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Entry Level Social Service Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

$17/hr

Keywords: entry-level, social services, human services technician, program counselor, PCA, personal care attendant, residential, group home, CNA, certified nursing assistant, HHA,home health aide ...

Social Worker

Woodland, CA · On-site

$63K - $77K/yr

THE POSITION The Social Worker provides professional social work services to individuals housed in ... Distinguishing Characteristics This is the entry-level class in the social work series. Incumbents ...

Social Worker

Woodland, CA · On-site

$63K - $77K/yr

THE POSITION The Social Worker provides professional social work services to individuals housed in ... Distinguishing Characteristics This is the entry-level class in the social work series. Incumbents ...

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Social Worker

Currituck, NC · On-site

$45K - $57K/yr

... Child Protective Services and Adult Protective Services teams. If you are ready to make a ... Qualifications Bachelor's degree in ANY field to start at the entry level. Candidates hired at ...

Showing results 41-60

Entry Level Social Service information

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$28.5K

$43.7K

$59K

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

As of Sep 12, 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 is an entry level social service job?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level social service worker?

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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,685 per year, or $21 per hour.

Social Worker - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program

Modesto, CA

Veterans Health Administration
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees

$89K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago


Veterans Health Administration rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 1,008 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

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
  • Education: 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
  • Licensure: Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level
  • 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 the GS-11 grade level and above, the candidate must be licensed or certified
  • English Language Proficiency: Social workers must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j, this part
  • May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria)
  • Grade Determinations: GS-9 Entry Level Social Worker Experience, Education, and Licensure: None beyond the basic requirements
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Ability to work with Veterans and family members from various socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and other diversified backgrounds utilizing counseling skills
  • (b) 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
  • (c) 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
  • (d) Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and representatives of community agencies
  • (e) 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
  • GS-11 Full Performance Social Worker 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
  • Education
  • In addition to meeting 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
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, candidates must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: (a) Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services
  • (b) 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
  • (c) 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
  • (d) 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
  • (e) 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 Part II Appendix G39
  • Physical Requirements: This position requires hearing (aid permitted)
  • ***Only the first 50 Applicants will be considered***
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About Veterans Health Administration

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is the largest integrated health care system in the United States, serving millions of Veterans each year. Located in Phoenix, AZ, and many other parts of the US, the VHA operates under the Department of Veteran Affairs, as suggested by their official website va.gov. The VHA is dedicated to providing the highest level of comprehensive care to its veterans. The organization offers a broad spectrum of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative care, including mental health services, research, and pharmacy benefits.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Phoenix, AZ, US