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Social services specialist vs living specialist

The differences between social services specialists and living specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a social services specialist and a living specialist. Additionally, a social services specialist has an average salary of $48,359, which is higher than the $36,759 average annual salary of a living specialist.

The top three skills for a social services specialist include social work, patients and substance abuse. The most important skills for a living specialist are independent living, community resources, and autism.

Social services specialist vs living specialist overview

Social Services SpecialistLiving Specialist
Yearly salary$48,359$36,759
Hourly rate$23.25$17.67
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs154,02249,916
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Average age4343
Years of experience1212

What does a social services specialist do?

A Social Services Specialist provides social services to children and adults in communities, facilities, institutions, or hospitals. They develop and implement specialized treatment programs.

What does a living specialist do?

A living specialist is a person who is responsible for assisting and guiding individuals that have difficulties caring for themselves. They are the person who helps them in doing household chores and guiding them throughout the cleaning process. This career is an important position in society because it provides care for those who are in need.

Social services specialist vs living specialist salary

Social services specialists and living specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Social Services SpecialistLiving Specialist
Average salary$48,359$36,759
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $65,000Between $28,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew MexicoNew York
Best paying companyMcKinsey & Company IncTerros Health
Best paying industryInsuranceNon Profits

Differences between social services specialist and living specialist education

There are a few differences between a social services specialist and a living specialist in terms of educational background:

Social Services SpecialistLiving Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 54%
Most common majorSocial WorkPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Dominguez HillsSUNY at Binghamton

Social services specialist vs living specialist demographics

Here are the differences between social services specialists' and living specialists' demographics:

Social Services SpecialistLiving Specialist
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 21.5% Female, 78.5%Male, 29.5% Female, 70.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 6.7% White, 57.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%Black or African American, 10.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 16.1% Asian, 6.8% White, 60.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between social services specialist and living specialist duties and responsibilities

Social services specialist example responsibilities.

  • Provide comprehensive case management to DCFS clients and their families to achieve case goals as outlined in the client service plan.
  • Provide supervision to social services assistant and MSW intern.
  • Retain potential clients base on the strength of their SSDI claim.
  • Participate in group staffing to discuss the best interest of children and families who have open cases with DSS.
  • Plan and execute case work activities to expedite safety first, permanence and well-being of child in DSS custody.
  • Develop working relationships with other DHS umbrella agencies.
  • Show more

Living specialist example responsibilities.

  • Ensure the facilities' mission are achieved by effectively supervising the mental health rehabilitative efforts of severely and chronically ill patients.
  • Conduct comprehensive care assessments to determine client eligibility for Medicaid fund home health assistance.
  • Provide education and vocational counseling for the individual and/or their family members and significant others to ensure healthy lifestyles and rehabilitation.
  • Collaborate with community health councils and other community agencies to provide programs that enhance community awareness of health and safety.

Social services specialist vs living specialist skills

Common social services specialist skills
  • Social Work, 25%
  • Patients, 15%
  • Substance Abuse, 10%
  • Discharge Planning, 7%
  • Term Care, 7%
  • MDS, 6%
Common living specialist skills
  • Independent Living, 13%
  • Community Resources, 9%
  • Autism, 8%
  • CPR, 8%
  • Mental Health, 7%
  • Foster Care, 7%

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