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Lead Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Trinityhealth

$61K - $101K/yr

Reporting to the Director of Care Management, the Lead Social Worker oversees complex psychosocial cases, supports discharge planning initiatives, supervises social work staff, and drives ...

Trinity Health

$61K - $101K/yr

Reporting to the Director of Care Management, the Lead Social Worker oversees complex psychosocial cases, supports discharge planning initiatives, supervises social work staff, and drives ...

CarePoint Health

Lead Social Worker/LSW

Bayonne, NJ · On-site

The Lead Social Worker is responsible for assessing, counseling, intervening, implementing and educating the patient, family/significant others to facilitate movement throughout the continuum of care.

Commonpoint Queens

Social Worker

Day, FL

The Lead Social Worker is responsible for maintaining Sababa Beachaway's emotional, social, and spiritual health initiatives, ensuring strong support systems for campers and staff. As a member of the ...

PGIC

Social Worker

Baltimore, MD · On-site

Lead Social Worker Credentials: Licensed Certified Social Worker Program: Substance Abuse and Mental Health As a mental health and substance abuse social worker trained to help clients dealing with ...

PGIC

Social Worker

Baltimore, MD

Lead Social Worker Credentials: Licensed Certified Social Worker Program: Substance Abuse and Mental Health As a mental health and substance abuse social worker trained to help clients dealing with ...

UHS

LEAD SOCIAL WORKER (MA/LMSW)

Donalsonville, GA

Responsibilities Horizon Health, the nation's leading psychiatric contract management company, has an excellent career opportunity for a full-time Lead Social Worker in the Behavioral Health Program ...

UHS

Social Worker - Full Time

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$70K/yr

Performs social work interventions as directed by the treatment team, the treating psychiatrist and/or the Lead Social Worker. * Obtains and assesses social history information and reports this to ...

UHS

Social Worker - Full Time

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$70K/yr

Performs social work interventions as directed by the treatment team, the treating psychiatrist and/or the Lead Social Worker. * Obtains and assesses social history information and reports this to ...

UHS

Social Worker - Full Time

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$70K/yr

Performs social work interventions as directed by the treatment team, the treating psychiatrist and/or the Lead Social Worker. * Obtains and assesses social history information and reports this to ...

UHS

Social Worker - PRN Weekend

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$70K/yr

Performs social work interventions as directed by the treatment team, the treating psychiatrist and/or the Lead Social Worker. * Obtains and assesses social history information and reports this to ...

UHS

Social Worker - PRN Weekend

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$70K/yr

Performs social work interventions as directed by the treatment team, the treating psychiatrist and/or the Lead Social Worker. * Obtains and assesses social history information and reports this to ...

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All JobsLead Social Worker Jobs

Lead Social Worker information

See salary details

$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do lead social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead 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 the highest paid social worker position?

The highest paid social worker positions are typically in executive or specialized roles such as Clinical Director, Program Director, or Healthcare Social Work Manager, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles usually require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and may involve overseeing programs or teams in healthcare, mental health, or government agencies.

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 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 does a lead social worker do?

A lead social worker oversees case management, supervises social work staff, and coordinates services for clients. They assess client needs, develop care plans, ensure compliance with regulations, and often handle complex cases requiring advanced social work skills and certifications. They typically work in healthcare, child welfare, or community service settings and may be involved in training and policy development.

How to make $100,000 as a social worker?

To earn $100,000 as a lead social worker, professionals typically need extensive experience, advanced certifications, and may work in specialized fields such as healthcare, mental health, or child welfare. Increasing earning potential can also involve taking on supervisory roles, working in high-demand areas, or pursuing additional education like a master's degree or clinical licensure.

What are Lead Social Workers?

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 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.

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

Lead social workers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually, especially in high-cost areas or with administrative responsibilities. However, most social workers earn between $50,000 and $80,000 per year, and reaching a $200,000 salary typically requires senior roles, private practice, or consulting work.
More about Lead Social Worker jobs
What cities are hiring for Lead Social Worker jobs? Cities with the most Lead Social Worker job openings:
What states have the most Lead Social Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Lead Social Worker jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Lead Social Worker jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Social Worker jobs are:
Lead Social Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Social Worker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% 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.

Licensed Social Worker - Lead

Trinityhealth

On-site

$61K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Employment Type:Full timeShift:Day ShiftDescription:Loyola Medicine is seeking an experienced and compassionate Lead Social Worker to provide clinical leadership within the Care Management department. Reporting to the Director of Care Management, the Lead Social Worker oversees complex psychosocial cases, supports discharge planning initiatives, supervises social work staff, and drives departmental performance improvement efforts.
This role combines advanced clinical social work practice with leadership responsibilities, including staff development, orientation, mentoring, performance management, community partnership development, and oversight of social work services that promote positive patient outcomes.
Hours: Monday - Friday 8am - 4:30pm with rotating weekends every 4-6 weeksWhat You'll DoClinical Leadership & Complex Case Management
  • Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments for patients experiencing complex medical, emotional, social, financial, and family challenges.
  • Develop individualized plans of care and coordinate interventions that support optimal patient outcomes.
  • Provide expert consultation and intervention in cases involving:
    • Child abuse and neglect
    • Domestic violence
    • Elder abuse
    • Institutional abuse
    • Assault and trauma
    • End-of-life decision-making
  • Advocate for patient and family empowerment, autonomy, and access to healthcare services and community resources.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert and resource for care management and interdisciplinary teams.
Complex Discharge Planning
  • Lead discharge planning efforts for patients with complex medical, social, and family dynamics.
  • Coordinate transitions to post-acute care settings, including:
    • Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs)
    • Rehabilitation Facilities
    • Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals (LTACHs)
    • Assisted Living Facilities
    • Home Health Agencies
    • Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs)
  • Collaborate with physicians, case managers, patients, families, and community partners to ensure safe and timely discharges.
  • Identify and address barriers that could delay discharge or increase length of stay.
  • Evaluate quality and effectiveness of community-based vendors and referral partners.
Legal, Regulatory & Community Resource Expertise
  • Provide guidance regarding legal and regulatory issues impacting social work practice, including:
    • HIPAA
    • Advance Directives
    • Healthcare Proxy
    • EMTALA
    • Conditions of Participation
    • Workers' Compensation
    • Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
  • Maintain strong relationships with community agencies, state organizations, and social service providers.
  • Assist patients and families with navigating complex healthcare and social service systems.
Team Leadership & Staff Development
  • Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, train, and mentor social work staff and volunteers.
  • Develop and implement orientation plans for newly hired team members.
  • Create educational resources and training materials that support staff development.
  • Serve as a preceptor and mentor for social workers pursuing LCSW licensure.
  • Conduct annual performance evaluations and support employee development plans.
  • Participate in corrective action and performance management processes as needed.
Quality Improvement & Operations
  • Lead departmental performance improvement and process improvement initiatives.
  • Monitor outcomes, collect data, and evaluate program effectiveness.
  • Assist with budget planning and budget management activities.
  • Develop reports and presentations for leadership, boards, and community stakeholders.
  • Ensure compliance with organizational policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Promote patient safety, service excellence, and continuous quality improvement.
What You'll Need
  • Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW)
  • Doctorate Degree (PhD or related field) preferred
  • Licensed Social Worker (LSW) - State of Illinois
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) - State of Illinois preferred
  • 6-10 years of progressive social work experience in healthcare, care management, case management, or related settings
  • Experience managing complex psychosocial and discharge planning cases
  • 1-2 years of supervisory or leadership experience

Compensation:

Salary Range: $61,942 - $101,587 annually

Actual compensation will fall within the range but may vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, education, location, licensure, certification requirements, and comparisons to colleagues in similar roles.

Benefits:

Click or copy URL to your browser:

www.trinity-health.org/sites/default/files/my-benefits/Health-and-Wellbeing/Compliance/Illinois-Transparency-Law/Trinity-Health-Summary-of-Benefits-Illinois-Job-Req-Discloser-Law.pdf

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

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