A career for everyone in the social service sector

If you think about jobs in the social service sector and the only image that comes to mind is that of a social worker, you may want to read on. The social service sector comprises a diverse range of roles and is certainly not as narrow in scope as one might think.

It is in fact a field that embraces individuals from different backgrounds, skills and experiences, offering them a wide range of career paths suited to different passions.

Beyond frontline roles, professionals in the sector lead philanthropy initiatives, identify emerging social trends, or develop leadership and training programmes and drive talent development.

But even with their diverse roles and skill sets, these four professionals are united on one front: a desire to give back.

Opportunities to learn and grow

Muhammad Farhan bin Kamsani for one, started out as a freelance trainer in his 20s for school-based programmes before transitioning to the social service sector. The skills he developed as a trainer, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership, became transferable and instrumental in his new role.

The opportunities available in the social service sector have played a key role in his career progress. Having worked his way up through a decade of hard work and dedication, he is now the Head of Home at Singapore Boys’ Hostel, an institution managed by Trybe Limited.

Farhan credits the managers he has worked with for his progress.

"I’ve been fortunate to be presented with multiple opportunities for growth in the last 10 years and had leaders who were constantly looking out for new challenges to keep me on my toes,” he reflected. He believes his work has strengthened his communication skills and he has learned to articulate his thoughts in a clearer way.

What he enjoys most about the job? “Every day’s never the same. Each day brings about a new set of challenges that pushes you to grow!”

Farhan’s motivation for joining the social service sector is simple. "I need to know that the work I'm putting in is purposeful and that it helps makes some else's life just a tad easier or better. And I love to play a part in inspiring others to unlock their best self!"

Creating direct impact for those in need

See Lay Kim, who is Head of AWWA Home, started out as an occupational therapist and was rotated into various community clinical settings during her first decade of work. This helped her have a deeper understanding of the needs of the clients in the social service sector.

"The opportunities to set up and lead senior care service has led to me wanting to do more for them," said Lay Kim, who holds a Master's degree in Public Health from the National University of Singapore.

While she did not expect to be leading a residential home with her clinical background, she shared that her training as an occupational therapist has shaped how she views care from the client’s perspective, helping her to build a Home she envisioned.

“With AWWA expanding into adult disability residential care, I seized the opportunity to contribute as Head of Programme, developing a person-centre culture that fosters independence through structured and unstructured activities,” she shared.

In her current managerial role at AWWA’s residential facility which serves adults aged 18 to 55 with mild to severe physical disabilities, she ensures that their care model continues to support clients in empowering themselves to engage in meaningful daily occupations.

She shared a touching story about a bedridden client who was referred to AWWA Home.

Within six months of dedicated rehabilitation support, Lay Kim and her team worked closely with the client, trialling the use of a wheelchair and practising sitting up, which significantly contributed to the client's rehabilitation journey.

"It was a profound transformation, not just for her but for us as her care team. That moment reinforced the meaningful impact we can have in helping our clients live life to the fullest," said Lay Kim.

Building ties within the community

It is a similar story for Amanda See, Manager, Community Partnerships at Boys' Town, a social service agency which helps children and youth, on why she joined the sector.

While the key stakeholders in the direct services are the children and youth themselves, hers are the organisation’s partners.

Her job involves engaging donors, corporate partners, and foundations, building collaborative partnerships and strengthening the branding and public relations efforts to raise public awareness of Boys’ Town’s services.

“Seeing ex-clients, such as old residential boys, come back and reiterate their gratitude for the transformative work of Boys’ Town, and them getting involved as staff, volunteers or donors, really show the value of what we do here – that we are transforming lives and making a difference,” said Amanda.

She also challenges the belief that the social services lack dynamism.

"Some think that the social services sector isn’t as fast-paced or innovative as the private sector, but on the contrary, because we work for those in need and find purpose in our work, that we have to be very adaptive and agile to respond to the needs of our clients,” she said.

Working behind-the-scenes to sustain the organisation for the long-term may seem like a thankless job, but Amanda considers it to be the most fulfilling part of her role.

“I find purpose in knowing that my own efforts enable them to continue the good work that they do,” she shared.

 Not just direct client care

Even in more traditional, direct client care roles, there are myriad opportunities to do more.

For paediatric speech and language therapist Naadhirah Binte Razak, her work at AWWA School @ Napiri not only involves conducting assessments and providing interventions for her clients, but she also advocates for the inclusion of children with additional needs by working closely with caregivers and the community.

“I collaborate with special education teachers and allied health professionals, including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and psychologists, to provide holistic care so that all aspects of their development are well looked after,” said Naadhirah, who helps students aged 7 to 18 with multiple disabilities and/or autism develop their speech, language, communication, and feeding skills.

Being able to journey through the long term with her clients allows her to witness their growth and support them in reaching their greatest potential. As a result, she is also able to build strong and meaningful connections with them.

And it is precisely these relationships which bring her the most fulfilment in her work.

“No matter how challenging a workday can get, not a single day has gone by when I haven’t had a meaningful connection with at least one client. It can be the simplest of things: a flicker of a smile, the briefest eye contact, the slightest brush of an intentional high-five. These small moments when I feel like I’ve connected with a client keep me going.”

Overcoming challenges and finding a purpose

While many professionals may question their purpose in their careers, Farhan, Lay Kim, Amanda, and Naadhirah find theirs effortlessly each day.

As Amanda puts it: "When the day-to-day gets you down, always remember your personal purpose—your raison d’être in social service—and the clients you are working to support."

For Farhan, seeing clients that he serves at the Singapore Boys’ Hostel with their families is reason enough to continue doing what he does. “[Even] simple things in life like a family dinner, outings with caregivers, mean so much to them.”

And despite their diverse backgrounds, one thing is clear – all four of them are propelled by a passion to serve and make a difference.

Beyond their own personal and professional fulfilment, their contributions also reflect the growing professionalism of the social service sector.

In turn, their breadth of perspectives and skills also strengthens the sector, enhancing its resilience and adaptability to complex social challenges.

The social service sector is for anyone eager to create meaningful change, whether it be in direct care services or roles in corporate services, education, fundraising or programme management.

Inspired to find out more about the social service sector? Learn more about social service careers.