Many miscellaneous social services organizations are concerned with community improvement and social change. They may solicit contributions, administer appropriations, and allocate funds among other agencies engaged in social welfare services. Thus evening, weekend, and holiday work is not uncommon. Some establishments may be understaffed, resulting in large caseloads for each worker. Jobs in voluntary, nonprofit agencies often are part time.
Some workers spend a substantial amount of time traveling within the local area.
In 1997, the incidence rate for occupational injury and illness in social services varied by industry sector. An estimated 52,000 self-employed persons also worked in the industry. About 39 percent were 45 years old or older, compared to 34 percent of all workers. Jobs in social services are concentrated in large States with heavily populated urban areas, such as New York and California. Social workers counsel and assess the needs of clients, refer them to the appropriate sources of help, and monitor their progress.