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Professional Sports Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Professional Sports Social Worker information

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$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do professional sports social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for professional sports 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 a professional sports social worker?

Professional Sports Social Workers are licensed social workers who specialize in supporting athletes, coaches, and sports organizations with mental health, personal, and social challenges. They provide counseling, crisis intervention, and advocacy to help athletes manage stress, injuries, career transitions, and other life events. These professionals may work directly for sports teams, athletic departments, or independently, collaborating with sports psychologists, coaches, and medical staff to ensure holistic well-being for athletes. Their goal is to promote mental wellness and help athletes perform at their best both on and off the field.

What does a professional sports social worker do?

Professional Sports Social Workers play a crucial role in helping athletes cope with the unique pressures of high-level competition, such as performance anxiety, injury recovery, and balancing personal and professional responsibilities. They provide counseling, develop wellness programs, and coordinate with coaches, medical staff, and families to ensure holistic support. By fostering open communication and promoting mental health awareness, they help athletes build resilience and maintain peak performance both on and off the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a professional sports social worker?

To thrive as a Professional Sports Social Worker, you need a solid background in social work (typically an MSW degree and state licensure), with expertise in mental health, crisis intervention, and counseling. Familiarity with case management software, assessment tools, and compliance with confidentiality regulations like HIPAA is essential. Exceptional interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and the ability to build trust with athletes and teams set top professionals apart. These skills ensure holistic support for athletes’ well-being and effective collaboration within the high-pressure environment of professional sports.

What is the difference between Professional Sports Social Worker vs Athletic Counselor?

AspectProfessional Sports Social WorkerAthletic Counselor
CredentialsSocial Work degree, licensure, certificationsPsychology or counseling degree, licensure, certifications
Work EnvironmentSports teams, clinics, community programsSports organizations, private practice, clinics
Industry UsageUsed across sports organizations for mental health supportFocused on athlete mental health and performance coaching

Professional Sports Social Workers and Athletic Counselors both support athletes' mental health, often sharing similar credentials and work environments. However, social workers typically have a broader focus on social and emotional issues, while athletic counselors concentrate more on performance and psychological coaching. Both roles are vital in sports settings, but their specific approaches and training differ slightly.

More about Professional Sports Social Worker jobs

What cities are hiring for Professional Sports Social Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Professional Sports Social Worker job openings:

What states have the most Professional Sports Social Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Professional Sports Social Worker jobs include:

Infographic showing various Professional Sports Social Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Socialite - Sports & Social Orlando

Sports & Social

Orlando, FL

Part-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Job Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Use personality and wit to engage guests and build a loyal following for Sports & Social. 
  • Maintain professional appearance standards as directed in the Live! Hospitality Employee Handbook.
  • Promote upcoming specials, activations, and events to encourage repeat guest visits.
  • Participate in off-site activations with local sports and community partners to generate an external buzz about the venue and increase guest traffic.
  • Partner with venue’s promotions manager to support data collection and sales building programs.
  • Initiate conversations with guests about sports, current events, or their day to contribute to the social atmosphere of the venue.
  • Organize and lead trivia nights, pub quizzes, and simple bar games to create friendly competition and energize the crowd.
  • Organize and lead fun photo opportunities with branded elements, and host social media contests, encouraging guest interaction.
  • Write and develop new, catchy cheers relevant to games/events and encourage guests to learn and participate.
  • Write funny or catchy phrases for branded signage to be used during events to boost energy and enthusiasm.
  • Demonstrate superior knowledge of the Sports & Social brand and the entire Live! Hospitality & Entertainment estate.
  • Possesse in-depth knowledge of Sports & Social’s food and beverage menu.
  • Serve all alcoholic beverages in accordance with all state regulations and alcohol awareness training standards.
  • Follow all company procedures when providing bottle service.
  • Accurately enter all drink orders into the POS system.
  • Follow supervisor’s instructions, work as part of a team and help provide support to all team members.
  • Attend and participate in any training sessions or departmental meetings.

Qualifications:

  • Engaging, outgoing, and hospitable. Able to communicate comfortably with a diverse range of guests.
  • Portrays a positive and professional attitude.
  • Understands and follows professional and collegiate sports.
  • Follows current events and social trends.
  • Has knowledge of liquor brands, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages, designated glassware, preparation methods and garnishments preferred. 
  • Must meet state legal age requirements.
  • Alcohol awareness certification and/or food service permit or valid health/food handler card as required by local or state government agency.
  • Able to perform basic math to handle guest payment.
  • Able to work nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Prior experience dancing or cheering in public preferred.
  • Prior experience in pop or country vocal performance an added bonus.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. Live! Hospitality & Entertainment reserves the right to make changes in the above job description and all other duties assigned. Nothing herein shall restrict Live! Hospitality & Entertainment management’s right to assign or reassign tasks, duties, or responsibilities to this job at any time.