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Graduate Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Required: 1-2 years graduate school or post graduate social work experience in an acute care ... NJ Licensed Social Worker Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities : Required: Excellent writing ...

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Graduate Social Worker information

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$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do graduate social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate social worker 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 types of support and mentorship are typically available to Graduate Social Workers during their first year on the job?

Graduate Social Workers often benefit from structured supervision, mentorship programs, and ongoing professional development during their initial year. Most organizations assign experienced social workers as supervisors or mentors who provide guidance on case management, ethical decision-making, and navigating complex situations. Regular team meetings and peer support groups also offer opportunities to discuss challenges and share best practices. These resources help new graduates build confidence, develop practical skills, and successfully transition from academic training to professional practice.

What is a Graduate Social Worker?

A Graduate Social Worker is an individual who has recently completed a recognized qualification in social work, such as a bachelor's or master's degree, and is beginning their professional career in the field. They typically work under supervision and may be in the process of obtaining full licensure or registration, depending on regional requirements. Graduate Social Workers support individuals, families, and communities by assessing needs, providing resources, and advocating for clients' well-being. Their work can occur in various settings, including hospitals, schools, community organizations, and government agencies. The role provides valuable experience and training as they work toward becoming fully qualified social workers.

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 relevant degree in social work, foundational knowledge of social services, and initial registration or licensure as required in your region. Familiarity with case management software, documentation systems, and understanding of local welfare policies are typically necessary. Strong interpersonal skills, active listening, and resilience help build trust and navigate challenging client situations. These skills and qualities are crucial for effectively supporting clients, managing caseloads, and ensuring ethical, high-quality interventions.

What job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A graduate social worker typically requires a degree and licensure, so earning $10,000 a month without a degree is uncommon in this field. High-paying roles without a degree often include sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship, where income depends on performance and business success. These jobs may require strong communication skills, self-motivation, and experience rather than formal education.

What is the difference between Graduate Social Worker vs Social Worker?

AspectGraduate Social WorkerSocial Worker
QualificationsTypically holds a bachelor's or master's degree in social work; may be in supervised trainingLicensed or certified social worker with full licensure
Work EnvironmentEntry-level settings such as internships, supervised roles, or training positionsFull professional roles in healthcare, community services, or government agencies
ResponsibilitiesAssisting clients under supervision, gaining experience, and developing skillsProviding direct client services, case management, and advocacy independently

The main difference is that a Graduate Social Worker is an entry-level position often in training or supervised roles, while a Social Worker is a fully licensed professional with greater responsibilities and independence in client care.

Can you make $200,000 as a social worker?

Graduate social workers typically earn lower salaries, with most earning between $40,000 and $60,000 annually. Achieving a $200,000 salary usually requires advanced roles such as clinical or administrative positions, extensive experience, specialized certifications, or working in high-paying sectors like healthcare or government agencies.

How to make 100,000 as a social worker?

Graduate social workers can reach a $100,000 salary by gaining advanced certifications, specializing in high-demand areas such as healthcare or mental health, and working in higher-paying settings like private practice or administrative roles. Increasing experience, pursuing leadership positions, and obtaining a master's degree can also contribute to higher earnings.

What can you do with a graduate degree in social work?

A graduate degree in social work qualifies individuals to work as licensed clinical social workers, case managers, school social workers, or community service managers. It provides skills in counseling, assessment, and advocacy, often requiring certification or licensure to practice independently.
More about Graduate Social Worker jobs
What cities are hiring for Graduate Social Worker jobs? Cities with the most Graduate Social Worker job openings:
What states have the most Graduate Social Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Graduate Social Worker jobs include:
Infographic showing various Graduate Social Worker job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.
New Graduate Social Worker- MSW

New Graduate Social Worker- MSW

Carilion Clinic

Roanoke, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Carilion Clinic rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 211 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

449th of 873 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Employment Status:Full timeShift:Weekends Only (United States of America)Facility:1906 Belleview Ave SE - RoanokeRequisition Number:R152002 New Graduate Social Worker- MSW (Open) How You'll Help Transform Healthcare:The clinical social worker provides psychosocial assessments, interviews, and/or treatments and discharge planning to patients and families to assist them in coping with hospitalization, illness, diagnosis, and/or life situation. The social worker works collaboratively with other members of the health care team, community resources, regulatory agencies and third-party payers in order to facilitate the transition of the patient through the organization while maintaining the highest quality of services possible.
  • Conduct psychosocial assessments to evaluate emotional, social, and environmental factors affecting patients and families.
  • Develop and coordinate comprehensive care transition plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, ensuring appropriate resource utilization.
  • Regularly reassess care plans and adjust as needed, with face-to-face coordination whenever possible.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of benefit plans, regulatory guidelines, and resources for cost-effective care.
  • Ensure timely, accurate, and confidential documentation, meeting professional standards and federally regulated timelines for assessments and discharge plans.
  • Stay current with social work and healthcare developments, attending department training and educational sessions as required.
  • Provide supervision, teaching, and training for staff and students as needed.
  • Actively participate in interdisciplinary meetings and maintain effective communication with all care team members to ensure timely and appropriate care transitions.
  • Advocate for patients and provide therapeutic interventions to support their adaptation to illness or life changes.
  • Support patients and families by addressing emotional and coping challenges, and providing education related to their condition.
  • Participate in performance improvement initiatives, adhering to productivity measures and utilizing data to monitor and enhance patient care.
  • Comply with departmental policies and procedures while identifying and escalating avoidable delays in care transitions.
What We Require:

Education: Master's degree from an accredited school of Social Work or 12 years of equivalent experience required.

Experience: Minimum of two years social work experience in health care setting preferred.

Other Minimum Qualifications: Effective interpersonal, communication, and team working skills required. Must successfully complete orientation and competency validation for position. Demonstrates advanced knowledge of social work theory and practice: proven expertise as a clinical social worker; crisis intervention skills; critical thinking and creative problem solving. Satisfactory completion of orientation; positive interpersonal skills; oral and written communication skills; analytical skills; cultural competence; integrity; team player; courteous; ability/willingness to work as an integral member of a multi skilled team.

Recruiter:

DANA JOHNSON

Recruiter Email:

dejohnson@carilionclinic.org

For more information, contact the HR Service Center at 1-800-599-2537.

Carilion Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer: We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or veterans status. Carilion is a Drug-Free Workplace. For more information or for individuals with disabilities needing special assistance with our online application process contact Carilion HR Service Center at 800-599-2537, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For more information on E-Verify: https://www.carilionclinic.org/eoe-e-verify-and-right-work-policies

Benefits, Pay and Well-beingat Carilion Clinic

Carilion understands the importance of prioritizing your well-being to help you develop and thrive. That's why we offer a well-rounded benefits package, and many perks and well-being resources to help you live a happy, healthy life - at work and when you're away.


When you make your tomorrow with us, we'll enhance your potential to realize the best in yourself.Below are benefits available to you when you join Carilion:

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, & Vision Benefits
  • Employer Funded Pension Plan, vested after five years (Voluntary 403B)
  • Paid Time Off (accrued from day one)
  • Onsite fitness studios and discounts to our Carilion Wellness centers
  • Access to our health and wellness app, Virgin Pulse
  • Discounts on childcare
  • Continued education and training

What Carilion Clinic employees say

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About Carilion Clinic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

This is Carilion Clinic ... An organization where innovation happens, collaboration is expected and ideas are valued. A not-for-profit, mission-driven health system built on progress and partnerships. A courageous team that is always learning, never discouraged and forever curious. Headquartered in Roanoke, Va., you will find a robust system of award winning hospitals, Level 1 and 3 trauma centers, Level 3 NICU, Institute of Orthopedics and Neurosciences, multi-specialty physician practices, and The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute. Carilion is where you can make your own path, make new discoveries and, most importantly, make a difference. Here, in a place where the air is clean, people are kind and life is good. Make your tomorrow with us.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Roanoke, VA, US

Year founded

1899