To become a case aide, you will typically need to complete a high school diploma or its equivalent, and in some cases you may also be expected to complete some further formal training or a certificate program in human services. In addition to education, many social service and health care agencies want to hire case aides who have had some previous work experience. Other requirements may include passing a criminal background check or holding a driver's license. As each social service or health care agency typically sets its own employment requirements, you may find that some agencies may require a higher level of educational or employment achievement in order to become a case aide.
A case aide typically assists health care and social services professionals in managing their caseloads. Depending on the policies of a specific employer, a case aide may provide basic assistance to clients and potential clients in completing applications and setting appointments, may perform initial evaluations of applications for services, or may even offer basic counseling and skills training under the supervision of a professional social worker or nurse. The job tasks assigned to a case aide may increase in responsibility and complexity in accordance with the case aide's education and job experience. After you become a case aide, you may find that the best opportunities for job advancement come with pursuit of additional education and professional certifications.
If you are interested in entering the social services field but do not have a degree in social work, you may decide to become a case aide in order to begin your career. Typically, you will need to show that you have a high school diploma, and some employers may wish for you to have at least some college education before they will hire you. In some cases, it is possible to earn social service certifications by taking a sequence of courses through a community college. Another option would be to begin volunteering at a social service agency in order to get some real-life experience.
As case aides are typically in a position of trust, many employers may ask you to submit to a background check. You may also need to visit clients or other social service agencies, so you may have to hold a driver's license and have a clean driving record. If you don't have a background in social services but you do have office or computer skills, be sure to inform potential employers about your background. In many cases, case aides may be required to maintain client records, so having strong office skills can help your chances for employment.
