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Pediatric Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wolfson Children's Hospital is seeking an experienced and compassionate Licensed Clinical Social Work Manager to oversee our Pediatric Social Work team. This manager will lead a dedicated team ...

This Pediatric Social Worker will cover our General Pediatrics units overnight Monday through Friday. Ensures that high-quality, comprehensive social work services are provided which support health ...

Staff Work Schedule: Full-time, 100% FTE, day shift. Hours will be eight-hour shifts, Monday ... We are seeking a Social Worker - Pediatric Inpatient to: * Evaluate complex patient and family ...

Social Work * Duration: Ongoing * Employment Type: Staff Work Schedule: Full-time, 1.0 FTE, day ... It is also home to our Level One Pediatric Trauma Center and Level IV NICU, which cares for the ...

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Pediatric Social Work information

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How much do pediatric social work jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for pediatric social work in the United States is $38.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.61 and $46.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is pediatric social work?

Pediatric social work is a specialized field within social work that focuses on supporting children and their families who are dealing with medical, emotional, or social challenges. Pediatric social workers often work in hospitals, clinics, or community organizations, helping young patients cope with illness, trauma, or family issues. They provide counseling, connect families with resources, and collaborate with healthcare teams to ensure children's overall well-being. Their goal is to help children achieve the best possible outcomes by addressing both their emotional and practical needs.

What are some common challenges pediatric social workers face when supporting children and their families in healthcare settings?

Pediatric social workers often navigate emotionally charged situations, such as helping families cope with a child's serious illness or hospitalization. They regularly address complex family dynamics, coordinate with medical teams, and advocate for the child's best interests while balancing the needs of parents and guardians. Additionally, they may encounter barriers to resources or services, requiring creative problem-solving and strong communication skills. Building trust with children and families, especially during crises, is both a challenge and a key part of the role.

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

To excel as a Pediatric Social Worker, you need a degree in social work (often an MSW), state licensure, and specialized knowledge of child development and family systems. Familiarity with case management software, electronic health records (EHRs), and child welfare regulations is typically required. Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and emotional resilience help build trust with children and families while navigating difficult situations. These skills ensure effective support, advocacy, and intervention for young clients facing medical, emotional, or social challenges.

What is the difference between Pediatric Social Work vs Child Life Specialist?

AspectPediatric Social WorkChild Life Specialist
Required CredentialsMaster's in Social Work (MSW), state licensureBachelor's or Master's in Child Life, certification (CCLS)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, community agenciesHospitals, pediatric units, outpatient settings
Employer & IndustryHealthcare, social servicesHealthcare, pediatric care
Primary FocusProviding emotional support, counseling, resource linkagePreparing children for medical procedures, emotional support, education

While both Pediatric Social Workers and Child Life Specialists work in pediatric healthcare settings, Pediatric Social Workers focus on counseling, resource connection, and emotional support for children and families. Child Life Specialists primarily prepare children for medical procedures and help reduce anxiety through education and play. Both roles are vital for holistic pediatric care but differ in their specific training and daily responsibilities.

What does a pediatric social worker for children do?

A pediatric social worker for children provides support and advocacy for young patients and their families, helping them navigate healthcare, social services, and emotional challenges. They assess family needs, develop care plans, and collaborate with medical teams to ensure comprehensive support, often working in hospitals, clinics, or community settings.
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What cities are hiring for Pediatric Social Work jobs?

Cities with the most Pediatric Social Work job openings:

What states have the most Pediatric Social Work jobs?

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

What job categories do people searching Pediatric Social Work jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Pediatric Social Work jobs are:

Infographic showing various Pediatric Social Work job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,462 per year, or $38.7 per hour.

Pediatric Social Worker

Hospice of Michigan

Kalamazoo, MI โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
  1. A master's degree in social work (MSW) obtained from a school of social work accredited by the Council of Social Work Education.
  2. Possession of a current license to practice social work issued by the State of Michigan. A Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) is highly preferred but will consider a Limited Licensed Masters Social Worker (LLMSW).
  3. Pediatric social workers must have at least one (1) to two (2) years paid social worker experience working with children and caregivers. In addition, knowledge of child development, basic knowledge of pediatric diseases and grief related issues associated with parents/families and children with chronic/life-limiting illnesses is required.
  4. Must be able to cope with family/caregiver emotional stress, cultural diversity and be non-judgmental of individual lifestyles.
  5. Experience with issues concerning the terminally ill and death/dying.
  6. Ability to use technology (hardware and software) required by clinicians to use in their practice.
  7. Must possess excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgment, effective organizational, prioritization and follow-through skills, attention to detail, tact, dependability, emotional intelligence and the ability to promote positive, constructive relationships with communication and collaboration at all levels with the ability to maintain confidentiality.

  1. Maintains a valid Michigan driver's license and has the availability of a reliable, licensed and insured vehicle for use on the job. The vehicle must be insured in accordance with the State of Michigan.
  2. Remains up to date on all routine immunizations required by LARA and agency policy.
  3. Must be eligible to work in the United States.
SUMMARY OF JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
The Pediatric Social Worker, in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team (IDT), provides and facilitates acquisition of economic, social, and emotional support services to hospice patients and their families/caregivers.
The Centrica Care Pediatric Social Worker covers all social work services for patients in the Centrica Care Navigators 10 county service area, as well as supporting Legacy Care efforts statewide. Service area may be flexible depending on statewide pediatric hospice needs, including possible travel.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
  1. Assist patient and family/caregiver with placement arrangements, funeral arrangements, legal planning and community resources.
  2. Assesses, develops, implements, and revises the patient/family/caregiver plan of care for social, emotional, environmental, functional, and financial factors in order to cope with the terminal illness and death.
  3. Develops, implements and revises the plan of care based on a thorough psychosocial assessment and consultation with team members, patient, and caregivers.
  4. Identifies patient/family/caregiver needs when discharged or when level of care changes; evaluates patient/family/caregiver response to intervention(s) when discharged or when level of care changes.
  5. Evaluates and assesses family response to grief and loss issues and the risk factors associated, provides telephonic and virtual anticipatory grief support that is developmentally appropriate, helping to prepare the family/caregiver for future without the patient. Assesses special needs related to cultural diversity including communication, space, role of family members and special traditions.
  6. Documents and submits patient care documentation following established organizational standards of documentation practice and regulatory and licensure requirements.
  7. Works with patients/families enrolled in hospice services, providing support and education regarding end-of-life issues as they relate to children and families.
  8. Works collaboratively with other IDT members, communicates complete and accurate information to all team members, assists other team members in understanding the significant social and emotional factors related to care of terminally ill patients and their caregivers.
  9. Acts as a resource for staff members and orients new staff as needed.
  10. Evaluates and monitors patient's insurance coverage and options in assessing patient/caregiver ability to meet financial obligations.
  11. In collaboration with the Statewide Pediatric Legacy Care Specialist, coordinates Legacy Building activities, both in person and virtually, for all Centrica Pediatrics families including coordinating with Pediatric Art Programs for direction of projects.
  12. In collaboration with the Statewide Pediatric Legacy Care Specialist, facilitates a minimum of two (2) virtual community educational offerings each year, during National Children's Hospice Week and National Hospice and Palliative Care Month, focused on supporting children who have experienced sibling loss and parents who have experienced child loss.
  13. Offers appropriate internal and community resources and assists patients, caregivers and staff in acquiring and utilizing resources, as indicated.
  14. Participates in internal and external education and training and other activities to develop personal and professional goals and growth.
  15. Adjusts to changes in workload, schedules based on changing departmental/organizational priorities.
  16. Adheres to organizational Code of Conduct, policies and procedures, protocols and processes and all regulatory and legal requirements and practices within the NASW Code of Ethics.
  17. Models the C.A.R.E. Model of Service: courtesy, acknowledgement, response and empathy.

Duties
  1. Actively participates in organization-wide performance improvement activities.
  2. Adheres to Centrica Care Navigators' standards of personal and professional conduct.
  3. Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to the Hospice philosophy of care, agency mission, and vision.
  4. Ensures that all necessary information is shared with appropriate personnel.
  5. Adheres to Centrica Care Navigators' Workplace Safety Program.
  6. Understands and complies with Hospice Medicare and Medicaid conditions of participation.
  7. Complies with applicable local, federal and state regulations, Quality Partners standards, compliance guidelines, privacy protections and protected health information.

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents in this job. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those stated in this description.
Working Relationships:
Internal: Extensive contact with all members of the interdisciplinary team and clerical staff; frequent
contact with other staff.
External: Extensive contact with patients and family members; frequent contact with contracted
agencies, facilities, physicians, insurance carriers and community programs as needed.
TYPES OF EQUIPMENT USED
Microcomputer and general office equipment
SPECIALIZED SKILLS
  1. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  2. Good organizational skills.
  3. Ability to accept different lifestyles, cultures, beliefs, and values.
  4. Strong medical social work skills with emphasis on knowledge of death and dying.
  5. Familiar with various reimbursements and the implications for case management.
  6. Good internal and external organizational sensitivity.
WORKING CONDITIONS
  1. General office, multi-office sites, and floors.
  2. Community home environment, including adult foster care homes, assisted living, Nursing homes, or other residence of the patient.
  3. Exposure to infectious diseases.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
The physical and sensory demands of the position include vision, effective speech and hearing for extensive telephone contact; repetitive motion; traveling; driving or riding in motor vehicle; standing, sitting, walking bending, reaching, stretching, lifting up to forty-five (45) pounds unassisted and the ability to assist in lifting patients using appropriate lifting techniques and/or devices.
A typical eight (8) hour workday includes intermittent sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching, twisting, and repetitive hand motions associated with writing and computer keyboard typing
CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Centrica personnel are expected to participate in appropriate continuing education as may be requested and/or required by their immediate supervisor. In addition, Centrica personnel are expected to accept personal responsibility for other educational activities to enhance job-related skills and abilities. All personnel must attend mandatory educational programs.