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Graduate Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 Aug 15, 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 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 outreach coordinator. 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.

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 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 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.

More about Graduate Social Work jobs

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

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:

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, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 4% 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.

Graduate-Level Social Work Internship

Nebraska State Jobs

Norfolk, NE • On-site

$23/hr

Part-time

Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Nebraska Department Of Transportation rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

514th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

The work we do matters!
Hiring Agency:
Health & Human Services - Agency 25
Location:
Lincoln, NE, Norfolk, NE
Hiring Rate:
$23.000
Job Posting:
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):
Job Description:
The Department of Health and Human Services is seeking motivated and compassionate graduate-level Social Work students currently enrolled in a Master of Social Work (MSW) program to join our team as Social Work Interns. This internship offers hands-on experience supporting individuals, families, and communities while developing professional social work skills under licensed supervision.
Interns will gain exposure to assessment, case management, documentation, and interdisciplinary collaboration while applying social work theory and ethical practice in a real-world setting.
Onsite Location:
Norfolk Regional Center in Norfolk, NE
Lincoln Regional Center in Lincoln, NE
Internship Responsibilities
  • Assist with client assessments, psychosocial evaluations, and service planning under supervision
  • Support case management activities, including referrals, coordination of services, and follow-up
  • Participate in individual, family, or group-based interventions, as appropriate to the setting
  • Maintain accurate and timely case documentation in accordance with agency and regulatory standards
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including social workers, clinicians, and other professionals
  • Observe and support crisis intervention and problem-solving efforts
  • Uphold confidentiality, professional ethics, and social work best practices

Requirements/ Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university (two-to-four-year institution) OR recently graduated (within one year) from an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university (two-to-four-year institution).

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Current enrollment in a Master of Social Work (MSW) program from an accredited institution
  • Completion of foundational coursework in social work practice, ethics, and human behavior
  • Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to engage respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and life experiences
  • Commitment to ethical, client-centered, and trauma-informed practice
  • Ability to complete required background checks and pre-service training

What You'll Gain
  • Supervised field experience aligned with MSW program and practicum requirements
  • Practical experience in assessment, documentation, case management, and intervention
  • Exposure to interdisciplinary collaboration and professional social work environments
  • Opportunities to apply classroom learning to real-world practice
  • Professional supervision and mentorship to support skill development and career readiness
  • Preparation for post-graduate social work roles in public service, behavioral health, or human services

If you're currently employed by the State of Nebraska, please don't apply through this external career site. Instead, log in to Workday and open the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page. You can access Workday anytime through the Link web page: https://link.nebraska.gov/
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive package of pay, benefits, paid time off, retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.
Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position, agency and employment status. For more information on benefits, please visit: https://statejobs.nebraska.gov/index.html#benefits
Equal Opportunity Statement
The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We recruit, hire, train, and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race, color, religion, sex. age, national origin, disability, marital status or genetics.

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