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Entry Level Social Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CRISIS SOCIAL WORKER - ISRS

La Crosse, WI · On-site

$59.20K - $78.70K/yr

Exempt This is the entry level Social Worker position. Under supervision, this employee assists clients with environmental and supportive services designed to overcome financial, personal health or ...

Social Worker

Los Angeles, CA · On-site +1

$79.09K - $124.41K/yr

The incumbent is an unlicensed entry level Social Worker assigned to the Community Resource and Referral Center (CRRC). The Social Worker's primary assignment is to provide direct services conducting ...

Exempt This is an entry level Social Work position in the Human Services Department under the Family & Children's Section. The majority of the work in Child Protective Services (CPS) is centered ...

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Entry Level Social Service information

See salary details

$28.5K

$43.7K

$59K

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

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level social service in the United States is $43,685.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $51,500.00 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 generally need a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of case management and community resources. Familiarity with client management systems and basic reporting software is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills help you build trust and effectively support diverse clients. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering impactful assistance, ensuring accurate documentation, and fostering positive client outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level social service professionals during their first year, and how can they be managed?

Entry-level social service professionals often encounter challenges such as managing heavy caseloads, navigating complex client needs, and adapting to emotionally charged situations. It’s common to feel overwhelmed when balancing paperwork, direct client interactions, and learning organizational protocols. Building strong time management skills, seeking guidance from experienced colleagues, and participating in regular supervision can help new professionals manage these challenges effectively. Additionally, investing in self-care and professional development can foster resilience and long-term success in the field.

What are entry level social service jobs?

Entry level social service jobs are positions that provide support and assistance to individuals, families, or communities in need, typically without requiring prior professional experience. These roles often involve helping clients access resources, conducting intake interviews, and supporting social workers or case managers. Common entry level positions include social work assistants, case aides, and community outreach workers. These jobs are ideal for recent graduates or those looking to start a career in social services, and usually require at least a high school diploma or an associate's degree, though some may require a bachelor's degree in a related field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Social Service vs Case Manager?

AspectEntry Level Social ServiceCase Manager
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree often preferred; certifications vary by state
Work EnvironmentCommunity agencies, schools, healthcare facilitiesSocial service agencies, healthcare organizations, government offices
Employer & Industry UsageUsed broadly across social services, nonprofits, governmentCommonly used in healthcare, child welfare, mental health
Search & Comparison IntentPeople exploring entry-level social work rolesIndividuals comparing social work roles with more specific case management duties

Entry Level Social Service roles typically require minimal experience and focus on providing basic support in community settings. Case Managers often have similar credentials but focus more on coordinating services and managing client cases. While both roles serve vulnerable populations, Case Managers usually have more specialized responsibilities and may require additional certifications.

More about Entry Level Social Service jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Social Service jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Social Service job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Social Service jobs? The most popular types of Social Service jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Social Service jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Social Service jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Social Service job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,685 per year, or $21 per hour.
Advanced BH Social Worker PHP

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Bon Secours Mercy Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 461 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

401st of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Thank you for considering a career at Bon Secours!

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Work Shift:

Days (United States of America)

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

The Advanced Social Worker provides direct patient care under the guidance of a designated healthcare professional in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations, and within policies, procedures, and guidelines of Bon Secours Mercy Health. May provide clinical and administrative supervision.

Essential Job Functions

  • Provides Individual, Family, & Group Psychotherapy in Ambulatory and Hospital Outpatient settings

  • Group facilitation, participates in family and treatment team meetings

  • Discharge planning

  • Community resource knowledge and collaboration

  • Psychosocial assessments

  • Knowledge of involuntary processes; Knowledge of guardianships, advanced directives, and power of attorney (POA)

  • Substance use disorder (SUD) screenings

  • SUD discharge planning

  • Preadmission Screening and Resident Review(PASRR) completion

  • Post-discharge calls

  • Patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), Columbia-Suicide Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and Social Determinants of Health screenings

  • Crisis assessment and referral services

  • Assist with onboarding new/entry level social workers

  • May take on more complex tasks/projects as needed

  • Successfully participates to complete BSMH and departmental specific training as required

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

Licensed as a Social Worker in state of practice (required)

Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) (preferred)

Education

Master of Social Work or Master of Science in Social Administration (required)

Work Experience

2 years in healthcare, social or human services setting. (required)

Bon Secours is an equal opportunity employer.

As a Bon Secours associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being - personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer

  • Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)

  • Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurances, mental health resources and discounts

  • Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders

  • Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

Department:

Adult Behavioral Health Unit - Richmond Community Hospital

It is our policy to abide by all Federal and State laws, as well as, the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). Accordingly, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health- Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours - Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com.


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