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Professional Social Work Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are a professional social work company specializing in staffing bachelor and master level social workers from accredited schools of social work. Our offices are staffed with coordinators who know ...

We are a professional social work company specializing in staffing bachelor and master level social workers from accredited schools of social work. Our offices are staffed with coordinators who know ...

Social Workers

New York, NY · On-site

$25 - $38/hr

We are a professional social work company specializing in staffing bachelor and master level social workers from accredited schools of social work. Our offices are staffed with coordinators who know ...

The Social Work Manager also assists in recruitment and hiring processes and is responsible for ... Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family ...

Uphold confidentiality, professional ethics, and social work best practices Requirements/ Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: * Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at ...

Uphold confidentiality, professional ethics, and social work best practices Requirements/ Qualifications Minimum Qualifications: * Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at ...

Provides professional social work services that utilize clinical knowledge to address the needs of ... Knowledge of theory and practice of social work at the MSW level and have basic research skills

Provides professional social work services that utilize clinical knowledge to address the needs of ... Knowledge of theory and practice of social work at the MSW level and have basic research skills

Social Work Assistant

Seattle, WA · On-site +1

$52.45/hr

Partner with Social Workers (SW), Nurse Care Coordinators (NCCs), patients, their families and the ... Nearly 29,000 healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators work in the UW Medicine family ...

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Professional Social Work Research information

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$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do professional social work research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional social work research 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 professional social work research?

Professional social work research involves systematically studying social issues, programs, and policies to improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Social work researchers use various scientific methods to gather data, analyze outcomes, and develop evidence-based practices that inform and enhance social work interventions. Their research can cover topics such as mental health, child welfare, community development, and social policy. The ultimate goal is to support effective social work practice and advocate for positive social change.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional social work researcher?

To thrive as a Professional Social Work Researcher, you need expertise in social work theory, research methodologies, and data analysis, typically supported by an advanced degree in social work or a related field. Familiarity with statistical software (such as SPSS or R), qualitative analysis tools, and ethics certification are commonly required. Critical thinking, strong written and verbal communication, and collaboration skills help researchers engage stakeholders and disseminate findings effectively. These skills ensure rigorous, ethical research that informs policy and practice to improve social outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in social work research, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in social work research often encounter challenges such as accessing sensitive data, gaining trust from vulnerable populations, and ensuring ethical compliance throughout their studies. Navigating institutional review board (IRB) requirements and maintaining participant confidentiality can also be complex. To address these challenges, researchers should prioritize transparent communication, develop strong community partnerships, and stay updated on best practices in research ethics. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams can further enrich research approaches and help overcome obstacles.

What is the difference between Professional Social Work Research vs Social Worker?

AspectProfessional Social Work ResearchSocial Worker
CredentialsMaster's degree in social work or related field, research trainingBachelor's or Master's in social work, state licensure
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, universities, policy organizationsCommunity agencies, hospitals, schools, government offices
Employer & IndustryAcademic, government research, policy developmentSocial service agencies, healthcare, education
Primary FocusConducting research, data analysis, policy evaluationDirect client support, case management, advocacy

While Professional Social Work Research focuses on conducting studies and analyzing data to inform policies, Social Workers provide direct services to individuals and communities. Both roles require social work credentials but differ in their daily tasks and work settings.

What cities are hiring for Professional Social Work Research jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Social Work Research job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Work Research jobs?

The most popular types of Social Work Research jobs are:

What states have the most Professional Social Work Research jobs?

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

Master of Social Work [MSW] Program Director & Professor of Social Work

St. Mary's University

San Antonio, TX

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

St. Mary's University invites applications from experienced social work educators and academic leaders to serve as the inaugural Program Director for its new Master of Social Work (MSW) program. This is a full-time, 11-month tenure-line position at a rank appropriate to record and experience (Professor or Associate Professor). The preferred start date for the appointment is January 1, 2027.


The Program Director will provide vision and leadership to this pedagogically innovative, student-centered program distinguished by its flexible online delivery, small-cohort learning model, Catholic and Marianist foundation, and concentrations in clinical social work, military social work, and integrative health. Grounded in St. Mary's commitment to service, justice and the dignity of each person, the program prepares professional social workers to serve diverse communities in South Texas and beyond.


Beyond the duties listed below, the Program Director will play a crucial role guiding the program through Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation. The new MSW program will be housed in the Department of Sociology within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The department currently supports Sociology, Public Health and Anthropology. The MSW Program Director will report to the chairperson of the Department of Sociology.


The successful candidate will:

  • Provide program vision, direction, and supervision.
  • Develop and implement program curriculum, practices and policy.
  • Guide the CSWE accreditation and reaffirmation processes.
  • Collaborate with social work education communities and CSWE.
  • Involve the social work practice community in ongoing program development.
  • Provide and support excellent teaching, advising, and mentoring.
  • Evaluate, maintain, and improve the quality of MSW instruction.
  • Supervise faculty members to meet the University's requirements for teaching, advising, service, and scholarship.
  • Manage the program's annual budget, marketing efforts, and other operations.
  • Engage in teaching, scholarship and service activities commensurate with rank and responsibilities.

The candidate is expected to be an excellent social work teacher-scholar with the ability to bring engaging experiential learning into the classroom. Given program administration responsibilities, the candidate will teach typically two courses each semester and one course during the summer term. We highly encourage interdisciplinary collaborations within the departments and across disciplines to address local, national and global social work-related challenges, while providing an environment conducive to the growth and success of faculty and students.


MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Doctoral degree in social work or related discipline.
  • MSW from a CSWE accredited program.
  • A minimum of two years of post-MSW professional social work practice.
  • Experience in a leadership role in a social work education program.
  • Familiarity with CSWE accreditation processes, including program development, self-study preparation, and site visits.
  • Experience teaching and advising social work students.
  • A record and qualifications sufficient for appointment as Associate Professor at St. Mary's University.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Active LMSW awarded by the State of Texas or similar licensure in another state with the ability to apply for a Texas license at start date.
  • Demonstrated experience with online learning and
  • Expertise in MSW program development and assessment.
  • Practice experience in one of the three MSW specialization areas: military social work, clinical social work, or integrative health.
  • Demonstrated commitment to social justice and inclusive excellence consistent with the mission and values of St. Mary's University.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates are required to submit: 1) a cover letter addressing qualifications for and interest in the position, including teaching philosophy and research interests; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a leadership statement describing the candidate's vision for leading a dynamic and multicultural MSW program; 4) unofficial graduate transcripts confirming the doctoral degree (official transcripts required upon offer); and 5) the names and contact information for three academic and/or professional references. Candidates must also complete an employment application at the following link: http://stmarytx.applicantpro.com/jobs/.


The cover letter, CV, leadership statement, unofficial graduate transcripts, and references can be uploaded at the above link. Offer of employment for this position is contingent upon successful completion of a clear background check and receipt and verification of official graduate transcript(s). Incomplete applications cannot be considered.


General correspondence about this position should be sent to Dr. Janet Armitage, Chair of the Search Committee, at jarmitage1@stmarytx.edu.


ABOUT ST. MARY'S:

St. Mary's University, as a Catholic Marianist University, fosters the formation of people in faith and educates leaders for the common good through community, integrated liberal arts and professional education, and academic excellence: www.stmarytx.edu/about. Located in San Antonio, Texas, St. Mary's is the oldest Catholic university in the Southwest and continues to advocate the Marianist mission. St. Mary's enrolls approximately 3500 students in a diverse university with four schools, more than 75 academic programs including Ph.D. and J.D. programs, and numerous pre-professional programs. The successful candidate is expected to support and contribute to the University's Marianist educational mission.


St. Mary's University is a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Equal Opportunity Employer.