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CareerOneStop, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration

CAREER PROFILE

Managers in Social, Community and Correctional Services

Managers in Social, Community and Correctional Services help run important programs and facilities that support people and communities. They may oversee social service programs, manage staff and budgets, work with non-profit organizations, or direct correctional facilities and detention centres. This career suits students who are organized, good communicators, and interested in leadership, helping others, and solving practical problems. Business, English, Health, Math, and Science can all be useful preparation for this field.

EDUCATION ROUTEMultiple pathways
WORK STYLEVaries by role
CAREER FIELDLaw, Public Safety and Security

HOW TO GET THERE

Typical pathway

A typical path starts with high school courses such as English, Math, Business, Health, and Science, plus volunteer work or part-time roles in community services, non-profits, or related offices. Many people then complete a college diploma or university degree in social services, community studies, public administration, criminal justice, or a related field, though the exact path can vary by employer and role. Early work often includes frontline service, program support, or office coordination before moving into supervision. With experience, some people advance into managing staff, budgets, programs, or facilities in social, community, or correctional settings.

THE WORK

What you may do

Legacy duties

  • Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the delivery of social and community service programs such as income maintenance, children's aid and emergency housing services
  • Manage the operations and activities of correctional facilities and detention centres
  • Administer the programs of non-governmental organizations involved with social issues such as health care, human rights, consumer protection, international development and environmental protection
  • Administer programs of membership organizations such as political parties, labour organizations, business and professional associations
  • Establish administrative procedures to meet objectives set by board of directors or senior management
  • Direct and advise professional and non-professional staff delivering services and programs to the general public and to the organization or association membership
  • Plan, administer and control budgets for programs, equipment and support services
  • Represent their respective organizations for the purpose of government liaison and media relations
  • Participate in policy development by preparing reports and briefs for management committees and working groups
  • Hire and provide training for professional and non-professional staff.

SKILLS TO BUILD

Skills used in this Career

Business ManagementCommunication SkillsEntrepreneurship SkillsLeadership

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