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Entry Level Social Service Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Social Service Worker information

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$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do entry level social service worker jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level social service 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Social Service Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Social Service Worker, you need a foundational understanding of social work principles, case management, and a relevant degree or coursework in social services or a related field. Familiarity with case management software, documentation systems, and sometimes CPR or first aid certification is often required. Excellent communication, active listening, empathy, and problem-solving skills help you build trust and effectively support clients. These abilities are essential for ensuring client well-being, accurate service delivery, and strong collaboration with colleagues and community resources.

What types of clients and cases can an entry level social service worker expect to handle, and how does supervision typically work in this role?

As an entry level social service worker, you will likely work with a diverse client base, including individuals and families facing challenges such as housing instability, mental health concerns, or access to community resources. Your cases may involve conducting intake assessments, connecting clients to support services, and assisting with crisis intervention. Supervision is typically provided by a licensed social worker or experienced supervisor, who will offer guidance, review your casework, and help with professional development. Regular team meetings and case conferences are common, fostering collaboration and support as you build your skills.

What are entry level social service workers?

Entry level social service workers are professionals who assist individuals and families in accessing social services and support programs. They typically work under the supervision of experienced social workers and may help clients with tasks such as finding housing, applying for benefits, or connecting with community resources. These roles often serve as a starting point for a career in social work and require strong communication and organizational skills. Entry level social service workers may be employed by government agencies, non-profit organizations, or healthcare facilities.

What is the difference between Entry Level Social Service Worker vs Social Work Assistant?

AspectEntry Level Social Service WorkerSocial Work Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or bachelor's degree in social work or related fieldHigh school diploma; some roles may prefer related coursework
Work EnvironmentCommunity agencies, hospitals, schoolsOffice settings, community centers, healthcare facilities
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, non-profits, healthcare providersSocial service organizations, healthcare facilities
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Social Service Worker vs Social Work Assistant

While both roles support social service delivery, Entry Level Social Service Workers typically have more responsibilities and may require a degree, whereas Social Work Assistants often have similar duties but with less formal education requirements. Both roles work in similar environments and serve the community, but the social worker role generally offers more advancement opportunities.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Social Service Worker jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Social Service Worker job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Social Service Worker jobs? The most popular types of Social Service Worker jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Social Service Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Social Service Worker jobs include:

Social Service Worker - Full-Time

Lakeside Center for Rehabilitation & Healing

Jacksonville, FL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Lakeside Center is a 122-bed skilled nursing facility offering short-term rehabilitation, long-term care, palliative care, hospice services, and outpatient therapy. Our mission is to provide residents with high-quality care while promoting their overall health and well-being.
We are located at 11411 Armsdale Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218
If you're looking to be part of a caring, supportive, and uplifting team, we'd love to meet you!
Why Work For Us? Because We Offer Our Employees:
  • Daily Pay - Work today, get paid today!
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Flexible Scheduling
  • Direct Deposit
  • Opportunities for Overtime
  • Doctegrity- 24/7 telemedicine access for employees and families
  • Wonderschool - Support for child care and early education options
  • Panda Perks & Benefits - Financial wellness tools, employee discounts, and more
  • Comfortable Staffing Ratios
  • A Supportive Team Environment - where everyone is treated with respect, dignity, and compassion

Purpose of the Position:
The primary purpose of this position is to provide social services support to residents and families in a skilled nursing and rehabilitation setting, ensuring their emotional, social, and practical needs are met in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations for long-term care, as well as the company's policies and procedures.
The Social Services Worker helps residents adjust to facility life, facilitates safe and appropriate discharge planning, and connects individuals and families to needed healthcare and community resources.
Essential Job Functions:
Resident Support and Counseling
  • Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for residents in a skilled nursing environment, identifying emotional, social, and environmental needs that impact care and rehabilitation outcomes
  • Provide supportive counseling to residents and families to assist with adjustment to skilled nursing care, coping, and decision-making
  • Participate in care plan meetings to represent residents' psychosocial needs, goals, and preferences
  • Assist residents and families in understanding and accessing Medicaid, Medicare, managed care, and long-term care insurance programs
  • Facilitate family and care conferences to address concerns, discuss discharge plans, and coordinate transitions back to home or lower levels of care

Care Planning and Coordination
  • Participate in the development and review of individualized care plans, ensuring that psychosocial components are addressed in alignment with nursing and therapy goals
  • Coordinate discharge planning and post-acute transitions, collaborating with rehabilitation, nursing, and community agencies to ensure continuity of care
  • Work closely with interdisciplinary teams (nursing, therapy, dietary, and activities) to promote residents' overall well-being and quality of life in the skilled nursing setting
  • Monitor residents' progress and adapt interventions to address changing psychosocial or care needs

Documentation and Compliance
  • Maintain timely, accurate, and regulatory-compliant documentation in accordance with CMS and state survey requirements for skilled nursing facilities
  • Complete required forms, progress notes, and care plan updates as directed by the Director of Social Services
  • Ensure adherence to residents' rights, HIPAA privacy laws, and long-term care facility policies
  • Stay current with federal and state social services regulations and best practices in skilled nursing and post-acute care

Team Collaboration
  • Support the Director of Social Services in implementing department goals that align with the facility's quality improvement and survey readiness initiatives
  • Coordinate social services activities with nursing, therapy, and administration to ensure consistent communication and teamwork
  • Serve as a resident advocate, assisting in resolving concerns or grievances and promoting a positive, resident-centered culture
  • Maintain effective communication with residents, families, and interdisciplinary staff to enhance satisfaction and care outcomes

Education and Experience
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related human services field (e.g., sociology, psychology, counseling, gerontology) required or preferred, depending on state regulations
  • Experience: Minimum of two (2) years of supervised social work experience in a skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation center, or long-term care setting required or strongly preferred
  • Experience in Medicare/Medicaid case management, discharge planning, and care coordination within skilled nursing is highly valued

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact compassionately and professionally with residents, families, and staff
  • In-depth knowledge of psychosocial assessment, care planning, and discharge coordination specific to skilled nursing and long-term care
  • Familiarity with CMS survey processes, care transitions, and resident rights regulations
  • Strong understanding of Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement systems and community resource coordination
  • Excellent documentation and organizational skills; ability to prioritize and manage multiple caseloads effectively