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Graduate Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Son

Graduate-Level Social Work Internship

Lincoln, NE · On-site

$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 Jul 25, 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 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:
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGCSW/LGSW)

CARENATIONDC INC

Washington, DC • On-site

Contractor

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGCSW/LGSW)

CareNationDC Inc.

Location: Washington, DC

Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time / Contract

Program: Mental Health Rehabilitation Services (MHRS) and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Services

About CareNationDC Inc.

CareNationDC Inc. is a behavioral health provider serving individuals and families in Washington, DC through Mental Health Rehabilitation Services and Substance Use Disorder services. We are committed to compassionate care, clinical excellence, compliance, and helping clients achieve stability, recovery, and improved quality of life.

Position Summary:

CareNationDC Inc. is seeking a dedicated Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGCSW/LGSW) to join our clinical team. The ideal candidate will provide client-centered behavioral health services, complete clinical documentation, support treatment planning, and work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure quality care and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities:The Licensed Graduate Social Worker will:

Complete intake assessments, psychosocial assessments, and clinical screenings.

Assist with diagnostic assessments and treatment planning under appropriate supervision.

Provide individual, family, and group therapy as assigned.

Support crisis intervention and safety planning when needed.

Complete timely and accurate documentation in the EHR system.

Collaborate with psychiatrists, clinical directors, case managers, RSS/CSW staff, and other providers.

Maintain compliance with DBH, Medicaid, Joint Commission, and CareNationDC policies.

Participate in supervision, team meetings, mandatory trainings, and quality improvement activities.

Promote ethical practice, client rights, confidentiality, and a zero-fraud compliance culture.

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in Social Work from an accredited program.

Active DC social work license, preferably LGSW or other applicable graduate-level social work license.

Experience in behavioral health, mental health, SUD, community-based services, or outpatient treatment preferred.

Strong clinical documentation skills.

Knowledge of Medicaid, DBH standards, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and care coordination preferred.

Ability to work with adults, youth, and families from diverse backgrounds.

Must pass all required background checks and onboarding requirements.

Preferred Skills

Experience using an Electronic Health Record system.

Familiarity with MHRS, SUD, ASAM, DLA-20, PHQ-9, diagnostic assessments, and service documentation.

Strong communication, organization, and teamwork skills.

Commitment to compliance, ethics, and quality client care.

Compensation

Competitive compensation based on experience, licensure, availability, and assigned duties.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their resume, license information, and availability to: CareNationDC, Inc.

Apply