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Entry Level Msw Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Msw information

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$13

$23

$33

How much do entry level msw jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level msw in Virginia is $23.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are entry level MSW jobs?

Entry level MSW jobs are positions available to individuals who have recently earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and often require little to no prior professional experience in the field. These roles typically involve providing support to clients, assisting with case management, conducting assessments, and collaborating with other professionals to address clients’ needs. Common settings include hospitals, schools, community agencies, and government organizations. Entry level MSWs may work under the supervision of licensed social workers and have opportunities to gain the experience needed for advanced licensure and specialization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level MSW, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level MSW, you need a master's degree in social work from an accredited program and a foundational understanding of case management and social work ethics. Familiarity with client management systems, documentation software, and state licensure requirements is often necessary. Excellent communication, active listening, and cultural competence are crucial soft skills for building trust and advocating for clients. These skills and qualifications are essential for effectively supporting diverse populations and ensuring compliance with professional standards in social services.

What types of support and mentorship can an entry level MSW expect when starting out in a social work agency?

As an entry-level MSW, you can typically expect structured onboarding, mentorship from more experienced social workers, and regular supervision sessions. Many agencies offer orientation programs, ongoing training, and opportunities to shadow senior staff to help you transition smoothly into your caseload and responsibilities. Supervision not only supports your professional development but also provides a safe space to discuss challenging cases and ethical dilemmas. Additionally, team meetings and interdisciplinary collaboration are common, which help foster a supportive environment and facilitate learning from colleagues in related fields.

What is the difference between Entry Level Msw vs Social Worker?

AspectEntry Level MswSocial Worker
Required CredentialsMaster's in Social Work (MSW), State LicensureVaries; often requires MSW and licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, community agenciesSame as Entry Level Msw
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare, social services, non-profitsSame as Entry Level Msw
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Msw vs Social Worker

Both roles typically require an MSW and state licensure, with similar work environments in healthcare and social service agencies. The main difference is that 'Social Worker' can refer to a broader range of experience levels, while 'Entry Level Msw' specifically indicates a starting position for recent graduates. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right roles in the social work field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Msw jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Msw jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Msw jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Msw job openings:

Entry Level Msw jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Msw job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 61% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 37% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,892 per year, or $24 per hour.

Family Services Specialist II (Foster Care)

Radford, VA • On-site

City of Alexandria
201 - 500 employees
Learn more about City of Alexandriaexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 2 hours ago

City Of Alexandria (Louisiana) rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

457th of 857 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

Title Description- Family Services Specialist I represents the entry level employees working under close supervision while being trained in program areas such as, Adult/Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, Foster Care/'Adoption, Child Care, and Employment Services. Employees perform routine- to journey-level casework activities and the casework usually is reviewed by the supervisor prior to implementing a case action. Upon completion of the training program and attainment of necessary approvals, the employee shall be redefined to a full-performance Family Services Specialist II and becomes eligible for a pay increase as defined by the local agency compensation plan. The Family Services Specialist I is distinguished from the Family Services Specialist II by the latter's functioning more independently as a full performance Family Services Specialist. 

 
General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) - 
  • Interprets laws, policies and regulations as applied to specific area of responsibility;
  • Monitors, coordinates and administers specific programs as assigned;
  • Coordinates services within specific area of responsibility;
  • Interviews and assesses customer needs and other relevant factors - such as education/skill levels, abilities, interests, and support systems.
  • Informs clients of related service programs rules/regulations, and right to participate;
  • Presents cases to determine appropriate services and writes/implements service plans;
  • Provides case management services to monitor compliance;
  • Manages program waiting lists;
  • Tracks expenditures, prepares/submits budget estimates and ensures payment for services;
  • Completes necessary federal, state and local planning and reporting requirements;
  • Coordinates with other agencies and participates in multi-disciplinary and interagency teams providing services to customers;
  • Conducts overall monitoring of programs in specific area of responsibility;
  • Serves as resource to clients and the community in area of expertise; and
  • Provides after hours on-call coverage and responds to emergencies in child/adult protective services and/or foster care.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge- Some knowledge of: social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; and social, economic, and health problems.

 
Skills- Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.

 
Abilities- Demonstrated ability to: communicate effectively both orally and in writing; interview, assess needs, counsel and refer clients to other resources as needed; develop and implement service plans in order to insure the delivery of appropriate services to the client; make sound judgments within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations; respond to the client's emotions in order to accomplish services objectives; plan and manage own work activities including service delivery preparing reports, and correspondence, record keeping responsibilities and related activities; establish and maintain effective relationships; and stay abreast of current trends and developments in the social work field.

 
Education and Experience- Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field with a minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area as mandated in Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia and implemented by the Virginia Board of Social Services. Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.

 
Minimum Qualifications:
Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in a Human Services field or minimum of a Bachelor's degree in any field and minimum of two years of appropriate and related experience in a Human Services area (Section 22VAC40-670-20 of the Administrative Code of Virginia).
Working knowledge of social work principles and practices; human behavior and motivational theory; laws, policies, and regulations relating to human services program areas; and social, economic, and health problems.
Skill in operating a motor vehicle and personal computer with associated software.
Demonstrated ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Demonstrated ability to assess clients' needs and formulate a plan of action.  Refer clients to resources as appropriate.
 


 

 
Preferred Qualifications: 

 Experience in assigned program area (i.e. Foster Care/Adoption) and completion of required training programs or equivalent combination of training or experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Possession of a BSW or MSW degree and a Commonwealth of Virginia Social Worker license are desirable.


 


 

 
Special Requirements:

 Applicants may be subject to a Criminal History Background search, Central Registry search, DMV/driving record check, and/or pre-employment drug screen.
The investigation may include fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI), local agency checks, employment verification and references, verification of education (relevant to employment), credit checks (relevant to employment) and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
This position is covered under Code of Virginia 63.2-1601.1 or 63.2-1720 requiring the finalist candidate to submit to fingerprinting and provide personal descriptive information for a criminal history record check through the Central Criminal Records Exchange and a search of the Central Registry.
All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory results of the required checks and screenings.
Employee must be willing to work in community emergency shelter in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. May be required to participate in afterhours on-call schedule on a rotating basis.
Employee must be able to telework if necessary. Complete a minimum of 2 hours of Community Outreach as outlined by the Agency each year. These events are held outside of normal office hours.
Driving record must meet agency standard.

 

 
Special Instructions to Applicants:

 

Applications accepted only through this on-line process.
Applicants are encouraged to provide a complete listing of work experience and qualifications on their application and/or resume.
Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, e-mailed, faxed or hand delivered applications will not be accepted. 
Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume.


 

 

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