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Social services specialist vs social services case manager

The differences between social services specialists and social services case managers 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 social services case manager. Additionally, a social services specialist has an average salary of $48,359, which is higher than the $31,854 average annual salary of a social services case manager.

The top three skills for a social services specialist include social work, patients and substance abuse. The most important skills for a social services case manager are social work, social services, and patients.

Social services specialist vs social services case manager overview

Social Services SpecialistSocial Services Case Manager
Yearly salary$48,359$31,854
Hourly rate$23.25$15.31
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs154,022148,868
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
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 social services case manager do?

Social services case managers conduct in-person appointments and phone intake assessments. They manage the organization's documents and report for non-federal grants and federal grants. These professionals counsel clients and their families, making it easy to develop life skills, service plan goals, and sustain financial stability. Social services case managers also conduct activities and monitor the service environment to maximize client well-being and success. Furthermore, social services case managers maximize client assistance by working with community partners.

Social services specialist vs social services case manager salary

Social services specialists and social services case managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Social Services SpecialistSocial Services Case Manager
Average salary$48,359$31,854
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $65,000Between $22,000 And $44,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCSan Mateo, CA
Highest paying stateNew MexicoCalifornia
Best paying companyMcKinsey & Company IncUofL Hospital
Best paying industryInsuranceFinance

Differences between social services specialist and social services case manager education

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

Social Services SpecialistSocial Services Case Manager
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 72%
Most common majorSocial WorkSocial Work
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Dominguez HillsCalifornia State University - Long Beach

Social services specialist vs social services case manager demographics

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

Social Services SpecialistSocial Services Case Manager
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 21.5% Female, 78.5%Male, 17.9% Female, 82.1%
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, 22.8% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 6.6% White, 50.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.6%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between social services specialist and social services case manager 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.
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Social services case manager example responsibilities.

  • Manage a caseload TANF clients, assess clients eligibility to receive benefits, assist with placement of clients in various programs.
  • Work close with DHS on documents and monthly reports need.
  • Complete weekly chart audits, maintain weekly 2010E housing reports mandate by DHS and closely monitor vacancy report.
  • Assist patients with the rigorous application process necessary to obtain state-issu health insurance.
  • Assist probationers and juveniles with job placement assistance, refer clientele to appropriate Medicaid /housing/ food assistance programs.
  • Complete and process all Medicaid/Medicare and third party insurance applications for patients and residents in need of public assistance.
  • Show more

Social services specialist vs social services case manager skills

Common social services specialist skills
  • Social Work, 25%
  • Patients, 15%
  • Substance Abuse, 10%
  • Discharge Planning, 7%
  • Term Care, 7%
  • MDS, 6%
Common social services case manager skills
  • Social Work, 17%
  • Social Services, 12%
  • Patients, 8%
  • Mental Health, 8%
  • Discharge Planning, 6%
  • Crisis Intervention, 5%

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