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Entry Level Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Social Worker

Augusta, GA ยท On-site +1

$92K - $120K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Serves as a mentor to other Social Workers, particularly those at the entry level. * Provides clinical supervision for unlicensed Social Workers and for Social Work associates and is viewed by Social ...

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Entry Level Social Worker information

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$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

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

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level social 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 some typical challenges entry level social workers face when starting out, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level social workers often encounter challenges such as managing large caseloads, dealing with emotionally charged situations, and navigating complex systems like healthcare or social services. Building strong time management and self-care strategies is essential for preventing burnout. New social workers should seek mentorship, participate in regular supervision, and take advantage of training opportunities to develop their skills and resilience. Open communication with colleagues and supervisors also helps build a supportive network for problem-solving and professional growth.

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

AspectEntry Level Social WorkerCase Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in social work or related fieldBachelor's degree often preferred; social work background beneficial
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, community agenciesHealthcare facilities, social service agencies, community programs
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and private social service organizationsHealthcare providers, insurance companies, social service agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Entry Level Social Workers and Case Managers often share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, focusing on supporting clients and coordinating services. While social workers may handle more complex cases and advocacy, case managers primarily coordinate care and resources. Both roles are essential in social services, with overlapping skills and settings, making them common points of comparison for job seekers.

What is an entry level social worker?

Entry level social workers are professionals who have recently entered the field of social work, often holding a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) or a related field. They typically assist clients in managing challenges related to mental health, family, housing, or employment under the supervision of experienced social workers. Their responsibilities often include assessing client needs, connecting clients to resources, and providing support or advocacy. Entry level social workers may work in settings such as schools, hospitals, community organizations, or government agencies.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Social Worker, you generally need a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, along with foundational knowledge of case management and social services. Familiarity with client management databases, documentation systems, and possibly state licensure or certification is typically required. Exceptional interpersonal communication, empathy, and organizational skills help you build trust and effectively advocate for clients. These skills and qualifications are crucial for providing effective support, managing caseloads, and navigating complex social service environments.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Social Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Social Worker job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Worker jobs?

The most popular types of Social Worker jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Social Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Social Worker jobs include:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Social Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Social Worker I/II

County of Del Norte, CA

Crescent City, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

General Recruitment Information: This recruitment will establish a list of candidates to be used in filling the vacancy as well as an eligibility list that may be used for future vacancies or temporary help for up to one (1) year. Job Opportunity: Only online applications are accepted. It is the responsibility of each applicant to review the full job description and requirements.

Resumes are encouraged, but will not be accepted in lieu of required application materials. Applications which are incomplete as of the final date to apply will be eliminated from consideration. Candidates who meet all the minimum qualifications may be invited to an oral interview.

Description Level I: $2,045.07 - $2,254.69 Biweekly Level II: $2,148.61 - $2,368.84 Biweekly This is a Merit System Services position. To apply for this opportunity, refer to the MSS section under the MENU in the upper left corner and select Merit System Services or visit the website directly at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mss Performs basic social services casework; identifies client needs for more intensive casework services and provides referrals; carries a caseload of moderately difficult cases; manages a caseload of increasingly difficult cases; and performs other related work as assigned. Incumbents in the Social Worker I/II classification receive direct supervision from a Social Worker Supervisor, or other higher-level supervisor or manager

Detailed Work Activities Essential job duties may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.

(Note: For Social Worker I, duties are performed at the entry/trainee level.) Conducts interviews with clients, family members, and others in their home, in the office, or via telephone to assess the basic social, physical, and mental needs of clients and obtain health information in order to identify and provide social services. Performs case studies and evaluates individual and family case information to assess the safety of children and adults; determines appropriate types and methods of treatment. Assesses reports of suspected abuse; may be required to work on-call; may provide information to law enforcement or district attorneys

Develops and carries out culturally sensitive non-complex to moderate treatment plans for an assigned caseload in conformance with agency, state and federal requirements; assists clients and family members to develop strategies to accomplish case plan goals. Refers clients to other staff members, or to community resources for direct and intensive services and specialized counseling as necessary; advocates on the clients' behalf for most appropriate services including enabling services. Assists applicants and recipients in utilizing available resources.

Interprets policies, rules, and regulations of the agency to applicants, clients and others within the scope of their responsibility. Makes home visits in connection with casework assignments. Prepares and maintains case records and databases; communicates decisions, timelines, recommendations and case plans to clients, families and service providers.

May testify in court. May be assigned to specialized functions. Participates in in-service training and other staff development activities to increase knowledge of the social work processes and achieve technical competence.

Receives casework consultation from professionally trained staff members. Provides community outreach for various agency programs. Maintains client confidentiality; performs all duties in conformance with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics.

Performs related duties as assigned Minimum Qualifications This is a Merit System Services position. To view current qualifications, visit the MSS website directly at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/mss Social Worker I: Pattern 1: Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university; OR Pattern 2: Successful completion of thirty (30) college semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units from an accredited college or university, including fifteen (15) semester units or twenty-two and a half (22.5) quarter units in social welfare, social/human services, sociology, or other social or behavioral science*; AND One (1) year of full-time experience in the Social Service Aide, Eligibility Specialist II, Employment and Training Worker II or comparable classification; OR Three (3) years of full-time experience providing direct client services to disadvantaged adults or children in a private or public agency. Social Worker II: Pattern 1: One (1) year of full-time experience performing entry level social work case management in the Social Worker I classification in an Interagency Merit System (IMS) county; OR Pattern 2: One (1) year of full-time social work case management experience**; AND thirty (30) college semester units or forty-five (45) quarter units from an accredited college or university, including fifteen (15) semester units or twenty-two and a half (22.5) quarter units in social welfare, social/human services, sociology, or other social or behavioral science*; *Examples of acceptable social or behavioral science courses include: anthropology, criminal justice, education, ethnic studies, history, human development, human services, law, nursing, nutrition, psychology, public health, social welfare, sociology, welfare, women's studies

**Qualifying social work case management includes direct case work management, such as: assessment, evaluation; conducting investigations of abuse and neglect; preparing court reports; responsibility for a long term caseload, monitoring compliance through home calls and other personal contact; collaboration with other agencies and linking clients to resources and programs; development of a case plan, modification of case plans as needed/required; and authority to impose sanctions or implement actions that impact services. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of: Principles and practices of organization, workload management and time management. Principles and practices of note taking, report writing, English composition, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

Phone etiquette and interview techniques. Socio-economic conditions and trends. Basic principles of individual and group behavior.

Current issues in the field of social welfare. Role and responsibilities of social workers. Principles of interviewing and problem-solving methodology.

Basic public welfare programs on the Federal, State, and local level. General principles of public assistance policies and programs. Developing and preparing court report, case plans, case narratives and safety plans in automated computer systems.

Entering and retrieving data and narratives from automated computer systems. Basic principles and techniques of interviewing and recording of social casework. Laws, rules, and regulations governing the operation of the public welfare agency and the role of a social worker.

Community organization and the social problems calling for the use of public and private community resources. Basic principles involved in the nature, growth, and development of personality and in-group processes. The medical, legal, economic, and social management needs of individuals and families with special medical needs such as HIV disease, drug dependency, the medically fragile child, Alzheimer's, and the terminally ill.

The strategies and protocols surrounding crisis intervention techniques such as voice modulation and assessing the potential for suicide. Basic psychopathology, the different types of mental illness diagnoses, how mental illness affects human behavior and mental health services and treatments utilized by clients. Ability to: Understand and learn the agency programs, policies, and procedures.

Obtain facts and recognize the relevance and significance. Organize and maintain work detail. Establish and maintain effective client rapport and professional working relationships with agency staff, clients, and others.

Communicate effectively, both orally (phone and in person) and in writing. Analyze situations and adopt effective courses of action. Interpret and explain to the applicant, recipient, or others public social service programs, policies, rules, and regulations.

Develop skill in interviewing case recording and interpretation. Work within a community setting and effectively use appropriate resources and services. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal standards and/or county regulations.

Work effectively in emotionally charged or stressful settings/emergencies. Operate a personal computer and other office equipment and software. Analyze data, interpret and apply directions, rules, policies, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses.

Accept and use constructive feedback. Interact professionally and respectfully with clients including difficult, hostile, or distressed clients. Respect cultural differences.

Work with cases varying in difficulty /clients including clients with dual diagnoses, potentially dangerous clients or legally complex cases. Analyze data from multiple sources, interpret and apply complex directions, rules, policies, procedures and regulations, and develop appropriate responses. Selection Process: The County of Del Norte does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual preference, or disability in any of its programs, activities, or hiring practices.

All applications will be reviewed and those individuals with backgrounds most closely meeting the needs of the county will be selected for further review. In the event of a large number of qualifying applicants, a written examination may be given to determine which applicants will be invited to attend an oral interview. An eligibility list will be established upon completion of the oral interviews.

Expenses (i.e. travel, food, lodging) incurred in connection with the interview shall be the burden of the applicant. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if special accommodations are necessary at any stage of the selection process, please contact the Human Resources Office prior to the interview/examination so that appropriate arrangements can be made

Condition of Employment: In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, Del Norte County is required to verify, within three days of employment of any person, that he/she is: 1) a citizen or national of the United States; 2) an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence or authorized by the Immigration and Naturalization Service to work in the United States. Disaster Service Workers: All County of Del Norte employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through State law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the County of Del Norte requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect.

Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Work related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. Equal Opportunity Statement: Del Norte County is an equal opportunity employer hiring employment eligible applicants. Disabled applicants who require special testing arrangements should contact the Human Resources Department prior to the filing deadline.

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, applicants must provide acceptable proof of identity or authorization to work in the United States. A thorough background investigation will be conducted prior to employment. The investigation may include reference checks, fingerprinting, credit check, driver history and inquiry to local, state and federal files to obtain criminal history information.

All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the selection process. Selection processes may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: application review, competitive screening, written examination, performance examination, and/or oral examination. This bulletin is solely for the purpose of announcing a job opening.

It does not constitute a contract, expressed or implied, and any provisions contained herein may be modified or revised without notice.