If you’re a recent college graduate or a professional who’s looking for a career change, consider entry level social service jobs. These positions are plentiful in all parts of the country. You don’t need a psychology or social work degree for many entry level social service jobs. If you have a demonstrated desire to help people, you may already be qualified for entry level jobs in a variety of social service settings.
Find Entry Level Social Service Jobs: Emphasize your “people skills” on your resume.
Have you ever worked directly with people through a volunteer organization? Have you worked with the public in retail or other customer-service positions? Do you have babysitting experience, or are you a parent yourself? These experiences should be highlighted on your resume and noted in your cover letter.
For most entry level social service jobs, recruiters are willing to give candidates a chance to learn on the job. However, they’ll be more likely to notice you if you can demonstrate a capacity to work with people from various walks of life in challenging situations. If you feel your resume looks weak in this area, search for volunteering opportunities in your community. Volunteering just a few hours per week for several months at a homeless shelter, literacy center, or similar organization will look great on your resume-and you’ll feel good about doing good.
Find Entry Level Social Service Jobs: Look for ads in your local paper.
Sound obvious? Some people assume that when an ad hits the papers, the employer will be swamped with resumes on the first day, so only stellar candidates will be considered. That may be true for other fields, but entry level social service jobs are different. Look for “substitute” and “respite” positions. Most agencies are searching constantly for reliable substitute workers-that is, people who are trained to fill in when permanent employees go on vacation or call in sick. If you’ve reworked your resume to show off your people skills, you’re likely to land an interview.
Many entry level social service jobs are available in group homes for teens and adults with developmental disabilities or psychiatric challenges. Depending on the number and the particular needs of its residents, a group home must be fully staffed 24/7. Often, the total number of staff members exceeds the number of residents. Group homes have lists of people who can be called to fill gaps in the schedule. Sometimes, a proven substitute worker is asked to temporarily fill an open position. In that case, he or she becomes a prime candidate for a permanent job.
Respite work is another source of entry level social service jobs. A respite worker may be called for a day, an evening, or an entire weekend to care for an elderly or disabled person in their home, while that person’s family or full time caregivers take a break. Like substitute group home workers, respite workers are always in demand.
Find Entry Level Social Service Jobs: Be clear about what you’re willing to do.
Be honest with yourself-and with interviewers-about the populations you’re willing to work with and the tasks you feel you’re able to do. If you want to find entry level social service jobs that may lead to a rewarding career, you need to do some soul-searching first.
Are you prepared to work in crisis situations? If not, say no to entry level social service jobs with clients who are described as “highly challenging.” This term is not used lightly! These clients may be prone to harming themselves and others.
Are you willing to provide personal care, such as help with bathing and using restroom facilities? Are you able to drive clients to appointments, jobs, and outings, either in your own vehicle or in one provided for your use? Are you OK with supervising basic household chores? Are you comfortable working with the elderly? How about troubled teens?
As you find entry level social service jobs and start interviewing for them, you’ll be asked questions like these. Have firm answers prepared ahead of time.
