Social and community service managers plan and direct social service programs.

Social and community service managers work in public and private agencies. These agencies provide services such as:

• Mental health counseling
• Job training
• Housing

Managers direct the operation of social service agencies. In many agencies, they also work directly with clients.

Social and community service managers create policies and define the scope of services offered. They gather information by researching community needs. They also consult with individuals and other agencies in the community.

Managers interview and hire new staff. They train staff in the skills needed to provide services. They also assign duties to and supervise staff. If the agency uses volunteers, managers may also recruit and train these workers. In order to ensure the quality of services and the best use of resources, managers evaluate all staff and volunteers on a regular basis.

In private agencies managers report to and consult with the board of directors. In large organizations that have more than one manager, they report to the agency director.

In addition, managers prepare records and reports. For example, they:

• Develop budgets
• Keep staff records
• Write training manuals

Many social and community service managers speak to community groups and explain the purpose of their agency and the services they offer. They may also plan and direct fundraising activities.