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Social services specialist vs youth care specialist

The differences between social services specialists and youth care 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 youth care specialist. Additionally, a social services specialist has an average salary of $48,359, which is higher than the $38,955 average annual salary of a youth care specialist.

The top three skills for a social services specialist include social work, patients and substance abuse. The most important skills for a youth care specialist are customer service, patients, and CPR.

Social services specialist vs youth care specialist overview

Social Services SpecialistYouth Care Specialist
Yearly salary$48,359$38,955
Hourly rate$23.25$18.73
Growth rate12%12%
Number of jobs154,022133,042
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
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 youth care specialist do?

Youth care specialists are social experts who coordinate programs for children and young people who need care while being away from their own families for some reason. These specialists are required to maintain a safe environment in the community so that children will feel safe, cared for, and nurture. They must lead various seminars for youths about topics such as job readiness, financial literacy, and higher education. They must also communicate the concerns and other important information to a child's assigned social worker and provide back-up support to case managers if needed.

Social services specialist vs youth care specialist salary

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

Social Services SpecialistYouth Care Specialist
Average salary$48,359$38,955
Salary rangeBetween $35,000 And $65,000Between $24,000 And $62,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCAnnapolis, MD
Highest paying stateNew MexicoMaryland
Best paying companyMcKinsey & Company IncDelaware State Government
Best paying industryInsuranceGovernment

Differences between social services specialist and youth care specialist education

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

Social Services SpecialistYouth Care Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorSocial WorkPsychology
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - Dominguez HillsSUNY at Binghamton

Social services specialist vs youth care specialist demographics

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

Social Services SpecialistYouth Care Specialist
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 21.5% Female, 78.5%Male, 37.4% Female, 62.6%
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, 10.4% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 6.0% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.1%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between social services specialist and youth care 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

Youth care specialist example responsibilities.

  • Provide individualize intervention for problematic behaviors using TCI techniques such as de-escalation, to prevent and/or manage crisis.
  • Transport FEMA trailers and levele foundation using bulldozers and bobcats.
  • Maintain current credentials and certifications as required such as such as CPR and first aid certifications.
  • Provide everyday living activity for autistic individuals, pass medicine, dress patients, help with communication, and restrain patients.
  • Retain proper certifications for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, first aid, driver's license and insurance.

Social services specialist vs youth care specialist skills

Common social services specialist skills
  • Social Work, 25%
  • Patients, 15%
  • Substance Abuse, 10%
  • Discharge Planning, 7%
  • Term Care, 7%
  • MDS, 6%
Common youth care specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 18%
  • Patients, 13%
  • CPR, 6%
  • Direct Care, 6%
  • Social Work, 5%
  • Cleanliness, 5%

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