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Lead Social Worker Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Preventive Social Worker DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Preventive Services PAY GRADE: 81 [ salary range: 27 ... Ability to form, lead, and participate effectively on teams * Creative problem solving * Commitment ...

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Lead Social Worker information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$34K

$75.2K

$115.4K

How much do lead social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead social worker in Rochester, NY is $75,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,200.00 and $90,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a lead social worker?

Lead Social Workers are experienced professionals who supervise and guide other social workers within an organization. They oversee cases, provide mentorship and training, and ensure that social work practices meet ethical and legal standards. Lead Social Workers also coordinate with other departments, manage complex cases, and often contribute to program development and policy implementation. Their role is crucial in maintaining high-quality services and supporting both clients and staff in delivering effective social work interventions.

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

To thrive as a Lead Social Worker, you need advanced knowledge of social work practice, supervisory experience, and a relevant degree such as an MSW plus appropriate state licensure. Familiarity with case management software, electronic records systems, and compliance with regulatory standards like HIPAA is essential. Leadership, conflict resolution, and strong interpersonal skills distinguish successful Lead Social Workers in guiding teams and supporting clients. These abilities ensure effective service delivery, team cohesion, and the well-being of both clients and staff.

What are some common challenges lead social workers face when overseeing a team, and how can they effectively address them?

Lead Social Workers often encounter challenges such as managing diverse caseloads, supporting team members under stress, and ensuring consistent adherence to agency protocols. To address these, it's important to foster open communication, provide regular supervision and mentorship, and promote professional development opportunities. Balancing administrative duties with direct client care can also be demanding, so strong organizational and delegation skills are essential. Creating a supportive team culture helps improve both staff well-being and client outcomes.

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

AspectLead Social WorkerSocial Worker
CredentialsRequires a Bachelor's or Master's in Social Work (BSW or MSW), licensure, and experienceRequires a Bachelor's or Master's in Social Work (BSW or MSW), licensure, and experience
Work EnvironmentSupervises teams, manages cases, and coordinates services within agenciesProvides direct client services, assessments, and support in various settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in healthcare, child welfare, mental health agencies, often with leadership responsibilitiesUsed across social service agencies, schools, hospitals, primarily providing direct care

The main difference is that a Lead Social Worker typically holds a supervisory role, overseeing other social workers and managing case loads, while a Social Worker primarily provides direct client services. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Lead Social Worker has additional responsibilities in team management and program coordination.

What are popular job titles related to Lead Social Worker jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Lead Social Worker jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lead Social Worker jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Lead Social Worker jobs in Rochester, NY are:

Infographic showing various Lead Social Worker job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Summer. Highlights an 94% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $75,249 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Preventive Social Worker

Rochester, NY • On-site

Villa of Hope
Individual, Family and Community Social Assistance • 201 - 500 employees

$27 - $32/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

 


JOB TITLE: Preventive Social Worker                           

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Preventive Services

PAY GRADE: 81  [  salary range: 27.00hr-32.00hr commensurate with education and experience ]    

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt       

SUPERVISOR: Preventive Program Supervisor                                   

Under the general direction of the Preventive Program Supervisor, the Preventive Social Worker provides home-based clinical counseling and case management services to youth and families who have been identified at risk of foster care placement or replacement.  The Preventive Social Worker carries out all job responsibilities with fidelity and accountability to the Agency’s Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles and Strategic Plan.

COMPETENECIES and ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

 

  • Exercises full compliance with the Agency’s Code of conduct, all Agency policies and procedures and Federal and State laws and regulations
  • Exercises full compliance with the Justice Center’s Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs
  • Employs approved crisis intervention / prevention techniques utilizing accepted practices per Agency policy and procedures
  • Reads, understands and accesses the program policy and procedures manual
  • Documents Safety Assessments in Client progress notes
  • Participates in regular staff meetings, ongoing training and staff development provided by the Agency
  • Demonstrates the ability to work in an electronic record system
  • Documents all case contact into the case record within 24 hours of service provision.
  • Utilizes appropriate measures to assess effectiveness of clinical work with youth enrolled in the program (Casey Life Skills Assessment, CANS & NC Assessment) 
  • Demonstrates, promotes and practices cultural competency toward clients and staff through respect and understanding achieved through training and Agency cultural activities
  • Recognizes and embraces the diversity of teams, supports and develops the strengths of each individual youth and family
  • Assesses, develops and implements individualized goals and objectives identified by the family, foster/resource family, service provider and referral source
  • Documents all contacts with youth and family including goals, objectives, methods and maintains the clinical record and all other pertinent documentation in accordance with Agency standards
  • Conducts comprehensive strengths and needs assessment with each youth and family.
  • Completes all agency and funder required documentation related to opening and closing cases with in specified timelines
  • Utilizes flex funds for clients in a prudent manner, following required guidelines to obtain approval, and document use of such funds
  • Accurately documents mileage and completes reimbursement documentation
  • Assists management in the delivery of the Sanctuary Model aligning operational areas with values of the model 
  • Provides individual and/or family therapy within a home-based setting
  • Assists the youth and family in managing and planning for safety needs and creates an individualized support plan when indicated
  • Ability to arrange schedule to be available to youth and families in their homes/communities
  • Acts as an advocate as appropriate, and coordinates linkage and referral to community resources for youth and family needs, including social, recreational, food housing etc.
  • Maintains ongoing contact with the referral source, school partners and preventive liaisons, through face to face, phone and electronic communication, for the purposes of service coordination
  • Serves as a positive representative of the Agency and of Preventive Services with youth and their family, community resource personnel and Monroe County representatives.
  • Perform other similar duties requiring comparable skills utilizing the Sanctuary Model Guiding Principles and Seven Commitment
  • All other responsibilities requiring comparable skill as directed by supervisor

 

SKILLS:

  • Strong interpersonal skills with youth, families, staff, and stakeholders 
  • Exemplary written and verbal communication skills 
  • Exceptional organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands on time and resources
  • Ability to form, lead, and participate effectively on teams
  • Creative problem solving
  • Commitment to quality improvement
  • Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master’s degree in Social Work, Human Services or related clinical MS degree required.
  • Six months’ relevant professional experience (full time or equivalent)
  • Valid NYS driver’s license in good standing and has use of an automobile
  • Own or have consistent use of an automobile for conducting home visits
  • Available to work morning, afternoon and evening hours Mon-Fri in the clients’ homes/community 
  • Comfortable with community based work with high risk youth and their families in high risk neighborhoods

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The following lists physical demands an employee will perform on a regular basis: standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling and climbing stairs. 

  • Ability to drive
  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time
  • Ability to walk short distances
  • Ability to walk up and down stairs
  • Ability to leave a location quickly

Other: 

  • Ability to work evening hours as needed.