsibilities

    • Maintain national staffing Microsoft SharePoint site in order to manage staffing requisitions and available resources for business needs
    • Streamline productivity strategically managing caseloads and direct client contact conducting weekly interviews with patients and families; experience in MDS documentation.
    • Formulate rehabilitation plan for each assign offender by evaluating legal and social history and progress of offender.
    • Conduct math lessons in a small group setting.
  5. Prepare your social service coordinator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your social service coordinator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a social service coordinator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Social Service Coordinator Resume templates

    Build a professional Social Service Coordinator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Social Service Coordinator resume.
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    Social Service Coordinator Resume
    Social Service Coordinator Resume
    Social Service Coordinator Resume
    Social Service Coordinator Resume
    Social Service Coordinator Resume
  6. Apply for social service coordinator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a social service coordinator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How Did You Land Your First Social Service Coordinator Job

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Average social service coordinator salary

The average Social Service Coordinator salary in the United States is $40,946 per year or $20 per hour. Social service coordinator salaries range between $32,000 and $51,000 per year.

Average Social Service Coordinator Salary
$40,946 Yearly
$19.69 hourly

What Am I Worth?

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How do social service coordinators rate their job?

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Social Service Coordinator reviews

profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2023
Pros

Fulfilling, has a flexible schedule, and very team-oriented environment.

Cons

It can be stressful, with a heavy workload. Talking to patients who are in crisis or who are displeased with services can be emotionally draining.


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Aug 2022
Cons

Getting approval and watching families go through their proceed with difficulties


profile
A zippia user wrote a review on Jan 2022
Cons

Low pay

Pros

Working collaboratively with clients to help them understand themselves and experience their authentic selves. Learning from my clients.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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