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Entry Level Social Service Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Social Work

Vista, CA ยท On-site

$18.50/hr

Social Impact Services is a leading organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals ... Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, preferably in a case ...

Provides in-service training to social work staff and other disciplines on selected topics within ... entry level social workers; * Completes required statistics and recording for the Social Work ...

Social Worker

Valhalla, NY ยท On-site

$35.31 - $44.39/hr

Provides in-service training to social work staff and other disciplines on selected topics within ... entry level social workers; * Completes required statistics and recording for the Social Work ...

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Entry Level Social Service Worker information

See salary details

$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

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

As of Jul 24, 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:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Social Service Worker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.
Social Service Worker I

Social Service Worker I

Commonwealth of Kentucky

Louisville, KY โ€ข On-site

$55K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

Advertisement Closes
7/31/2026 (11:59 PM ET)
2603696
Social Service Worker I
Pay Grade14
Salary
$55,541.52 - $64,816.08 Annually
Employment Type
EXECUTIVE BRANCH FULL TIME ELIGIBLE FOR OVERTIME PAY 18A 37.5 HR/WK
Click here for more details on state employment.
Hiring Agency
Cabinet for Health & Family Services Dept for Community Based Services
Location
908 West Broadway
Louisville, KY 40203 USA
The agency may authorize the selected candidate to telecommute. The agency may terminate or modify thetelecommuting arrangement at any time.
Description
The Kentucky Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) is a multi-faceted agency that provides servicesandprograms to enhance the self-sufficiency of families; improve safety and permanency for children andvulnerable adults; and engage families and community partners in a collaborative decision-making process.
DCBS seeks a Social Service Worker I who is driven to succeed in helping people and advance family self-sufficiency. With professionalism and integrity, our agency offers services to families to ensure safe, stablehomes for the children of the Commonwealth. The Social Service Worker I is a skilled team member, providing avital link between the children, families and local community partners. The employee is expected to perform atthe highest quality to ensure services to the vulnerable citizens. This is a demanding position that requiresmaturity, self-discipline and the ability to work overtime.
For more information on the Department of Community Based Services, please visit our website at:https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dcbs/pages/default.aspx
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
  • Investigate allegations of child abuse, neglect, or dependency.
  • Meet with family members to determine the merits of a report of child neglect and abuse.
  • Meet with other interested parties such as school and medical staff to gather additional information.
  • Complete detailed assessments based on the facts obtained during home visits and meetings with interestedparties.
  • Work with families to create a case plan for addressing and correcting issues within the household.
  • Make referrals to outside community resources to assist the family in overcoming identified barriers and tokeep children safe in a permanent home and promote their wellbeing.
  • Enter case information into the computer.
  • Complete court reports as needed.
  • Provide testimony during administrative and judicial hearings.
  • Work closely with community partners such as law enforcement, school systems, counselors, and shelters.
The ideal candidate will have:
  • Experience working with families and children.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Good time management and organizational skills.
  • The ability to work well under pressure.
  • A willingness to work as part of a team.
If you are interested in a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference in yourcommunity, we would love to review your application.
CHFS participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with U.S. Citizenship and ImmigrationServices(USCIS) Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in U.S. CHFS will only use E-Verifyonce you have accepted a job offer and completed the USCIS Form I-9. For more information on E-Verify, or ifyou believe that CHFS has violated its E-Verify responsibilities, please contact Department of HomelandSecurity (DHS) at 888-897-7781 or https://www.e-verify.gov/.
Minimum Requirements
EDUCATION:Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree in social work, sociology, psychology, marriage and family therapy or a related field.
EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, OR SKILLS:NONE
Substitute EDUCATION for EXPERIENCE:NONE
Substitute EXPERIENCE for EDUCATION:NONE
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS (AGE, LICENSURE, REGULATION, ETC.):If employed by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services or the Department of Juvenile Justice, an employee in this job classification must furnish to the appointing authority within one month of employment, documentation that he/she possesses a valid driver's license Must maintain any required licensure(s), certification(s), or other credentials for the length of employment in this job classification. Employing agency is responsible for ensuring employee possesses and maintains required licensure(s), certification(s) or other credentials.
Working Conditions
Performs job duties in an office/facility or residential program setting and visits clients and/or families at their residence. Provides emergency services on 24-hour basis, including accepting referrals and completing investigations at any hour without prior warning. As a result of enforced intervention, the worker runs the risk of physical harm.
Probationary Period
This job has an initial and promotional probationary period of 9 months, except as provided in KRS 18A.111.
If you have questions about this advertisement, please contact Stephanie Bentley at stephanie.bentley@ky.gov or 502-271-9883.
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D