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Graduate Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 Jun 7, 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:
Infographic showing various Graduate Social Work job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 20% Full Time, 74% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.
Graduate Assistant - Social Work Program

Graduate Assistant - Social Work Program

Ramapo College of New Jersey

Mahwah, NJ โ€ข On-site

$10K/wk

Part-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Salary: See Position Description
Location : Ramapo College, Main Campus - Mahwah NJ
Job Type: Graduate Assistant
Job Number: 202300390
Core: Teaching & Learning Core
Department: SSHS
Opening Date: 05/01/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: NA
Description
About Ramapo College of New Jersey
Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state's premier public liberal arts college, where students build the confidence, skills, and perspective to thrive in a changing world. Located on a breathtaking 300-acre campus in the foothills of the Ramapo Mountains and just a short trip from New York City, Ramapo blends the best of both worlds: natural beauty, state-of-the-art facilities, and access to one of the world's most dynamic job markets.
With approximately 6,000 students, Ramapo offers a personalized, student-centered experience defined by a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, small classes, and faculty who mentor, challenge, and inspire. Students can explore over 40 undergraduate majors and a growing portfolio of graduate programs in fields such as Business Administration, Data Science, Nursing, Educational Leadership, Social Work, Special Education, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice. Across every discipline, Ramapo emphasizes hands-on learning through internships, co-ops, study abroad, faculty research, service projects, and real-world experiences that prepare students for meaningful careers.
Our campus is home to cutting-edge academic spaces, including the Anisfield School of Business, the Adler Center for Nursing Excellence, the Sharp Sustainability Education Center, the Berrie Center for Performing and Visual Arts, the Les Paul Music Studio, and the Peter P. Mercer Learning Commons. Ramapo's award-winning residence halls are consistently ranked among the best in New Jersey.
Nationally recognized for excellence and value, Ramapo is ranked #1 among New Jersey public colleges by College Choice, named a Best Regional University North by U.S. News & World Report, and celebrated by Kiplinger's, Money Magazine, Colleges of Distinction, and Victory Media's Military Friendly rankings.
At Ramapo, students don't just earn degrees; they discover their strengths, explore new possibilities, and build the foundation for bold futures.
Working at Ramapo
Ramapo College of New Jersey has been recognized as a "Great College to Work For," where our employees are at the heart of everything we do. We foster an equitable and fair workplace where ideas are welcomed, contributions are valued, and individuals are encouraged to grow both professionally and personally. Employees benefit from meaningful work, opportunities for development, and the chance to make a lasting impact on students' lives every day.
At Ramapo College, we believe excellence is achieved through teamwork, respect, accountability, innovation, and a shared commitment to learning. Our all-hands-on deck culture requires leadership at all levels to ensure we achieve our mission, implement our goals, and invest in our future one student at a time. We are proud to offer a supportive environment that values well-being and continuous improvement. We believe in being bold, being kind, and being good teammates, making Ramapo not just a place to work, but a great place to belong.
Ramapo College offers outstanding benefits through the New Jersey State Benefits system, generous PTO, professional development opportunities, wellness programs, tuition discounts for employees and their dependents, and much more.
Compensation:
This is a 10-month, part-time position that requires 20 hours per week.
Compensation includes a $10,000 stipend and up to $8,000 in tuition reimbursement.
Period of Contract:
September 2026 -June 2027 (renewable); 20 hours per week
Introduction:
The social work program has approximately 330 students. The social work program is accredited and follows the standards of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).The social work program is located in SSHS.
JOB SUMMARY:
The graduate assistant would support the MSW Program Director, Field Education Director, and Program Coordinator in the administrative responsibilities of the social work program.
Examples of Duties
Duties/Responsibilities:
1. Support the marketing of the program and recruitment of students by participating in open houses and conducting outreach efforts to groups of prospective students and community partners.
2. Assist with planning and executing orientations and program-hosted events, including but not limited to maintaining attendance records, distributing certificates, outreach to campus offices, technical assistance, and other event planning necessities.
3. Develop content and implement engagement efforts across SW Program social media accounts, including but not limited to developing social media strategies and calendars for social media posts and facilitating student/faculty/staff highlights. Regularly post across all platforms, adhering to marketing guidelines.
4. Answer inquiries about the social work program as they arise, including those made across all social media accounts
5. Support the field education team by maintaining updated placement lists, facilitating placement-related correspondence to field instructors and students, coordinating placement interviews, and providing administrative support as needed.
6. Provide support in communicating and maintaining records of program-related events and learning opportunities to students on an ongoing basis.
7. Support alumni engagement and outreach efforts, including employment opportunity distribution.
8. Provide administrative support to the Social Work Program, including developing materials and maintaining updated and accurate records.
Knowledge and Abilities:
1. Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with other offices or
organizations
2. Prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports and
presentations
3. Maintain essential files and records
4. Have strong record-keeping and interpersonal skills
5. Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint,
Google platforms, social media platforms, and Canvas.
Organizational Security Responsibilities: This position requires adherence to the organization's
information security policies and procedures. All employees share responsibility for protecting the
confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the organization's mission essential IT assets, regardless of
role. Individuals in this role are expected to apply appropriate safeguards, participate in required security
awareness training, and promptly report potential security incidents in accordance with institutional
policies.
Qualifications
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • Graduate Assistant must be matriculated and enrolled in a related graduate program and make satisfactory academic progress towards degree completion.
  • Enrollment in a minimum of six (6) credit hours per semester or two (2) courses per semester, whichever is greater, during the academic year (fall and spring semesters).
  • Be able to work with a diverse population and have a strong service orientation
  • Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Have strong record-keeping and interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google platforms, social media platforms, and Canvas.
  • Willing to learn and apply new technologies to the needs of the office
  • Ability to prioritize and organize tasks in a busy environment

Supplemental Information
EEO Statement:
Ramapo College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Ramapo has a long history of advocating, advising, and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness. Examples can be found in its mission statement, strategic plans, degree and course offerings, community outreach programs and other diversity programs. Ramapo's commitment to diversity and inclusion is infused across all facets of the College; where the environment is welcoming, dedicated to social justice, respectful of freedom of expression, focused on educating and having an ongoing conversation regarding cultural competence and the benefits and importance of diversity.
This position is not eligible for benefits.
01
Will you be enrolled in a Graduate/Master's level Program at Ramapo College before the start of this assignment?
  • yes
  • no

Required Question