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Generalist Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Candidates should have an ability to teach across the undergraduate generalist social work curriculum, and develop online courses that align with the Council on Social Work Education standards.

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Generalist Social Work information

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$34K

$65.8K

$98K

How much do generalist social work jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for generalist social work in the United States is $65,839.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $74,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Generalist Social Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Generalist Social Worker, you need a solid understanding of social work principles, case management, and human behavior, typically backed by at least a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) and state licensure where required. Familiarity with client management systems, documentation software, and sometimes crisis intervention tools is essential. Strong interpersonal communication, cultural competence, and problem-solving skills help you build trust and effectively support diverse clients. These abilities are crucial for providing holistic, client-centered services and navigating complex social systems.

What types of cases or clients can a generalist social worker expect to handle on a daily basis?

As a generalist social worker, you can expect to work with a diverse range of clients, including individuals, families, and groups facing various challenges such as poverty, mental health concerns, substance abuse, domestic violence, and access to community resources. Your daily responsibilities may include conducting assessments, developing service plans, advocating for clients, and connecting them with support services. This breadth of exposure allows you to build a versatile skill set and gain experience in multiple aspects of social work, which can be valuable for future specialization or advancement.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

In general, high-paying jobs that can reach $10,000 a month without a degree include roles such as real estate agents, sales managers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers, especially with experience and certifications. These jobs often require strong interpersonal skills, sales ability, or technical training, and income can vary based on performance and location.

What is the difference between Generalist Social Work vs Clinical Social Work?

AspectGeneralist Social WorkClinical Social Work
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Social Work (BSW or MSW)Master's in Social Work (MSW) with clinical licensure
Work EnvironmentCommunity agencies, schools, healthcare settingsTherapy settings, mental health clinics, hospitals
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, schools, government programsHealthcare facilities, private practices, mental health clinics
Job FocusAssessment, case management, resource connectionPsychotherapy, mental health diagnosis, treatment planning

Generalist Social Workers provide broad support, focusing on assessment and resource coordination across various settings. Clinical Social Workers specialize in mental health therapy and diagnosis, often requiring additional licensure. Both roles are essential in social services, but they differ in scope and clinical responsibilities.

What are generalist social workers?

Generalist social workers are professionals trained to address a wide range of social issues and serve diverse populations. They use a broad set of skills to assess client needs, provide support, advocate for resources, and implement interventions at the individual, family, group, and community levels. Generalist social workers are often found in settings such as schools, hospitals, community agencies, and government organizations. Their flexibility allows them to work with clients facing various challenges, including mental health concerns, poverty, and family dynamics.

What is an example of a generalist social work?

A generalist social worker is a professional who provides a wide range of services across different populations and settings, such as working with individuals, families, and communities to address issues like mental health, housing, or social services. They often use a holistic approach, applying various skills and interventions, and typically hold a social work degree and licensure. This role requires adaptability and knowledge of multiple social systems to meet clients' diverse needs.

Can you make $200,000 as a social worker?

Generalist social workers typically earn salaries below $200,000 annually, with most earning between $50,000 and $80,000 depending on experience, location, and work setting. Achieving a $200,000 salary usually requires advanced roles, specialized skills, management positions, or working in high-paying sectors such as healthcare administration or private consulting.

What does a generalist social worker do?

A generalist social worker assesses clients' needs, develops care plans, and connects them with resources and services. They work in various settings such as schools, healthcare, and community agencies, often using counseling, case management, and advocacy skills to support individuals and families.
More about Generalist Social Work jobs
What cities are hiring for Generalist Social Work jobs? Cities with the most Generalist Social Work job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Generalist Social Work jobs? The most popular types of Generalist Social Work jobs are:
What states have the most Generalist Social Work jobs? States with the most job openings for Generalist Social Work jobs include:
Infographic showing various Generalist Social Work job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 69% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,839 per year, or $31.7 per hour.
Adjunct Faculty, School of Social Work

Adjunct Faculty, School of Social Work

University of St Thomas

Saint Paul, MN • Hybrid

Other

Posted 13 days ago


University Of St. Thomas (Minnesota) rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

216th of 536 rated colleges and universities


Job description

OVERVIEW

The School of Social Work at the University of St. Thomas seeks adjunct instructors of social work for upcoming semesters (fall/spring/summer). Teaching load generally ranges from one to two courses per semester, depending upon department needs and enrollments. Opportunities may be in our BSW, MSW, and/or DSW programs. 

At the BSW level, courses are focused on generalist social work practice.  They may include practice courses focused on individuals, families, or groups, as well as policy, research, or introduction to social work.  More information about the BSW curriculum can be found here.

At the MSW level, we prepare students to become clinical social workers. Course work covers both generalist (foundation) level, as well as advanced clinical (more specialized) social work courses. Courses are practice-, theory-, assessment-, policy-, and/or research-related. More information about the MSW curriculum can be found here.

The DSW program prepares social work faculty for University level teaching and leadership.  Course work includes content in research, scholarship, teaching, writing for publication, history of social work education and programming, dissertation work, and specific elective classes focusing on grant writing and leadership.  More information can be found here.

The University of St. Thomas embraces diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.  The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EOE).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. We are committed to building a skilled team that represents a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. This commitment is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.  A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

QUALIFICATIONS

Applicants should have at least an MSW degree and must be licensed to practice social work in the state of Minnesota. For MSW courses at the advanced practice level, an LICSW is required. Experience teaching at the university level is preferred. For DSW courses applicants should have an MSW degree and a Doctoral degree (e.g., DSW or PhD) preferably in Social Work and be experienced instructors in  hybrid/on-line settings in higher education. Salary commensurate with experience and education. Applicants must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or eligible for legally required exemption such as a medical or religious reason.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates will be asked to copy/paste a cover letter into the application and submit a curriculum vitae with professional references. Please specify which courses and which program (s) (BSW/MSW/DSW) you are interested in. No references will be contacted without first getting the permission of the candidate. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, as teaching needs are identified.  The position remains open until filled.  Candidates may be contacted in the future about future opportunities.

**This posting is for a pooled, adjunct faculty position for continuous recruitment. Review of candidates is typically done two times annually - spring/summer and late fall/winter.**

Established in 1885, the University of St. Thomas is located in the major metropolitan area of Minneapolis-St. Paul, and is Minnesota's largest private university. Its 9,000 students pursue degrees in a wide range of liberal arts, professional, and graduate programs.

Official job posting is available at www.stthomas.edu/jobs.

Employment Type: OTHER