Community and social service worker jobs are available in a variety of settings, including private social service agencies, hospitals, and schools. Job opportunities are expected to be best in private social service agencies and for social workers with advanced degrees.
Employment of community and social service workers is projected to grow 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the population ages, the demand for these workers will increase, as they will be needed to work with older adults and their families.
The median annual wage for community and social service workers was $43,250.
What to Include in a Community Worker Cover Letter?
Roles And Responsibilities
- Helping clients find resources and services that will improve their wellbeing.
- Assisting clients with paperwork and applications.
- Developing relationships with local organizations that can help their clients.
- Organizing workshops and events to help people build skills or connect with each other.
- Researching issues affecting the community to develop advocacy campaigns aimed at social change.
- Meeting with community members to determine needs and plan ways to meet those needs.
- Developing long and short-term goals for the community.
- Connecting clients with appropriate resources, such as public assistance programs.
Education & Skills
Community Worker Skills:
- Communicate effectively with people from all walks of life.
- Build trust and rapport with clients, and be able to work collaboratively with other professionals in order to provide comprehensive support to their clients.
- Be patient, resourceful, and have a strong sense of empathy.
- Work independently, and be able to manage their own time effectively.
Community Worker Education Requirements:
- There are no specific education requirements to become a community worker. However, many community worker positions may require a bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, or a related field. Some employers may also prefer candidates with experience in social work, case management, or counseling.
Community Worker Cover Letter Example (Text Version)
Dear [employer name],
I’m writing to apply for the [position] at [company name]. I’ve worked as a community worker for over a decade, and I’ve been thrilled to watch the incredible impact of this work on the lives of people in my community.
When I started working as a community worker, I had just graduated from college, and I was eager to help people in my community get access to essential resources. Because of the lack of funding for many nonprofits, it can be difficult for people to find services that meet their needs. For example, my first job working with a charity called [charity name] involved helping adults with an intellectual disability find volunteer opportunities in their local area. It was interesting work, but it also showed me how challenging it can be for people who need assistance to navigate an uncoordinated system of support.
Since then, I’ve worked with over 20 different charities and nonprofits, and I’ve become passionate about using my skills to help the most vulnerable members of society gain access to essential resources. I would love to bring this passion and experience to your role at [company name].
My achievements include:
- Created a new program that helps adults with disabilities find volunteer opportunities in their local area.
- Created a volunteer training program that is still used today. The organization was able to bring on over 20 new volunteers in the first year after implementing this program.
- Developed a program that allows us to accept food donations from local businesses without having to
pay for storage or transport. This has saved our organization nearly $10,000 in operating costs every year.
I look forward to speaking with you further about how I can add value to your team!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Tips
When writing a cover letter for a social work position, it is important to highlight your skills and experience in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, you should emphasize your ability to provide support and guidance to those in need.
If you have any experience working with at-risk populations, be sure to mention that in your letter. Additionally, you can highlight any volunteer work or other experience that you have that is relevant to the position.
Refer to our Community Worker Resume Sample for more tips on how to write your resume and accompany it with a strong cover letter.
