5 Characteristics of a Successful Social and Community Service Manager

Have you ever considered pursuing the profession of a social and community service manager?

Maybe it sounds like an interesting job that can make a lasting difference, but you’re unsure of what social or community service managers do on a daily basis. This article will answer some basic questions about what social and community service managers are and how to become one. We will then address what kind of person would be the best for this exciting job. We have compiled a list of 5 characteristics of a successful social and community service manager. These five characteristics are:

Analytical Skills
Excellence in Communication
Management and Leadership
Problem-solving Skills
Time-management Skills

A person who would like to become a manager in community and social services should have these five characteristics. Some of these characteristics may be innate to a person, but it is also possible to develop or hone them over time. Each of these characteristics will help in various aspects of the job.

Let’s take a look at some questions that you may have about the profession as a whole. Following that, we will explore these five characteristics and what makes them so important.

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What is a social and community service manager?

A community and social service manager works to coordinate and supervise services, programs, and organizations that are designed for the well-being of the public. In doing this, there are many components to this job.

Social and community service managers spend a good deal of time analyzing data, and using that data to figure out ways to best help the needs of the community at hand. They will then need to create solutions and programs that will address the needs of the community members.

The job may also include things such as writing grant proposals and coordinating outreach events. Social and community service managers typically will need to speak on behalf of a particular group so that their voice can be heard. They may also direct professionals in how to provide the appropriate services to those who are in need.

Social or community service managers coordinate community members from various areas and will sometimes work directly with a specific community. Examples of this are the homeless, those facing a specific medical condition, or a particular people group. This could be a specific ethnic group, or it could be children, the elderly, or veterans.

The profession of social and community service managers is an exciting one to choose. This is because service managers have the unique opportunity to create real and lasting change for those who very well may need it most.

Where can I find a job as a social and community service manager?

There are many organizations that are in need of competent social and community service managers. The most common places to find a job in this sector are non-profit organizations, social service companies, and government agencies. A typical work environment for a community and social service manager may be an office, a shelter, clinic, or medical facility.

The feel of the job may vary a great deal depending on where you are employed. When working for a smaller company, you can expect your job description to be widespread and varied. A social and community service manager for a small non-profit can expect to be responsible for each different aspect of the job. This may include everything from administrative tasks to acting as a representative to stakeholders.

When working for a larger corporation, however, it is more likely that your job would be more specific, such as analyzing data, writing proposals, or speaking publicly about pressing issues. When looking for jobs, it is a good idea to consider which type of environment best suits you, your personality, and your career goals.

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How do I become a social and community service manager?

In order to become a social or community service manager, you will need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in a field related to social service programs. Social work, urban studies, or public administration are examples of good degree options as you prepare for the profession.

After earning a bachelor’s degree, it is a good idea to look for an entry level position in the field. It would definitely be worth it to work for at least a year for an organization and get a feel for the profession. After a bit of experience, you will be better prepared for taking on the role of a social and community service manager.

There is also the option of pursuing a master’s degree in a more specific field. This route would help you to earn a job as a manager in less time. However, many organizations would still want to hire someone with experience on the job.

Characteristics that successful social and community service managers tend to have

Analytical Skills

Analytical skills are key to being successful as a community and social services manager. Analyzing data is the first step to success for any service manager. In order to evaluate whether a program is working or not, a manager has to sort through all the data from the program. Analytical skills with databases and statistical analysis software help in this situation.

Managers must also be able to evaluate data to be able to provide guidance and create strategies around new projects or initiatives. While a program is ongoing, a manager should be able to test the data as it comes into the agency or department. This allows the manager to find out if things are going well or terribly wrong.

The data that social and community service managers gather will be the basis for the initiatives, programs and solutions that they pursue. Good analytical skills will have a clear impact on the outcomes that can be achieved.

Excellence in Communication

A manager in social and community services must be able to communicate well. As a part of community outreach, they may need to engage in public speaking and deliver presentations. Their audience may be diverse and include people from different walks of life, economic groups, age groups and social groups.

Managers in social and community services must also be able to communicate well with their staff and colleagues. They should speak clearly and concisely. The managers should also be excellent at listening to others. There are many levels of communication that will be a daily part of the job. A successful manager will need to accurately hear the needs of the people group they are working with.

Not only that, but they will need to take what they have heard, and clearly represent it to others. It is very likely that different styles of communication may be needed depending on who is being communicated with. A good social and community service manager should be able to adapt to their target audience. This will result in people feeling heard and valued, as well as the proper message being clearly conveyed.

Management and Leadership

A person who works as a social and community service manager should excel at managing others. Although this seems obvious, it is worth mentioning, as not everyone is able to successfully manage others. The proper management of others involves giving direction and acting as an authority figure without being an authoritarian.

As a manager, a person may have to administer a budget, set priorities, discipline employees and take decisive actions in the face of problems.

A successful manager should also display solid leadership qualities. Employees should feel comfortable approaching the manager when there is a problem and working with the manager in order to identify and put a solution into place.

A good leader brings out the best in people, and encourages others around them to do their jobs well.

Problem-solving Skills

A manager in social and community services will need to deal with a wide variety of problems. There may be client problems or crises that arise at unusual times of the day. There could be staff problems or conflicts that a manager must solve in an amicable or ethical way for all of the involved parties.

There may also be agency problems from time to time. Some examples of these are budget cuts or directives from departmental leadership.

As an example, a manager might have to deal with a client who becomes homeless during the holidays. The manager might also have to sort out a problem between two staff members who disagree or have workplace conflicts. These different scenarios show that social and community service managers typically will need to be able to problem solve quickly, and use wisdom when doing so.

A good problem solver is able to think ahead, so that they can foresee the possible consequences, both good and bad, of a decision made.

Time-management Skills

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, another one of the characteristics of a successful social and community service manager is the ability to manage time well. Many social services have critical deadlines. Time-management skills are key to success as a manager. This is because it is often necessary to help multiple clients or employees in a short amount of time.

A social or community service manager should also know when to delegate certain tasks and how to schedule their employees. By nature of the job, there will always be needs that need to be addressed. Good time management will help a service manager to know what to prioritize, when to address an urgent need, and when to wait.

A manager who has good time management will also help those who work with them and under them to manage their duties in a timely matter, as well.

Social and community service managers typically have a lot to do, and they must often do their work with little in the way of resources. They also need to be able to prioritize their resources so as to be able to make the most of what they have and help the most people.

Knowing about these five characteristics of a successful social and community service manager can help a person decide if this is the right career path for them.

If these character qualities mentioned seem like a good fit, then pursuing a career as a social and community service manager is a very good career choice. The job outlook for service managers is well above average, and the pay is very good as well. Although advancements in technology have made some jobs obsolete, the need for people well equipped to represent others is only growing.

There are few jobs that have more of an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of people than this one. The people groups represented by a social and community service manager are often those that have been marginalized, forgotten, or mistreated. The choice to come alongside these people and use your education, drive, and strong character qualities is one that could make a positive impact on generations to come.