Social and community service managers’ work can take a number of shapes: They might work directly with a specific community, such as the homeless or the seriously ill, and seek to identify problems and gaps in services for that population. They might also research and design programs that address these problems. Analyzing data, writing grant proposals, and overseeing and mentoring staff are also part of the job. By acting as the voice for their particular community, they could speak to government officials about certain problems; they might even testify before Congress on behalf of their demographic.

"I think we need to feel that what we do matters," says Shirley Otis-Green, clinical director of consulting services for the Coalition for Compassionate Care of California, an advocacy organization dedicated to improving the care of the seriously ill. "Social work, by its very definition, is about doing work that matters. It has an inherent sense of purpose that is so rewarding."

Otis-Green is hopeful that, in the future, social and community service managers will increasingly collaborate interprofessionally so that services will be more holistic. She gives the example of oncology patients. "The most effective way to deliver health care is with a team approach that includes a nurse, doctor, chaplain and social worker," she says. "Person-centered care recognizes that there are multidimensional aspects of suffering and that an interprofessional perspective is needed to address the patient’s physical, social, psychological and spiritual needs."

Typically, the minimum requirements to obtain a social and community service manager position is a bachelor’s degree in social work, urban studies, public administration or another similar field and some work experience. Graduate degrees in social work, public health or a related area are typically the most helpful. "Obtaining a master’s degree in social work opens more doors, more effectively and more efficiently," Otis-Green says.