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Student worker vs social worker assistant

The differences between student workers and social workers assistant can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a student worker, becoming a social worker assistant takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a social worker assistant has an average salary of $37,542, which is higher than the $25,735 average annual salary of a student worker.

The top three skills for a student worker include customer service, front desk and twitter. The most important skills for a social worker assistant are social work, patients, and public assistance.

Student worker vs social worker assistant overview

Student WorkerSocial Worker Assistant
Yearly salary$25,735$37,542
Hourly rate$12.37$18.05
Growth rate9%12%
Number of jobs82,353115,098
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age4243
Years of experience412

What does a student worker do?

Student workers are students who are employed while also enrolled at the university. They usually work in a department or college where they handle different tasks. Most of the time, student workers are assigned to do administrative activities. Their tasks include sorting mail, sending outgoing mail, manning telephone lines, filing documents, updating records, liaising with other departments, and documenting meetings, among others. Student-workers may also be assigned to handle or assist in university-wide events and activities. They are expected to be technologically savvy so that they can really help out in the department they are assigned to. Student-workers should be responsible, trustworthy, and diligent.

What does a social worker assistant do?

A social worker assistant is in charge of performing support tasks for social workers in the joint effort to assist disadvantaged families in communities. Their responsibilities include preparing and processing documentation, managing schedules, arranging appointments with clients and external parties, handling calls and correspondence, maintaining records, and running errands on behalf of staff. Furthermore, a social worker assistant may reach out to families to identify their needs, conduct interviews and assessments, facilitate activities, and monitor the progress of families or individuals, referring them to other agencies as needed.

Student worker vs social worker assistant salary

Student workers and social workers assistant have different pay scales, as shown below.

Student WorkerSocial Worker Assistant
Average salary$25,735$37,542
Salary rangeBetween $19,000 And $34,000Between $27,000 And $51,000
Highest paying CityAlbany, NYSeattle, WA
Highest paying stateConnecticutHawaii
Best paying companyUniversity of California, BerkeleyMinnesota State Fair
Best paying industryRetailFinance

Differences between student worker and social worker assistant education

There are a few differences between a student worker and a social worker assistant in terms of educational background:

Student WorkerSocial Worker Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorBusinessSocial Work
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaSUNY at Binghamton

Student worker vs social worker assistant demographics

Here are the differences between student workers' and social workers assistant' demographics:

Student WorkerSocial Worker Assistant
Average age4243
Gender ratioMale, 38.7% Female, 61.3%Male, 34.9% Female, 65.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%Black or African American, 12.0% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.8% Asian, 7.0% White, 51.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.2%
LGBT Percentage10%11%

Differences between student worker and social worker assistant duties and responsibilities

Student worker example responsibilities.

  • Manage club documents and advertise several events through Facebook.
  • Exhibit patient care CPR experience in CNA
  • Maintain neat appearance and cleanliness of the library.
  • Assist with maintaining the cleanliness of the dining room
  • Mow and edge lawns, using power mowers and weed eaters.
  • Provide excellent customer service while assisting students in completing online applications for FAFSA and admissions.
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Social worker assistant example responsibilities.

  • Manage the clinic's Medicaid enrollment process and assist clients with their application process under proper guidance.
  • Assist patients in coping with their lifestyle changes and overall help patients achieve optimum independence and reduce re-hospitalizations.
  • Case manage in-district and out-of-district students with emotional disabilities, autism, other health impair and physical disabilities.
  • Refer patients and their families to relevant community resources and coordinate with social services at other community agencies.
  • Maintain accurate records to comply with ESRD and CMS regulations.
  • Participate in monthly interdisciplinary team meetings regarding patient care.
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Student worker vs social worker assistant skills

Common student worker skills
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Front Desk, 11%
  • Twitter, 8%
  • Financial Aid, 6%
  • PowerPoint, 5%
  • Computer Lab, 4%
Common social worker assistant skills
  • Social Work, 22%
  • Patients, 14%
  • Public Assistance, 11%
  • Community Resources, 5%
  • Mental Health, 5%
  • Social Services, 5%

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