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Entry Level Msw Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Msw information

See Baltimore, MD salary details

$13

$24

$33

How much do entry level msw jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level msw in Baltimore, MD is $24.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.33 and $28.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Msw jobs in Baltimore, MD? The most popular types of Msw jobs in Baltimore, MD are:
Entry Level Msw jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Msw job openings in Baltimore, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,002 per year, or $24 per hour.

Social Worker

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Baltimore, MD

$52K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

Job description

This position is eligible for the Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP), a student loan payment reimbursement program. You must meet specific individual eligibility requirements in accordance with VHA policy and submit your EDRP application within four months of appointment. Program Approval, award amount (up to $200,000) and eligibility period (one to five years) are determined by the VHA Education Loan Repayment Services program office after complete review of the EDRP application.
Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • English Language Proficiency: In accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), no person shall serve in direct patient care positions unless they are proficient in basic written and spoken English. You must be proficient in basic written and spoken English to perform the duties of this position.
  • Education: Must have a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the school of social work is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work. Verification of the degree can be made by going to the CSWE website to verify if that social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a Master of Social Work.
  • Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. For the GS-11 grade level, the candidate must be licensed or certified.
Exception: VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. This exception only applies at the GS-9 grade level. For appointments at the GS-9 grade level, VHA social workers who are not licensed or certified at the time of appointment must become licensed or certified at the independent, master's level within three (3) years of their appointment as a social worker.
Grade Determination Requirements: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
GS-09
(1) Experience, Education, and Licensure: None beyond the basic requirements.
(2) Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Ability to work with Veterans and family members from various socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and other diversified backgrounds utilizing counseling skills.
  • Ability to assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members, and to formulate and implement a treatment plan, identifying the Veterans problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and assistance needed.
  • Ability to implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals. This requires judgment and skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving, or crisis intervention techniques.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and representatives of community agencies.
  • Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries; common medications and their effects/side effects; and medical terminology
(3) [Entry Level] Assignments. Individuals assigned as GS-9 grade level social workers are considered to be at the entry level and are closely supervised, as they are not yet functioning at the independent practice level conferred by independent licensure or certification. Social workers at the GS-9 entry level are typically assigned to program areas that do not require specialized knowledge or experience.
Social Worker, GS-11
Experience and Licensure: Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work-related settings, (VA or non VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level.
~OR~
Education: In addition to the basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level.
~AND~
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services.
  • Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds.
  • Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures (i.e. acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan.
  • Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals.
  • Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment.
Reference: VA Handbook 5005/50 Part II, Appendix G39, Social Worker Qualification Standard. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-09 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: The work does not inherently include physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with a workplace accommodation.
Education:IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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