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Social Service Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Social Services Assistant Now hiring for Fulltime - Monday through Friday! $25-$30 per Hour DOE Job Summary: Village Health Care in Gresham, Oregon is seeking a Social Services Assistant to help the ...

Essential Duties Assist the Social Service Director/Consultant in the planning, developing, organizing, implementing, evaluating, and directing of the social service programs of this facility. Meet ...

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Social Service Assistant information

See Portland, OR salary details

$28.9K

$44.3K

$59.8K

How much do social service assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for social service assistant in Portland, OR is $44,293.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,500.00 and $52,200.00 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Social Service jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Social Service Assistant jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Social Service Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Social Service Assistant job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,293 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Social Service Assistant (Estacada, OR) Youth Residential Program

PsyPhyCare

Estacada, OR • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Opportunity

PsyPhyCare, a division of Business Staffing of America, Inc., is seeking a Social Services Assistant to provide on-site student support services within a federally supported youth residential program in Estacada, Oregon 97023.

Our client operates a comprehensive residential training program serving young adults ages 1624. The program's mission is to help students achieve academic, vocational, personal, and career success while preparing them for meaningful employment and independent living.

This role provides administrative and direct support to the Center's social services and student support functions by assisting with case management activities, maintaining student records, coordinating services, and helping students access resources that promote successful participation in the program.

Responsibilities
  • Assist Social Development and Counseling staff with day-to-day student support activities.
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential student records, files, and case documentation.
  • Support student orientation, enrollment, transitions, and exit processes.
  • Monitor student appointments and assist with scheduling meetings, counseling sessions, and referrals.
  • Provide administrative support for case management activities and student services.
  • Assist students in accessing educational, vocational, medical, behavioral health, and community resources.
  • Monitor student progress and report concerns to appropriate staff members.
  • Help coordinate student activities that promote personal responsibility, life skills, and independent living.
  • Prepare reports, correspondence, and required documentation using computer-based systems.
  • Maintain confidentiality of student information in accordance with HIPAA, the Privacy Act, and federal regulations.
  • Communicate professionally with students, staff, contractors, and community partners.
  • Assist with crisis response activities under the direction of Center leadership.
  • Support special projects and other student services initiatives as assigned.
  • Participate in required meetings, training, and quality improvement activities.
  • Perform other duties necessary to support successful center operations.
Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, Criminal Justice, or a related field preferred.
  • One (1) or more years of experience in social services, human services, case management, education, youth services, behavioral health, or a related field preferred.
  • Experience working with adolescents or young adults is highly desirable.
  • Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic recordkeeping systems.
  • Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
  • Must successfully pass required background investigations and meet all federal security requirements.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in residential treatment, education, workforce development, juvenile services, or youth programs.
  • CPR/First Aid certification (if required by the center).
About PsyPhyCare

PsyPhyCare is committed to delivering professional and passionate practitioners who impact their world, supporting both the individuals we serve and the communities in which they live and grow.