Social and human service assistant: start with a diploma, grow with a degree
A high school diploma is typical for entry-level jobs, with training on the job. Case management or social work jobs later need a bachelor's or master's degree.
For: People who want to help clients find services right away and may study social work later.
Route 1: High school diploma → on-the-job training Entry level
Some employers also run a criminal background check or ask for a driver's license.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Social and Human Service Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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On the job
Case management training
BLS
Social and Human Service Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Social and human service assistant
BLS
Social and Human Service Assistants — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Degree → case manager or social worker Move up
Some employers prefer an associate's or bachelor's degree in human services or a related field.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Social and Human Service Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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2–4 years
Associate's or bachelor's in human services
Programs include fieldwork.
BLS
Social and Human Service Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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More study
Bachelor's or master's in social work or counseling
Advancement to case management or social work jobs requires one.
BLS
Social and Human Service Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Case manager or social worker
Social workerBLS
Social and Human Service Assistants — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.