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Professional Social Work Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

University of Washington

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 ...

Salem State College

Social Work Professor

Salem, MA · On-site

Overview The School of Social Work at Salem State University invites applications for one tenure ... Experience collaborating in teaching, research, and/or practice * Experience teaching hybrid and/or ...

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

As of Aug 20, 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:

Professional Social Work Research jobs near you

Social Work Clinician - Medicine

Stanford Health Care

Redwood City, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

If you're ready to be part of our legacy of hope and innovation, we encourage you to take the first step and explore our current job openings. Your best is waiting to be discovered.
Day - 10 Hour (United States of America)
This role is open to both licensed (LCSW) and non-licensed applicants. If selected for the role, the position will reflect your License status.
This is a Stanford Health Care job.
A Brief Overview
Social Work Clinician is the entry, developmental, and first working level of professional social work for employees who are recent graduates as well as those who have professional social work experience, but are not yet licensed as Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) by the State of California. Employees initially work under close clinical supervision and are expected to develop casework and treatment skills as training and experience are gained. As increasing knowledge and competency are demonstrated, supervision is correspondingly reduced. The Social Work Job Family consists of three levels of professional non-supervisory social work in a health care institutional setting at LPCH and SHC: Social Work Clinician, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and Advanced Clinical Social Worker. This job family is limited to those positions that require a Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited school of social work. As a member of a multidisciplinary health care team, Medical Social Workers provide appropriate intervention services and/or discharge planning to patients and/or clients as well as their families receiving services within any department of the Stanford University Medical Center. Work typically involves a variety of bio-psycho-social issues, assessment of the social needs as related to the patient's/client's health status, and the development of a plan of services, including advocacy, discharge planning, referrals and practical assistance necessary to accomplish desired objectives. Provides consultation, orientation and training to health care staff on the effects of bio-psycho-social, cultural and economic issues on the management of patient/client health needs.
This job description covers all classifications for Social Workers within the organization. All Social Workers must meet all elements of the Essential Functions, and Qualifications.
There is a Voluntary professional development program designed to recognize and reward professional excellence in the role of Social Worker. Promotion is determined based on the Social Worker Professional Development Program. Here is a description of the various levels:
Level I: Social Worker
Level II: Advanced Social Worker
Level III: Expert Social Worker
Locations
Stanford Health Care
What you will do
  • Collaborates with interdisciplinary health care teams to treat and plan for the social and medical needs of patients by consulting with other providers and making referrals. Devises, develops and implements treatment plans as necessary. May make a diagnosis as part of a treatment plan.
  • Conducts initial assessment of all new patients to evaluate social, emotional and physical needs by applying social work theories and techniques; interviews and evaluates patients and family members. Identifies factors which may interfere with obtaining maximum benefits from treatment.
  • Develops and implements patient management plans, including the coordination of referrals to specialty and social services, the recording of progress notes and the provision of continuity of care. Helps clients cope with environmental and psychological issues of illness by explaining options and treatments as well as making appropriate referrals.
  • Manages assigned caseload. Prepares and maintains records and makes written and oral reports to document case activity concerning patient care, counseling and therapeutic activities in accordance with department, hospital, medical center and/or health system policies. Prepares reports and other documents concerning patients.
  • Participates in monitoring and evaluating the quality and appropriateness of patient care.
  • Provides supportive counseling, grief counseling, crisis intervention and other appropriate therapeutic services to assist patients and families in coping with presenting symptoms and problems such as, for example, coping with illness, accepting medical recommendations, and loss of function. Provides education to patients and families around issues related to adaptation to the patient's diagnosis, illness, treatment and/or life situation.

Education Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited college or university; OR be within forty-five (45) days of completion of the requirements for graduation with an MSW from an accredited college or university. Candidates who meet this qualification and furnish a letter from the Dean of the School Work where they are a student in good standing attesting to this may receive a conditional offer of employment. Such new hires must provide proof of possession of an MSW degree from an accredited college or university within forty-five (45) days of their date of hire, as a condition of continued employment.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to apply theories, principles and practices of medical social work and of social services delivery
    systems in a hospital or medical center setting
  • Ability to gather data needed to needed to assess needs of patients and families
  • Ability to manage a caseload, recall case details; maintain confidentiality of information; determine the
    appropriate course of action in emergencies and other stressful situations
  • Ability to provide written case narratives and reports
  • Knowledge of and ability to apply effective assessment, interviewing, and counseling techniques
  • Knowledge of and ability to apply social work theories, principles and techniques
  • Knowledge of hospital and medical center resources to access and provide for patient care needs, and act on
    behalf of client needs to obtain necessary services
  • Knowledge of needs, problems, attitudes, and behavior of hospital patients and their families

These principles apply to ALL employees:
SHC Commitment to Providing an Exceptional Patient & Family Experience
Stanford Health Care sets a high standard for delivering value and an exceptional experience for our patients and families. Candidates for employment and existing employees must adopt and execute C-I-CARE standards for all of patients, families and towards each other. C-I-CARE is the foundation of Stanford's patient-experience and represents a framework for patient-centered interactions. Simply put, we do what it takes to enable and empower patients and families to focus on health, healing and recovery.
You will do this by executing against our three experience pillars, from the patient and family's perspective:
  • Know Me: Anticipate my needs and status to deliver effective care
  • Show Me the Way: Guide and prompt my actions to arrive at better outcomes and better health
  • Coordinate for Me: Own the complexity of my care through coordination

Equal Opportunity Employer Stanford Health Care (SHC) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SHC does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity and/or expression, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements.
Base Pay Scale: Generally starting at $45.94 - $59.73 per hour
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. This pay scale is not a promise of a particular wage.

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