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Social Service Assistant Jobs in Rhode Island (NOW HIRING)

SOCIAL SERVICES II: To provide emotional support, crisis intervention and counseling for Pediatrics ... To provide case management & milieu management, complete psychosocial assessments, assist in the ...

SOCIAL SERVICES II: To provide emotional support, crisis intervention and counseling for Pediatrics ... To provide case management & milieu management, complete psychosocial assessments, assist in the ...

SOCIAL SERVICES II: To provide emotional support, crisis intervention and counseling for Pediatrics ... To provide case management & milieu management, complete psychosocial assessments, assist in the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Social Service Assistant information

See Rhode Island salary details

$27.9K

$42.8K

$57.8K

How much do social service assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for social service assistant in Rhode Island is $42,781.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,300.00 and $50,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social service assistant?

A social service assistant, or human service assistant, works with clients who need public assistance. Their duties include assessing what benefits people need, such as in-home medical care, food stamps, or other forms of social services, and ensuring clients are able to access those benefits. A social service assistant may also perform administrative tasks, including scheduling, monitoring and documenting client progress, and writing departmental reports.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a social service assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Social Service Assistant, you need a background in social work or human services, often with an associate’s degree or relevant experience. Familiarity with case management software, basic data entry systems, and client record-keeping tools is typically required. Compassion, active listening, and strong organizational skills help professionals connect with clients and coordinate supportive services effectively. These skills are crucial for ensuring clients receive appropriate assistance and for maintaining accurate case documentation in a supportive environment.

What are some common challenges faced by social service assistants when supporting clients from diverse backgrounds?

Social Service Assistants often work with clients from various cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds, which can present challenges in communication and understanding individual needs. It's important to be adaptable and sensitive to cultural differences while maintaining professional boundaries. Building trust and rapport may take additional time, and Social Service Assistants must be resourceful in connecting clients with appropriate community resources. Regular collaboration with social workers and other professionals ensures comprehensive support and helps address these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Social Service Assistant vs Social Worker?

AspectSocial Service AssistantSocial Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require certificationBachelor's degree in social work (BSW) or related field; licensure often required
Work EnvironmentCommunity agencies, healthcare facilities, schoolsHospitals, government agencies, private practices
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, healthcare, educationHealthcare, social services, government
Job FocusAssisting with client needs, providing support, and coordinating servicesAssessing client needs, developing treatment plans, advocacy

While both roles support individuals and communities, Social Service Assistants typically perform supportive tasks under supervision, whereas Social Workers take on more complex case management and advocacy responsibilities, often requiring advanced degrees and licensure.

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Service jobs in Rhode Island?

The most popular types of Social Service jobs in Rhode Island are:

What cities in Rhode Island are hiring for Social Service Assistant jobs?

Cities in Rhode Island with the most Social Service Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Social Service Assistant job openings in Rhode Island as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,781 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

SOCIAL SERVICE CLINICIAN II

Providence, RI • On-site


Care New England Health System
Health Care and Social Assistance • 1 - 5K employees

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

345th of 894 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents


Per diem

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Summary
Provides a well-focused psychosocial and discharge planning assessment of patient and family to develop a treatment plan and goals, appropriate to the age of the patient.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Demonstrates ethical and collaborative behavior to ensure quality of care and promote positive department and program relationships.
  • Provides a well-focused psychosocial and discharge planning assessment of patient and family to develop a treatment plan and goals, appropriate to the age of the patient.
  • Demonstrates thorough knowledge base of clinical practice through written documentation and contributions at team meetings and patient related meetings.
  • Implements the treatment plan to achieve the treatment goals relative to age specific needs.
  • Coordinates with treatment team in facilitating an optimal discharge plan for patients, demonstrating knowledge of general and age specific resources including availability, eligibility, cost factors and types of service.
  • Completes appropriate documentation in a timely fashion.
  • Participates in the training and in-service education of Social Services staff and other health professionals providing consultation, supervision and teaching as assigned.
  • In collaboration with treatment team, performs utilization review functions and serves as the primary liaison with ERO's.
  • Demonstrates commitment to professional career growth and maintains core age specific and specialty competency for all patient populations.
  • Observes relevant hospital and department policies and procedures including risk management, infection control and safety.
  • Consistently adheres to Butler Hospital service standards.

Requirements
  • Master's in Social Work.
  • Experience in a psychiatric setting is preferred.
  • Training and experience in relation to the population served is necessary, particularly with specialty units or continuing education/in-services in that area will be required.
  • Interest and commitment in the programs at Butler Hospital and the dept of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown.
  • Able to tolerate the stress of multiple demands of working in a fast-paced environment and dealing with multi-disciplinary staff and difficult patient population.

About Us
Care New England Health System (CNE) and its member institutions, Butler Hospital, Women & Infants Hospital, Kent Hospital, VNA of Care New England, Integra, The Providence Center, and Care New England Medical Group, is a trusted, integrated health care organization that fuels the latest advances in medical research, attracts the nation's top specialty-trained doctors, hones renowned services and innovative programs, and engages in the important discussions people need to have about their health and end-of-life wishes. Care New England is helping to transform the future of health care, providing a leading voice in the ongoing effort to ensure the health of the individuals and communities we serve.
Americans with Disability Act Statement: External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled must be able to perform the essential job-specific functions either unaided or with the assistance of a reasonable accommodation, to be determined by the organization on a case-by-case basis.
EEOC Statement: Care New England is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status
Ethics Statement: Employee conducts himself/herself consistent with the ethical standards of the organization including, but not limited to hospital policy, mission, vision, and values.


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