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Graduate Social Work information

See Kentucky salary details

$30K

$66.2K

$101.6K

How much do graduate social work jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate social work in Kentucky is $66,239.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,200.00 and $79,500.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Graduate Social Work jobs in Kentucky?

For Graduate Social Work jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Graduate Social Work jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Social Work job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,239 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Assistant Professor Social Work

Kentucky State University

Frankfort, KY • On-site

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

TITLE: Assistant Professor Social Work

DEPARTMENT: School of Social Work

REPORTS TO: Chair, School of Social Work

CLASSIFICATION: Faculty - 9 months

EFFECTIVE DATE: TBD

STANDARD WORK HOURS: 40 hours per week

LOCATION: On-Site-Main Campus

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-Time

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION: Exempt


JOB SUMMARY:

The Assistant Professor of Social Work is a full-time, non-tenure-track faculty position responsible for providing high-quality instruction in undergraduate and graduate social work courses, advising and mentoring students, participating in curriculum development and program assessment, engaging in professional development, and providing service to the School of Social Work, College, University, profession, and community. The successful candidate will contribute to the academic mission of Kentucky State University through excellence in teaching, student success, professional engagement, and institutional service while supporting the continued growth and development of the Social Work program.


Regular physical presence on the Kentucky State University campus is an essential function of this position. Faculty are expected to provide in-person instruction, maintain on-campus office hours, advise students, participate in committee work, attend meetings and University functions, and collaborate with colleagues in support of the University's educational mission.


ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

  • Teach undergraduate and graduate social work courses in assigned areas of expertise using effective instructional strategies that promote student learning and academic success.
  • Provide face-to-face instruction as assigned and utilize instructional technologies to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
  • Develop, revise, and maintain course syllabi, instructional materials, assignments, and assessments consistent with University policies, program requirements, and Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation standards.
  • Evaluate student performance in a timely manner and submit grades in accordance with University policies and established deadlines.
  • Maintain regularly scheduled on-campus office hours and provide academic advising, mentoring, and support to students.
  • Participate in curriculum development, program assessment, accreditation activities, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Collaborate with faculty, staff, and administrators to support student recruitment, retention, persistence, and graduation initiatives.
  • Participate in faculty meetings, departmental meetings, college meetings, committee assignments, commencement, orientation, registration, and other official University functions.
  • Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies, professional organizations, and field education partners that enhance educational opportunities for students.
  • Participate in professional development activities to maintain expertise in the discipline, instructional effectiveness, and knowledge of current social work practice. Scholarly presentations, publications, grant development, or other professional activities are encouraged when they support the mission of the School and University.
  • Maintain compliance with University policies and procedures, CSWE accreditation standards, applicable laws and regulations, and professional standards of social work practice and ethics.
  • Maintain regular, reliable attendance and physical presence on campus as an essential function of the position.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.



KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of social work theory, practice, ethics, policy, research, and evidence-based practice.
  • Knowledge of CSWE accreditation standards and social work educational practices.
  • Ability to effectively teach undergraduate and graduate students in face-to-face, hybrid, and technology-supported learning environments.
  • Ability to develop curriculum and assess student learning outcomes.
  • Ability to advise, mentor, and support a diverse student population in achieving academic and professional success.
  • Knowledge of current trends, best practices, and emerging issues in social work education and professional practice.
  • Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, community partners, and professional organizations.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively within an academic environment.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and exercise sound professional judgment.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, learning management systems, and other instructional technologies.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in accordance with University policies and applicable laws.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:

This position has no direct supervisory responsibility. Responsibilities may include supervision of student field placements, practicum experiences, capstone projects, independent studies, graduate research, teaching assistants, or other academic activities as assigned..


OTHER DUTIES:

  • Participate in professional development activities that support instructional excellence and continued professional competence.
  • Engage in professional service activities that support the mission of the School, University, and the social work profession.
  • Assist with student recruitment, outreach, community engagement, and program promotion activities.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

  • Earned doctorate (Ph.D., DSW, or other appropriate terminal degree) in Social Work or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
  • Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of post-MSW professional social work practice experience.
  • Demonstrated ability or strong potential for excellence in teaching, student advising, and student engagement.
  • Ability to teach undergraduate and graduate social work courses.
  • Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
  • Commitment to maintaining regular on-campus availability to fulfill instructional, advising, committee, and other faculty responsibilities.

Preferred:

  • Kentucky Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Social Worker (CSW), or eligibility for Kentucky social work licensure.
  • Previous teaching experience in higher education.
  • Experience with CSWE accreditation standards, assessment activities, or program evaluation.
  • Professional practice experience in one or more specialty areas of social work, including mental health, child welfare, school social work, healthcare, gerontology, trauma-informed practice, substance use treatment, community practice, or related fields.
  • Experience supervising field education, practicum experiences, internships, or student research.
  • Professional presentations, publications, grant development, or other professional accomplishments that enhance teaching and student learning.
  • Experience developing collaborative partnerships with community agencies and professional organizations.

Licensing and Certifications: Kentucky Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Certified Social Worker (CSW), or eligibility for Kentucky social work licensure is preferred.


WORKING CONDITIONS:

  • Work is performed primarily on the campus of Kentucky State University in classrooms, offices, meeting spaces, and other University facilities.
  • Regular physical presence on campus is an essential function of this position. The successful candidate must be able to provide in-person instruction, maintain office hours, advise students, participate in meetings and committee work, engage in accreditation and assessment activities, and attend commencement, orientation, and other official University events.
  • The position requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, communicate effectively, and use computers and instructional technology for extended periods.
  • Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support instructional, recruitment, student engagement, or University activities.
  • Occasional travel may be required for professional development, conferences, field education visits, community engagement, accreditation activities, and other University business.




Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. At this time, Kentucky State University is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa

Internal candidates are encouraged to apply.


KENTUCKY STATE UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The functions, qualifications, knowledge/skills, and physical requirements listed in this job description represent the essential duties of the job, which the incumbent must be able to perform either with or without reasonable accommodation. The Job Functions listed do not necessarily include all activities that the individual may perform.