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Foster Care Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... foster homes. B. Primary Purpose of the Position The primary purpose of the social worker in this position is to execute the agency's mandate to arrange and support substitute care appropriate to a ...

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Foster Care Social Worker information

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$29K

$49.1K

$88.5K

How much do foster care social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for foster care social worker in the United States is $49,138.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $52,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foster care social worker?

Foster care social workers help children in the foster care system deal with behavioral and emotional issues. Often, foster children have been abused, neglected, or mistreated, and the courts have removed them from their parents. Their pasts often lead to feelings of extreme sadness, anger, resentment, and abandonment. As a foster care social worker, you work for a foster care agency to place these kids in foster homes. You are ultimately responsible for the well-being of the child, so you will do extensive background checks on prospective foster parents to ensure they will provide a caring home for their foster child. Once a child is placed in a home, you make follow up visits regularly, checking for suitable living conditions, proper nourishment, and making sure the foster parents have the support they need. For cases where the biological parents may regain custody, you also update the parents with current information on their child and monitor the parents’ progress meeting the requirements given to get their children back.

What are some common challenges foster care social workers face when working with foster families and children?

Foster Care Social Workers often navigate complex family dynamics, emotional trauma, and the unique needs of children placed in care. Building trust with both children and foster parents can be challenging, especially when addressing sensitive issues or advocating for the child's best interests. Additionally, social workers must balance large caseloads, comply with regulatory requirements, and collaborate with various agencies, all while providing consistent support to families. Despite these challenges, the role is highly rewarding, offering the chance to make a real difference in children's lives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foster care social worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foster Care Social Worker, you need a degree in social work (often an MSW), state licensure, and knowledge of child welfare practices. Familiarity with case management software, child protective services databases, and relevant state and federal regulations is essential. Strong communication, empathy, and crisis management skills help build trust and support vulnerable children and families. These skills and qualifications are critical for ensuring child safety, effective advocacy, and positive long-term outcomes in challenging environments.

What cities are hiring for Foster Care Social Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Foster Care Social Worker job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Foster Care Social Worker jobs?

The top employers for Foster Care Social Worker jobs are:

What states have the most Foster Care Social Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Foster Care Social Worker jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Foster Care Social Worker jobs?

For Foster Care Social Worker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Foster Care Social Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,138 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Foster Care Social Worker

The Children s Choice

Lanham, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Join our team at Children's Choice, Inc. and make an impact in your community. We believe that social services is a ministry, and we stand behind our principles to help our Social Workers succeed. If you are willing to make the commitment to help our families thrive, we believe YOU can make a lasting difference!

JOB: Foster Care Social Worker
LOCATION: New Castle, DE
BENEFITS:
  • Warm and professional work environment
  • 14 paid holidays per year
  • PTO (paid time off) awarded on first day of hire and additional PTO awarded at two years of employment
  • Group Health Insurance: Health, Dental, Vision
  • Short- and Long-Term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • 401-K
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field
  • Experience working with children and families in social services context preferred
  • Valid driver's license with properly registered and insured vehicle
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office

To APPLY and learn more about Children's Choice, visit our website: http://www.childrenschoice.org/


Children's Choice prohibits discrimination on the basis of race (to include hair type, hair texture, or hair style), color, religious creed (to include all aspects of religious observances and practice, as well as belief), disability, ancestry, national origin, age (40 and over), or sex (to include pregnancy status, childbirth status, breastfeeding status, sex assigned at birth, gender identity or expression, affectional or sexual orientation, and differences in sex), and retaliation. Employment opportunities shall be provided for applicants with disabilities and reasonable accommodation(s) shall be made to meet the physical or mental limitations of qualified applicants or employees.