How to Become a Director of Social Services

Nearly 200,000 social and community service managers were employed in the United States as of 2023, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). These leaders are vital to ensuring that community service programs are created, funded, implemented, and managed.

Directors of social services, in particular, initiate programs and services for children, older adults, homeless people, victims of abusive environments, and other at-risk populations. They work closely with health care, government, and other social service professionals to ensure programs are successfully implemented and identify areas in need of improvement.

Individuals who aspire to become managers and directors in social services organizations can advance in their careers by gaining experience in related, lower-level roles and earning a graduate degree in a relevant discipline.

What Does a Director of Social Services Do?

Social services directors’ responsibilities vary based on the organization they work for, which may be a government agency, nonprofit organization, or for-profit company that caters to a specific social or community group. However, core duties of social services directors include:

• Planning, implementing, and overseeing various community service programs and policies
• Developing community service outreach programs
• Organizing and maintaining confidential client records
• Hiring, training, and managing staff
• Managing budgets and all financial resources
• Ensuring that programs are cost effective and aligned with strategic goals
• Collaborating with medical and other social service professionals
• Writing grants and raising funds to support programs

Steps to Become a Social Services Director

To qualify for a director of social services role, individuals need to have the necessary education, experience, and skills.

Complete Educational Programs

Most social services directors start their career by earning a bachelor’s degree in a discipline such as sociology, psychology, social work, or human services. The programs for these degrees are designed to help students understand ethics, human behavior, and social services principles.

While a bachelor’s degree is suitable for entry-level roles, applicants for social services director roles may need a master’s degree in a related discipline, such as public administration or social work.

Gain Work Experience

To become a director in a social or community service organization, individuals typically need to have at least five years of relevant experience. The exact requirements depend on factors such as the type and location of the employer.

Practical work experience may be accrued while an individual is pursuing their undergraduate degree, through an internship, or in a related position, such as a social service assistant, case manager, program analyst, social worker, or substance abuse counselor role. The hands-on experience should include displays of leadership, such as mentoring junior staff, executing programs, and leading team meetings.

Obtain a Professional Certification or Credential

While not always required, some professionals advance their knowledge of the field by earning a certification. In some instances, an employer may require a certification.

Certifications related to social service and public administration professions are available through organizations such as the National Certified Public Manager Consortium, the National Association of Social Workers, and the Commission for Case Manager Certification. Social services directors may also seek first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certifications.

Develop the Required Skills

In addition to a formal education, directors should have a set of key skills to navigate the challenges of being in a leadership position. Analytical skills are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and superb communication and interpersonal skills are valuable for connecting with the public, stakeholders, staff, and fellow professionals.

Other common required skills are time management, problem-solving, decision-making, compassion, and creativity skills. Being bilingual is another useful skill that can help these professionals communicate with various audiences.

Salary and Job Outlook for Directors of Social Services

According to the BLS, the median annual salary of social and community service managers, which includes directors of social services, is $78,240 as of May 2024. The lowest-earning 10% of these managers earned less than $50,020, while the top 10% earned more than $129,820.

The BLS reports the following median salaries for the top employment industries for social and community service managers:

• Local government: $101,620
• Religious, grantmaking, civic, professional, and similar organizations: $77,320
• Individual and family services: $74,710

The BLS projects 8% job growth for these professionals from 2023 to 2033. This job outlook factors in a projected increase in the population of older adults requiring social services. These managers are also expected to be needed to direct programs for people who need substance abuse treatment.

Discover How a Master’s Degree Can Enhance Your Social Services Career

At Tseng College at California State University, Northridge, students can earn a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree to prepare themselves for the meaningful role of social services director. With online and in-person learning options, this program caters to professionals already working in the field and to individuals making a transition to the public sector.

The MPA program offers two tracks: nonprofit sector management and public sector management and leadership. In addition to the director of social services role, the MPA program helps individuals prepare for a range of careers in public sector agencies, social services organizations, and humanities fields.

Another option for aspiring community leaders at Tseng College at CSUN is the online Bachelor of Arts in Public Sector Management program.

Learn more about how CSUN’s Master of Public Administration degree can prepare you for a career as a director of social services.