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Dcf Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Dcf Social Worker information

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$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do dcf social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for dcf social worker in the United States is $76,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a DCF social worker?

DCF Social Workers are professionals who work for the Department of Children and Families (DCF), providing support and services to children and families in need. Their main responsibilities include investigating reports of child abuse or neglect, assessing family situations, and helping families access resources to ensure the safety and well-being of children. They also create and implement case plans, coordinate with other agencies, and may appear in court to advocate for the best interests of the child. DCF Social Workers play a vital role in protecting vulnerable children and supporting healthier family environments.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a DCF social worker?

To thrive as a DCF Social Worker, you need a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work or a related field, strong case management abilities, and knowledge of child welfare laws. Familiarity with case management software and state databases is typically required, and licensure may be necessary depending on jurisdiction. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and resilience help you build trust with families and navigate emotionally challenging situations. These skills are critical for ensuring child safety, effective service delivery, and positive outcomes for vulnerable families.

What are common challenges faced by DCF social workers and how can they be managed?

DCF Social Workers often encounter emotionally charged situations, such as handling cases of child abuse or neglect, which can be both mentally and emotionally taxing. Balancing large caseloads and urgent timelines is another common challenge, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills. Building trust with families while ensuring child safety demands excellent communication and empathy. Support from supervisors, regular debriefings, and access to professional development can help manage stress and promote resilience in the role.

What is the difference between Dcf Social Worker vs Child Welfare Case Manager?

AspectDcf Social WorkerChild Welfare Case Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Social Work, state licensureBachelor's in Social Work, related fields, or equivalent experience
Work EnvironmentChild protective services, government agenciesChild welfare agencies, community organizations
Employer & IndustryState Department of Children and Families, public sectorChild welfare organizations, non-profits, government
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Dcf Social Workers and Child Welfare Case Managers work in child protection and welfare, often within government agencies. Dcf Social Workers typically hold higher credentials and may have more responsibilities in case planning and legal proceedings. Child Welfare Case Managers focus on managing cases, coordinating services, and supporting families. While their roles overlap, Dcf Social Workers generally have more advanced qualifications and authority in child protection cases.

More about Dcf Social Worker jobs

What cities are hiring for Dcf Social Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Dcf Social Worker job openings:

What states have the most Dcf Social Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Dcf Social Worker jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Dcf Social Worker jobs?

For Dcf Social Worker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Dcf Social Worker job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Social Worker I - DCF - Northern Region - Continuous Posting

Lynn, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is seeking dynamic, and mission-driven individuals to fill the critical role of Social Worker. Selected candidates will provide the necessary services to help children in need including homeless, foster, abused and neglected. In many situations, Social Worker's interact with children and family members, including siblings, parents, extended relatives, and guardians in order to assess the needs of each child and determine the best course of action for improving the child/family environment.
Please Note: Diversity equity and inclusion are core values for the Department of Children and Families. DCF strives to continue to build the most diverse equitable and inclusive workforce possible to be representative of the communities we serve. DCF strongly encourages diverse and multi-lingual candidates to apply.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
  • Assess, evaluate, conduct initial and ongoing case management of children/family services, and needs.
  • Develop, review, update and ensure implementation of strength-based service plans for each child in care or custody including risk assessment, safety plans and goals.
  • Complete all documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory requirements.
  • Attend home and foster care visits; transport children to health, social services or other agency-related appointments as required.
  • Maintain ongoing communication with DCF staff and other constituencies, initiate court action when necessary.
  • Empower families to make stable commitments to children by providing counseling and coordinating visits with biological parents and/or guardians and other relatives; develop a helping relationship and ensure needed supports and services are provided.
  • Attend weekly supervision, weekly staff meetings, in-service training, and team meetings.
  • Maintain a high degree of professionalism in the community, with clients, schools, courts and with referring agencies seeking to build and sustain positive relationships.

IMPORTANT : Offers of employment are made based on agency staffing needs. Offices in the Northern Region consist of:
  • Cambridge/Burlington Office - 328 Cambridge Street, Burlington, MA 01803
  • Greater Lowell Office - 2 Omni Way, Chelmsford, MA 01824
  • Greater Haverhill Office, 110 Haverhill Road, Building C, Suite 250, Amesbury, MA 01913
  • Lawrence Office - 280 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA 01843
  • Lynn Office - 330 Lynnway, Suite 201, Lynn, MA 01901
  • Beverly Office - 500 Cummings Ctr, Beverly, MA 01915
  • Metro North Office - 178 Albion Street, Wakefield, MA 01880

About the Department of Children and Families:
The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to upholding the fundamental mission of protecting children from abuse and neglect to ensure they are able to grow and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. DCF's vision is that all children have the right to grow up in a nurturing home, free from abuse and neglect, with access to food, shelter, clothing, health care and education.
DCF works toward establishing the safety, permanency and well-being of the Commonwealth's children by: stabilizing and preserving families; providing quality temporary alternative care when necessary, safely reunifying families; and when necessary and appropriate, creating new families through kinship, guardianship or adoption. Preferred applicants will possess a demonstrated commitment to the core practice values: 1) child-driven, 2) family-centered, 3) community-focused, 4) strength-based, 5) committed to diversity/cultural competency, and, 6) committed to continuous learning.
For more information about DCF:
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-children-families
Pre-Offer Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants".
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
Please be advised that you have applied to a Continuous Posting. Continuous postings are used for high volume positions which require continuous hiring. Candidates who apply to this posting will remain active in the continuous posting for 90 days and will be considered as openings arise. Although we cannot guarantee every candidate will be considered, as selection is based on job availability and individual staffing needs of the agency, candidates are strongly encouraged to reapply after 90 days.
ADA Reasonable Accommodation: If you require a reasonable accommodation with the application/interview process, please contact us at: EOHHS Candidate ADA Requests
For questions, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 and select option #4.
Qualifications:
Minimum Entrance Requirements:
Applicants must have (A) a Bachelor's degree or higher in social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, counseling education or criminal justice or a relevant human services degree and (B) a current and valid Licensures as a Licensed Social Work Associate, Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Certified Social Worker or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker issued by the Massachusetts Board of Registration*.
*Applicants at the Department of Children and Families must obtain the required license in Social Work within the first nine (9) months of employment.
The classification may require possession of a current and valid Motor Vehicle Driver's License at a class level specific to assignment.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.