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Social Services Trainee Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Social Worker/Counselor

Springfield, OH ยท On-site

$52K - $60K/yr

Social Services Therapist Must be licensed in the State of Ohio, LSW/LPC/IMFT ***SW Trainee can be accepted*** FT, 40 Hours per Week Some holidays and weekends required Pay range is $52,000-$60,000 ...

Caseworker Trainee

Kingston, NY ยท On-site

$31.39/hr

Michael Iapoce, Commissioner of Social Services 1061 Development Court, Kingston, NY 12401 JOB VACANCY: Caseworker Trainee / Contingent Permanent/ Temporary / Full-Time / Benefited LOCATION: Business ...

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Social Services Trainee information

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$29.5K

$51K

$81.5K

How much do social services trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for social services trainee in the United States is $51,005.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $57,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by social services trainees during their initial assignments?

Social Services Trainees often encounter challenges such as managing complex caseloads, handling emotionally charged situations, and adapting to rapidly changing client needs. Balancing administrative duties with direct client interactions can also be demanding, especially when learning to navigate agency protocols and community resources. However, most agencies provide supervision, mentorship, and ongoing training to help trainees build confidence and develop essential skills as they progress in their roles.

What is a social services trainee?

Social Services Trainees are entry-level professionals who assist in providing support services to individuals and families in need. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced social workers or case managers to learn about case management, client assessments, and community resources. Their responsibilities may include conducting interviews, gathering client information, and helping clients access services such as housing, food assistance, and counseling. The trainee position is designed to provide foundational experience and training necessary for advancement in the social services field.

What is the difference between Social Services Trainee vs Social Worker?

AspectSocial Services TraineeSocial Worker
Required CredentialsOften pursuing or have completed relevant coursework, some certificationsTypically hold a bachelor's or master's degree in social work and licensure
Work EnvironmentInternship or entry-level settings, supervised rolesFull professional roles in agencies, hospitals, or community organizations
Employer & Industry UsageTraining programs, internships, entry-level positionsEstablished professionals in social services
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles, training opportunitiesCareer advancement, professional responsibilities

The main difference between a Social Services Trainee and a Social Worker is experience and qualification level. Trainees are often in training or early in their careers, focusing on gaining practical experience, while Social Workers are fully qualified professionals with the necessary degrees and licensure to handle complex cases independently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a social services trainee?

To thrive as a Social Services Trainee, you need a foundational understanding of social work principles, human behavior, and case management, often supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with case management software, documentation systems, and knowledge of local social service resources is valuable. Strong interpersonal communication, empathy, critical thinking, and cultural sensitivity help trainees build trust and effectively support diverse clients. These skills are vital for delivering effective services, maintaining accurate records, and fostering positive outcomes for individuals and families in need.

What cities are hiring for Social Services Trainee jobs?

Cities with the most Social Services Trainee job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Services jobs?

The most popular types of Social Services jobs are:

What states have the most Social Services Trainee jobs?

States with the most job openings for Social Services Trainee jobs include:

Infographic showing various Social Services Trainee job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,005 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Children and Family Services Specialist 1/Trainee 1/2 (NY HELPS)

StateJobsNY

Rensselaer, NY โ€ข On-site

$53K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Duties Description These positions exist in the Division's Bureau of Child Care Assistance and will focus on program integrity. The primary responsibilities of this bureau are to administer the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) through oversight and partnership with the local departments of social services and legally exempt caregiver enrollment agencies throughout the state. Tasks required to carry out these responsibilities include:
โ€ข Provide technical assistance and support regarding the CCAP to local departments of social services, enrollment agencies, fraud instigators and other partners;
โ€ข Support overall bureau work related to program integrity, the federal triennial Improper Payments Review and other audits and oversight measures;
โ€ข Track and review progress on complaints related to program integrity;
โ€ข Assist in regulatory and statutory interpretation;
โ€ข Contribute to the development and dissemination of policies, guidance, and regulations; monitoring activities, and training related activities.
Additional duties will be discussed in detail during the interview.
Minimum Qualifications Transfer: One year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in this title or in a title eligible for 70.1 transfer.
Open to the Public: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).*
To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications for this position.
The qualifications for the full SG 18 are:
Six years of experience providing services to children and their families either in the inspection, management, or administration of: foster care programs; day care programs; adoption programs; domestic violence programs; youth detention facilities; or other providers of care, support, and assistance to children, assuring compliance for certification or licensing purposes; or providing, supervising, monitoring, or administering services for children, adults, or their families, including but not limited to: providing social casework, case planning, case management, counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy on behalf of clients, or direct investigation of potential abuse and neglect in one or more of the following settings: human services; juvenile justice; criminal justice; local departments of social services; or local voluntary childcare service programs.
The qualifications for the Trainee 1 level are:
Four years of experience providing services to children and their families either in the inspection, management, or administration of: foster care programs; day care programs; adoption programs; domestic violence programs; youth detention facilities; or other providers of care, support, and assistance to children, assuring compliance for certification or licensing purposes; or providing, supervising, monitoring, or administering services for children, adults, or their families, including but not limited to: providing social casework, case planning, case management, counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy on behalf of clients, or direct investigation of potential abuse and neglect in one or more of the following settings: human services; juvenile justice; criminal justice; local departments of social services; or local voluntary childcare service programs.
The qualifications for the Trainee 2 level are:
Five years of experience providing services to children and their families either in the inspection, management, or administration of: foster care programs; day care programs; adoption programs; domestic violence programs; youth detention facilities; or other providers of care, support, and assistance to children, assuring compliance for certification or licensing purposes; or providing, supervising, monitoring, or administering services for children, adults, or their families, including but not limited to: providing social casework, case planning, case management, counseling, crisis intervention, advocacy on behalf of clients, or direct investigation of potential abuse and neglect in one or more of the following settings: human services; juvenile justice; criminal justice; local departments of social services; or local voluntary childcare service programs.
Substitutions:
An associate degree may substitute for two years of experience
A bachelor's degree may substitute for four years of experience
A master's degree may substitute for five years of experience
A doctorate may substitute for six years of experience.
This position may be designated 55 b/c and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility.
Additional Comments Core operating hours for office-based positions within the agency are 8-5. Exact shift within that timeframe will be discussed at the time of the interview.
*For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non- competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.
Candidates who took and passed the most recent holding of the Professional Careers Opportunities (PCO) Exam are encouraged to apply.
Background Investigation Requirements:
1) All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee's employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations. Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information, and may be required to pay any necessary fees.
2) All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees.
3) For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable.
The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer. OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff, and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply. In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFS's mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.
Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.
Name New York State Office of Children and Family Services
Telephone 518-473-7936
Fax 518-473-6122
Email Address eoajobpostings@ocfs.ny.gov
Address
Street Bureau of Personnel - MIH
52 Washington Street, 231 North
City Rensselaer
State NY
Zip Code 12144
Notes on Applying Qualified candidates should e-mail their resume and letter of interest to eoajobpostings@ocfs.ny.gov You MUST include the Vacancy number of the position in the subject line of your email and/or cover letter to ensure receipt of your application. In order to qualify you for the position when you have current or prior New York State employment, you may be contacted by OCFS Personnel for your social security number to confirm your employment history.