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Entry Level Social Work Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Social Work information

See Virginia salary details

$34.2K

$75.6K

$116K

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

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level social work in Virginia is $75,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $90,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level social worker?

Entry level social work jobs are positions for individuals who are new to the social work field, often requiring a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) or a related discipline. These roles typically involve assisting clients with accessing resources, conducting assessments, and supporting experienced social workers. Common job titles include case manager, social services assistant, and family support worker. Entry level social workers work in a variety of settings such as schools, hospitals, and community agencies, and they help individuals and families cope with challenges related to health, housing, and social services. These positions provide valuable experience and often serve as stepping stones to more advanced roles in social work.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Social Worker, you need a foundational knowledge of social work principles, case management, and a relevant bachelor's degree in social work or a related field. Familiarity with client management software, documentation systems, and sometimes state licensure or certification is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and problem-solving abilities help build trust and support diverse clients. These skills ensure effective service delivery, advocacy, and support for individuals and communities in need.

What types of clients and cases can I expect to work with as an entry level social worker?

As an entry-level social worker, you will typically work with diverse populations such as children, families, elderly individuals, or those experiencing homelessness, depending on your placement. Your caseload may involve supporting clients with accessing resources, navigating social services, and addressing issues like housing instability, mental health, or child welfare. You’ll often collaborate closely with supervisors, experienced social workers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure clients receive comprehensive care while you build your professional skills.

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

AspectEntry Level Social WorkCase Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in social work or related fieldBachelor's degree often required; certifications like CSM may be preferred
Work EnvironmentCommunity agencies, schools, healthcare settingsHealthcare facilities, social service agencies, community organizations
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment, non-profits, healthcare providersHealthcare, social services, insurance companies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Social Work and Case Manager roles often require similar educational backgrounds and are found in comparable settings. While social workers may focus more on advocacy and counseling, case managers typically coordinate services and resources for clients. Both roles serve vital functions in social services, with overlapping skills and environments.

How to get into entry level social work with no experience?

Entry level social work positions often require a high school diploma or bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Gaining relevant experience through volunteer work, internships, or community service can improve your chances, and obtaining certifications such as CPR or basic first aid may be beneficial. Strong communication skills and a compassionate attitude are essential for entry-level roles in social work.

What can I do to get started as an entry level social worker?

To start as an entry-level social worker, obtain a relevant bachelor's degree such as social work, psychology, or sociology. Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work and obtaining necessary state licensure or certification can also improve job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Work jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Social Work jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Social Work jobs in Virginia?

For Entry Level Social Work jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Social Work jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Social Work jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Social Work jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Social Work job openings:

Entry Level Social Work jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Social Work job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,611 per year, or $36.4 per hour.

Social Worker

Virginia Beach, VA

SD Department of Veterans Affairs
See more jobs at SD Department of Veterans Affairsexternal

$52K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 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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