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Independent Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Social Worker

Mcnary, AZ ยท On-site

$65K/yr

State license as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW), or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Social Worker

Poplar, MT ยท On-site

$65K/yr

State license as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW), or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Social Worker

Kayenta, AZ ยท On-site

$65K/yr

State license as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW), or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Social Worker

Gallup, NM ยท On-site

$65K/yr

State license as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW), or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Social Worker

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$65K/yr

State license as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW), or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Social Worker

Bullhead, SD ยท On-site

$65K/yr

State license as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW), or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

Showing results 41-60

Independent Social Worker information

See salary details

$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do independent social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent 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 is an independent social worker?

Independent Social Workers are qualified social work professionals who operate on a self-employed or freelance basis, rather than being employed directly by a single organization or government agency. They provide a range of services such as assessments, expert witness reports, counseling, and advocacy for individuals, families, or organizations. Independent Social Workers often work with local authorities, courts, and private clients, offering specialized expertise in areas like child protection, mental health, or family law. Their work requires a high level of experience, professional registration, and compliance with ethical standards. This role allows for greater autonomy and flexibility but also demands strong self-management and business skills.

What are some common challenges independent social workers face when managing their own caseloads?

Independent Social Workers often encounter challenges such as balancing multiple clients with varying needs, maintaining thorough and up-to-date documentation, and managing their own business administration tasks like billing and scheduling. Since they work autonomously, they must be proactive in seeking supervision, professional development, and support networks to avoid professional isolation. Additionally, building a steady client base and maintaining boundaries between work and personal life can be demanding but are essential for long-term success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent social worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Social Worker, you need a relevant social work degree, state licensure, and expertise in case management and assessment. Familiarity with case management software, documentation standards, and sometimes certification such as LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) is typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, self-motivation, and strong ethical judgment are crucial for building trust and effectively supporting clients. These skills and qualifications ensure that independent social workers provide effective, ethical, and client-centered care in diverse and often challenging environments.

What is the difference between Independent Social Worker vs Clinical Social Worker?

AspectIndependent Social WorkerClinical Social Worker
CredentialsSocial Work Degree, Licensure, sometimes private practice certificationSocial Work Degree, Licensure, often additional clinical licensure (e.g., LCSW)
Work EnvironmentPrivate practice, community settings, freelanceHospitals, clinics, mental health facilities
Employer & IndustrySelf-employed or contracted with agenciesHealthcare organizations, mental health agencies

Independent Social Workers typically operate in private practice or freelance settings, focusing on client advocacy and support, while Clinical Social Workers often work within healthcare or mental health institutions providing therapy and clinical assessments. Both roles require social work credentials, but Clinical Social Workers usually hold additional clinical licensure, enabling them to provide therapy and mental health treatment.

More about Independent Social Worker jobs

What cities are hiring for Independent Social Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Independent Social Worker job openings:

What states have the most Independent Social Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Independent Social Worker jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Independent Social Worker jobs?

For Independent Social Worker jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Independent Social Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 22% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Social Worker

Mcnary, AZ โ€ข On-site

$65K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide professional social work services to American Indian communities.

  • Conduct assessments, coordinate services, and respond to urgent psychosocial situations.

  • Consult with medical, nursing, and behavioral health providers regarding patient needs and service coordination.


Job description

Make a difference where it matters most! Join the Indian Health Service as a Social Worker providing professional social work services to American Indian communities. Advance your career, enjoy competitive benefits, and be part of a mission that transforms lives every day. Apply today!
A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).Qualifications:To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
BASIC REQUIREMENT(S):
Education: Must fulfill all of the requirements for the master's degree in social work in a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the School of Social Work is fully accredited. Degree verification can be made by going to https://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the 3 accreditation standards for a masters of social work.
Applications will be accepted if you are currently enrolled in a CSWE institution and expect to complete your master's degree in social work within 9 months of your application date. Your application must include:
  • A copy of your most recent unofficial transcripts; and
  • Documentation from the educational institution's registrar, dean, or other appropriate official validating your expected completion date.

Licensure:
For the GS-09
position, you must possess an active, unrestricted U.S. State license as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), a Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW), or a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW).
Applications will be accepted if you expect to complete your LCSW, LICSW, LISW, LMSW, or equivalent licensure requirements within 9 months of your application date. Your application must include documentation from an authorized official validating your expected licensure completion date.
For the GS-11 position, you must possess an active, unrestricted independent U.S. State license as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW), a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or a Certified Independent Social Worker (CISW) or equivalent. ***NOTE: At the GS-11 level, you MUST possess the LISW, LCSW, CISW or equivalent license. The LMSW license does not authorize independent clinical practice at the GS-11 level.
Applications will be accepted if you expect to complete your LCSW, LICSW, LISW, or equivalent licensure requirements within 9 months of your application date. Your application must include documentation from an authorized official validating your expected licensure completion date.
In addition to the Basic Requirements, you must also meet the Minimum Qualifications stated below.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
GS-11: One (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks: Conducting comprehensive biopsychosocial and mental health assessments; Coordinating services to support patient stability and continuity of care; Responding to urgent psychosocial situations by conducting timely risk and safety assessments, and; Consulting with medical, nursing, and behavioral health providers regarding patient needs, barriers and service coordination.
OR
Completion of 3 years of progressively higher-level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, or a Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in social work from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
You must meet all qualification requirements by the respective cutoff day of rating to be eligible for consideration.Education:This position has an education requirement. You are strongly encouraged to submit a copy of your transcripts or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed, and grades. Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package. Official transcripts will be required from all selectees prior to receiving an official offer.
Only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education may be credited. Applicants can verify accreditation at the following website: https://www.ed.gov/accreditation.
If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER