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Behavioral Health

Social and Community Service Manager

Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.

Annual openings

303

Median wage

$97,440

Typical education

Master's degree

Growth 2026–2032

+12%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

Master's degree

Credential requirement

There are often no additional credentials required for this job.

Work experience

A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. Work experience in lower-level jobs on the pathway is highly valued.

Employer competency information

Feedback from employers identifies the following competencies as being critical to support a successful move up to the Manager level

  • Planning & Organizing — Plan and organize the successful completion of tasks and projects for multiple teams; set expectations for team members and hold them accountable.
  • Personnel & Human Resources and Interpersonal Skills — Understand behaviors (Psychology) of team members; motivate, empower and get a diverse team to work well together; lead and manage staff; deal with others with fairness and integrity; and hire and fill skills gaps effectively.
  • Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, & Decision Making — Continue to elevate these skills for use in activities that cross teams, including strategic thinking and vision setting across an organization.

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Automation exposure

Low exposure

Tasks here lean on judgement and people skills that are hard to automate.

A typical day

  1. Establish and oversee administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management.
  2. Direct activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers.
  3. Participate in the determination of organizational policies regarding such issues as participant eligibility, program requirements, and program benefits.
  4. Prepare and maintain records and reports, such as budgets, personnel records, or training manuals.
  5. Provide direct service and support to individuals or clients, such as handling a referral for child advocacy issues, conducting a needs evaluation, or resolving complaints.
  6. Establish and maintain relationships with other agencies and organizations in community to meet community needs and to ensure that services are not duplicated.
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