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Graduate Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Son

Graduate-Level Social Work Internship

Lincoln, NE

$23/hr

JR2026-00027828 Graduate-Level Social Work Internship (Evergreen) (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): The Department of Health and ...

Son

Graduate-Level Social Work Internship

Norfolk, NE

$23/hr

JR2026-00027828 Graduate-Level Social Work Internship (Evergreen) (Open) Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed, job is posted as open until closed): The Department of Health and ...

St. Bonaventure University

Adjunct - Social Work

NY · On-site

We are particularly interested in faculty who are passionate about supporting student development and who have a history of successful design and delivery of asynchronous graduate social work courses.

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Graduate Social Work information

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$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do graduate social work jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate social work 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 is a graduate social worker?

A graduate social worker is someone who has completed a graduate degree in social work, such as a Master of Social Work (MSW), and is often in the early stages of their professional career. They provide support, advocacy, and resources to individuals, families, and communities to help them cope with various challenges. Graduate social workers may work in settings like schools, hospitals, community organizations, or government agencies. They are typically supervised as they work towards full licensure and may specialize in fields like clinical social work, child welfare, or policy advocacy.

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

To thrive as a Graduate Social Worker, you need a degree in social work (BSW or MSW) and foundational knowledge in case management, crisis intervention, and social policy. Familiarity with client management systems, risk assessment tools, and relevant state licensure or registration is typically required. Strong interpersonal communication, cultural competence, and resilience are essential soft skills for connecting with clients and managing challenging situations. These skills ensure effective advocacy, ethical practice, and positive outcomes for individuals and communities in need.

What are some common challenges faced by graduate social workers in their first year on the job?

Graduate social workers often encounter challenges such as managing a diverse and complex caseload, navigating emotional boundaries with clients, and adjusting to agency protocols and documentation requirements. The first year typically involves developing effective time management strategies and learning how to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including psychologists, healthcare professionals, and community organizations. Support from supervisors and ongoing professional development can help new social workers build confidence and resilience as they transition from academic learning to practical fieldwork.

What is the difference between Graduate Social Work vs Social Work Assistant?

AspectGraduate Social WorkSocial Work Assistant
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Social Work (BSW or MSW); often pursuing licensureHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a related degree or certification
Work EnvironmentCommunity agencies, hospitals, schools, government programsSupport roles in similar settings, assisting licensed social workers
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by social service agencies, healthcare, education sectorsSupport staff in social service organizations, often entry-level

Graduate Social Work positions typically require a degree in social work and involve direct client interaction, often with licensure goals. Social Work Assistants support licensed professionals and may have less formal education requirements. Both roles operate in similar environments but differ in responsibilities and credentials.

What can I do with a graduate social work degree?

A graduate social work degree qualifies individuals for roles such as clinical social worker, case manager, school social worker, or community service manager. These positions often require licensure or certification and involve providing support, counseling, and advocacy to individuals or groups in various settings like healthcare, schools, or social service agencies.
More about Graduate Social Work jobs

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The most popular types of Graduate Social Work jobs are:

What states have the most Graduate Social Work jobs?

States with the most job openings for Graduate Social Work jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Graduate Social Work jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Graduate Social Work jobs are:

Graduate Social Work jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Social Work 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 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Social Work

Shepherd University

Shepherdstown, WV • On-site

$56K - $59K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Posted 2 days ago

New

Shepherd University rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 629 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Posting Details
Posting Information
Posting Number
F156P
Working Title
Assistant Professor of Social Work
FLSA
Exempt
Pay Grade
Faculty
Advertised Salary
$56,000 - $59,000
Position Status
Full Time
Appointment Length
9 Months
Department
Dept of Psychology, Social Work, and Counseling
Job Summary/Basic Function
Shepherd University seeks a tenure-track assistant professor to serve as the MSW Program Director and lead the development, accreditation, and administration of an online, asynchronous Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Responsibilities include teaching graduate social work courses at both the foundation and advanced levels; advising and mentoring students in their professional development and licensure preparation; leading curriculum development, program assessment, and CSWE accreditation activities; and collaborating with the Director of Practicum Education to support student field placements. The MSW Program Director will also provide service to the Department, University, and community, support program growth, ensure compliance with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) standards, and advance Shepherd University's mission of preparing ethical, skilled social workers to serve diverse communities.
As MSW Program Director, the successful candidate must be able to maintain a regular physical presence on campus to provide program leadership, collaborate with faculty and staff, participate in university service, and support students and community partners.
Minimum Qualifications
Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
Ph.D. in Social Work or Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
A minimum of five years of post-MSW professional social work practice experience.
A minimum of two years of teaching experience in a CSWE-accredited BSW or MSW program.
Experience developing and/or revising social work courses at the BSW or MSW level.
Preferred Qualifications
Professional Licensure (LGSW, LCSW, or LICSW).
Experience in both undergraduate and graduate social work education.
Expertise in clinical social work practice or other high-need practice areas.
Experience with online teaching and curriculum design.
Ability to begin employment in January 2027
Posting Date
09/01/2026
Close Date
Special Instructions Summary
For guaranteed consideration, please apply by October 15, 2026.
Appointment to this position will be contingent upon a satisfactory background check.
  • Wide range of health insurance and other benefits
  • 401(a) retirement savings with 6% contribution match; eligibility to continue health insurance post-retirement, and other retiree perks
  • Tuition waivers for employees and their dependents

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