Abstract
In a rapidly changing world, the requirements for specialists are changing, and in this regard, the problem of developing soft skills becomes relevant. The authors analyzed the state of knowledge of soft skills, hard skills in domestic and foreign scientific, pedagogical, psychological literature. In order to determine the importance of Soft skills for social educators, the tasks and functions imposed on specialists of socio-pedagogical activity are differentiated. Within the framework of the article, soft skills were considered as a factor ensuring success in professional activity. According to the research of foreign scientists, the features, types and structures of soft skills have been identified. The foreign experience is analyzed and the ways of soft skills development in the training of specialists are determined. The article examines the views and attitudes of students of the specialty “Social Pedagogy and self-knowledge” to soft skills. During the research and theoretical analysis of soft skills, we found that they are difficult to track and measure because of their humanitarian aspects that do not meet real mathematical criteria. Analyzing the results of theoretical analysis and research, the authors identified the advantages of soft skills among future social educators, which have a positive impact on professional activity through the development of these skills.