1

Graduate Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Showing results 41-60

Graduate Social Work information

See salary details

$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.

LMSW Case Manager, Social Work- In Patient II Arlington, VA Virginia Hospital (40hrs.)

Kaiser Permanente

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site

$25 - $32.75/hr

Other

Medical, Life

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

This role is eligible for $7,500 sign on bonus.
Job Summary:

For members of a defined population, responsible for collaborating with the members of the health care team to facilitate the coordination of appropriate, cost-effective services that are consistent with members plan of care, help achieve his/her optimal level of independence, and enhance quality of life.


Essential Responsibilities:
  • Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, problem identification, psychosocial assessment, financial counseling/referral, accessing community resources, placement for care, guiding the member through health-related legal processes, or consultation and support to other health care professionals.
  • Effectively manages and coordinates assigned caseload consistent with established criteria. Completes comprehensive psychosocial assessment to evaluate patient goals, social support systems, resources, health status, functional limitations, psychological status, environmental factors, and response to treatment so as to decrease inappropriate utilization of medical services.
  • In close collaboration with the nurse case manager and other members of the health care team, develops and monitors a plan of care designed to promote the members optimal level of functioning and enhance the quality of life.
  • Identifies, facilitates, and advocates appropriate organizational and community resources to meet the plan of care and ensures that they are implemented for in a cost effective, efficient, and timely manner.
  • Ensures consistent and reliable documentation of case management activities in compliance with all organization and department standards.
  • Analyzes patient and program outcomes to identify improvements in program, quality, and cost effectiveness of case management activities.
  • Facilitates application process for accessing local, state, and federally funded programs (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare, and Disability) and/or refers to appropriate community agencies in cases of suspected patient abuse/neglect when identified.
  • Provides supportive counseling and education to members, families and caregivers, members of the health care team, health plan staff, and the community, including end-of-life issues and Advanced Directives.
  • Promotes self-awareness and knowledge of current case management standards in the community and recent innovations in patient care. Maintains current knowledge of laws, regulations, and policies relating to the practice of social work in the local market/local agencies and maintains high social work standards as defined by the NASW Code of Ethics.
  • Scheduling and coordinating family meetings as needed.
  • Completing guardianship paperwork and providing technology assistance so that patients/family can virtually attend court proceedings, as needed.
  • INPATIENT ONLY - Completion of Uniform Assessment Instruments (UAIS) form for long-term care (Virginia Medicaid requirement only).
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:
Experience

  • Minimum one (1) years of clinical social work experience in a health care setting required.
Education

  • Masters degree in social work (MSW) required.
License, Certification, Registration
  • This job requires credentials from multiple states. Credentials from the primary work state are required at hire. Additional Credentials from the secondary work state(s) are required post hire.
  • Licensed Independent Social Worker (District of Columbia) within 6 months of hire OR Licensed Graduate Social Worker (District of Columbia) within 6 months of hire
  • Licensed Master Social Worker (Maryland) within 6 months of hire
  • Licensed Master's Social Worker (Virginia) within 6 months of hire

Additional Requirements:
  • N/A
Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with computer software programs in a Windows environment preferred.
  • Knowledge of community systems and resources in the defined service area preferred.
  • Knowledge of regulatory issues for the Mid-Atlantic area preferred.