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Library Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... social media and marketing initiatives as assigned. * Collect library usage data and assist with assessment projects. * Complete special projects as assigned, including summer project-based work when ...

Overview The School of Social Work at Salem State University invites applications for one tenure ... Salem State University seeks faculty and librarians whose teaching, scholarship, and service will ...

Have experience in a variety of software (social media management platforms, graphic design tools ... Student employee will learn how to work effectively in both a team and independently * Student ...

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Library Social Work information

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$8

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$29

How much do library social work jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for library social work in the United States is $15.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $11.78 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is library social work?

Library social work is a specialized field in which trained social workers collaborate with libraries to support patrons facing social challenges such as homelessness, mental health issues, and access to social services. These professionals help connect library visitors with community resources, provide crisis intervention, and foster a supportive environment within the library. By integrating social work into library settings, they help ensure that libraries remain inclusive and accessible spaces for all members of the community.

How do library social workers typically collaborate with librarians and other staff to support patrons?

Library social workers often work closely with librarians and staff to identify and address the needs of patrons who may require social services, such as housing support, mental health resources, or crisis intervention. They may conduct joint training sessions, establish referral processes, and participate in case discussions to ensure a coordinated approach. This collaboration helps create a supportive environment where patrons can access both information and essential social services in one location. Teamwork and effective communication are key to ensuring the best outcomes for the community.

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

To thrive as a Library Social Worker, you need a solid background in social work—usually a Master of Social Work (MSW) and state licensure—combined with an understanding of library services. Familiarity with case management software, community resource databases, and library information systems is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and crisis intervention abilities help you support diverse patrons and collaborate with library staff. These skills are essential for connecting vulnerable populations with resources and fostering an inclusive, supportive library environment.

What is the difference between Library Social Work vs School Social Work?

AspectLibrary Social WorkSchool Social Work
Required CredentialsMaster's in Social Work (MSW), state licensureMSW, school social work certification/license
Work EnvironmentPublic or academic libraries, community centersPublic or private schools, educational settings
Employer & IndustryLibraries, community organizationsSchool districts, educational institutions
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for social work roles in community settingsFocuses on educational support and student welfare

Library Social Work and School Social Work both require an MSW and licensure, but they differ in work environment and employer focus. Library Social Workers serve community and library patrons, while School Social Workers focus on supporting students within educational settings. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find roles aligned with their skills and interests.

How much do library social workers make?

Library social workers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $65,000, depending on experience, education, and location. They often hold a master's degree in social work and work in public or academic library settings, providing support and resources to patrons. Salaries can vary based on the size of the library and regional demand for social work services.
More about Library Social Work jobs

What cities are hiring for Library Social Work jobs?

Cities with the most Library Social Work job openings:

What states have the most Library Social Work jobs?

States with the most job openings for Library Social Work jobs include:

Infographic showing various Library Social Work job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,732 per year, or $15.7 per hour.

Social Services Program Supervisor

Sacramento Public Library

Sacramento, CA

$100K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Description Plans, organizes, and supervises the Library Social Services Program. Ensures the library provides community members referrals to local, state, or Federal social service resources. This position mentors college interns providing direct referral services to community members and provides standards, training, and guidance for staff in providing these services.

Reports to a Public Service Manager. Examples of Duties (Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.) LEADERSHIP Works collaboratively with the Library Director and members of the management and executive teams to Develop, implement, and manage a systemwide social services program aligned with the library's strategic priorities and Board adopted policies

Assist the Chief Equity and Strategy Officer in establishing, articulating, and modeling the values and vision of the library, its services, staff, programs and initiatives. Acts with the highest ethical and moral leadership, integrity, honesty and professionalism in all interactions. Model behaviors that foster trust, mutual respect and a commitment to serving the community.

Fosters an organizational culture that embodies and values equity, diversity, and inclusion and reflects the community. Demonstrates enthusiasm, commitment to high standards and a willingness to perform all tasks necessary for successful operations. Possesses a strong vision and desire for the future of connecting social services to community members and can successfully plan, resource, and execute that vision to a sustainable course of action.

Inspires others to be resilient, strategic, and able to develop solutions to challenges. Leads through collaboration, team building, and consultation; mentors, coaches and models these behaviors for others. Builds and maintains effective professional relationships with the Library Authority Board, local, state and federal government agencies, legislative bodies, staff, professional and institutional organizations, and most especially the community.

OPERATIONS Social Work Internship Program (Field Instructor) Design, coordinate, and oversee the library's social work internship program. Serve as a field instructor for social work interns in accordance with academic program requirements and professional standards. Interview, hire, and provide orientation, training, structured learning plans, and ongoing supervision to interns.

Establish, develop, and maintain formal partnerships with colleges, universities, and accredited social work and related educational programs to support student placements. Serve as the primary liaison between the library and academic institutions, ensuring alignment between internship experiences and curriculum requirements. Coordinate placement agreements, memoranda of understanding (MOUs), and affiliation agreements as required by partner institutions.

Collaborate with faculty, field education coordinators, and program directors to design internship experiences that meet educational competencies and learning objectives. Evaluate intern performance, complete required academic documentation, and ensure compliance with institutional, professional, and Library standards. Participate in recruitment, selection, and on boarding of interns in partnership with educational institutions.

Community Resource Coordination Develop and maintain partnerships with local service providers, including housing, behavioral health, workforce development, and social service agencies. Maintain up-to-date knowledge of community resources and referral pathways. Facilitate connections between patrons and external service providers.

Staff Support and Training Provide guidance and consultation to Public Services staff regarding patron needs and appropriate referral strategies. Develop and deliver training on topics such as trauma-informed service, de-escalation, and community resource navigation. Support staff in responding to complex patron situations in a manner consistent with Library policies.

Collaboration with Public Services Work closely with Public Services leadership to align social service support with branch operations and programming. Assist in identifying service gaps and opportunities to improve access for underserved populations. Coordinate service delivery approaches that complement, but do not replace, core library services.

Risk Management and Policy Compliance Ensure that all program activities operate within defined non-clinical scope of practice. Develop protocols for appropriate referrals and boundaries of service. Coordinate with Human Resources and executive leadership on policy, liability, and risk considerations.

Qualifications Education and Experience: Minimum Qualifications Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program. Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in social services, community-based programs, or public sector service delivery. At least two (2) years of experience supervising staff, interns, or volunteers.

Experience working with diverse and underserved populations Preferred Qualification: Experience serving as a field instructor or supervising social work interns. Experience in a public library, government agency, or nonprofit organization. Experience developing partnerships with community-based organizations.

Licenses, Certifications, Bonding and/or Testing Required: Possession of a valid Class C California Drivers' License and proof of satisfactory Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) clearance will be required. OTHER REQUIREMENTS Personal transportation for job-related travel. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of social service systems, community resources, and public sector service delivery.

Knowledge of field education standards in social work (e.g., MSW internship requirements). Ability to design and manage programs in a public service environment. Ability to provide supervision, coaching, and evaluation of interns

Ability to build and maintain partnerships with community organizations and educational institutions. Ability to train and support staff in handling complex patron interactions. Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with diverse populations. Ability to plan, organize, assign, direct, review and evaluate the work of assigned staff. Ability to select and motivate staff and provide for their training and professional development.

Ability to evaluate financial and other data and programs and provide recommendations for improvements. Ability to represent the library effectively in contacts with governmental and regulatory agencies, outside consultants and counsel, and business and professional groups. Working Conditions Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

This position will primarily be an indoor office environment. Physical/Mental Abilities: Mobility - Ability to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time while operating a keyboard; occasional movement about the inside of the office to access file cabinets, books, office machinery, etc. Move - Occasional movement of items weighing 10 pounds or more.

Perception - Ability to observe details at close range; frequent need for use of color perception, reading and/or close-up work. Communication - Constant communication in person and on the telephone; occasionally speaking in front of large groups of people. Special Requirements - Requires occasional weekend or evening work, including on-call during weekend and nights for emergencies.

Emotional/Psychological - Constant concentration, decision-making and public contact; ability to exercise sound judgment, especially under stressful situations; and working alone; and Environmental Conditions - Occasional exposure to noise. Hazards: Remaining stationary and viewing a computer monitor for extended periods of time. Supplemental Information How to Appy SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION Apply online by clicking the 'Apply' link at the top of this announcement.

Attach the required documents. If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please email the recruitment team at Recruitment@saclibrary.org.