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Social Work Investigator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Social Work Assistant State Role Title: Direct Service Associate III Hiring Range: $ 42, 710.00 ... The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks;

Job Title Adjunct Instructor - Social Work Agency Texas A&M University - Texarkana Department CNHHS ... Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the ...

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Social Work Investigator information

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$32K

$75.3K

$131K

How much do social work investigator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for social work investigator in the United States is $75,325.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Social Work Investigator vs Social Worker?

AspectSocial Work InvestigatorSocial Worker
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's or Master's in Social Work (BSW or MSW), state licensureSame as Investigator, often with BSW or MSW, and licensure
Work EnvironmentInvestigative settings, child protective services, legal or court-related environmentsCommunity agencies, hospitals, schools, mental health clinics
Employer & IndustryChild welfare agencies, government departments, legal systemsHealthcare, education, social service organizations
Primary FocusInvestigating cases, assessing risk, ensuring safetyProviding counseling, support, resource coordination

While both roles require social work credentials and licensure, Social Work Investigators focus on investigations and safety assessments within child welfare or legal contexts. Social Workers have a broader role in providing direct support and services to clients across various settings.

How to become a social work investigator?

To become a social work investigator, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, along with relevant experience in social services or investigations. Many positions require state licensure or certification, and strong communication, interviewing, and report-writing skills are essential. Some roles may prefer or require a master's degree in social work or a related discipline.

What is a social work investigator?

A social work investigator is a professional who assesses and investigates cases involving child welfare, family disputes, or abuse reports. They gather information, interview involved parties, and collaborate with agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals, often working in government or social service settings. Strong communication skills and knowledge of social work practices are essential for this role.

What cities are hiring for Social Work Investigator jobs?

Cities with the most Social Work Investigator job openings:

What states have the most Social Work Investigator jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Social Work Investigator jobs?

For Social Work Investigator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Social Work Investigator 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 $75,325 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

SOCIAL WORK INVESTIGATOR

Monterey Park, CA โ€ข On-site

Children's Law Center of California
Law Firmsย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$23.98 - $41.21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 hours ago


Job description

Description

POSITION TITLE: SOCIAL WORK INVESTIGATOR

Reports to: Investigator Supervisor

Salary: $23.98/hr. - $41.21/hr. (based on experience and qualifications)


Job Snapshot

Investigators provide vitally important information to CLC Attorneys about our clients. Investigators visit clients in their home placements, at school, in hospital settings, and other locations to gather information from and about our clients. This includes information about the conditions of the home, health and safety concerns, developmental progress, medical and educational issues, services needs and family relationships.

CLC Investigators should have working knowledge of child abuse, child development, domestic violence, child sexual exploitation, substance abuse, and mental health issues. Investigators must have an ability to connect with children and gain their trust. They must be able to work with children of all ages, genders, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations and from all socioeconomic backgrounds.


This is a fully in person position serving clients throughout Los Angeles County and surrounding areas. The role requires regular travel to meet clients in a variety of settings.


Your Impact on the Mission - Excellence in Advocacy

Visit clients, caretakers and others to develop a trusting and professional relationship with clients.

Interview caretakers and children, to the extent possible, to observe and document the children's current living situation, developmental progress and emotional wellbeing.

During client contact, the Investigator is expected to note and services that have not been implemented, that may need to be implemented, or any other issues for attorney review.

Evaluate and recommend the need for further or different services that may be beneficial to the child and the family.

Identify services in the community and make referrals as needed.

Assist attorneys with client interviews.

Serve as duty day Investigator in the office.

Communicate regularly with the attorneys, both verbally and in writing, regarding status of caseloads and assignments and with all relevant information regarding the client.

With general direction from the attorney, attend Individual education Plan (IEP) meetings, TDM and similar team decision making meetings, DCFS and placement staffing, hospital screenings and Regional Center conferences.

Manager and maintain caseload; Schedule appointments for client visits and collateral meetings.

Frequently exercise discretion and independent judgement at meetings, conferences and hearings attended as the sole representative of CLC.

Continuous learning: staying informed and adapting evolving social dynamics to better engage and support clients from all backgrounds.

Requirements

The Assets You Possess/Essential Qualifications

Capable of working under limited day-to-day supervision of the Investigator Supervisor and attorneys.

Ability to prepare and submit timely written reports or observations and recommendations to the case-carrying attorney.

Have flexibility and a willingness to be a team player.

Demonstrate sensitivity & awareness of cultural differences to effectively communicate & advocate for clients from diverse backgrounds.

An ability to effectively and respectfully communicate with children, teens, their families and caregivers.

AA degree/60 college units or 2 years' direct experience working with children in a related field.

A valid California driver's license, reliable automobile, and auto insurance are required while working for Children's Law Center.

Perks + Benefits Employees of CLC Enjoy:

Health + Wellbeing

Employee Assistance Program

Company-Sponsored Benefits (Medical, Dental, Life Insurance) *

Up to 6% employer matched retirement plan*

Generous Parental Leave + Additional Leave Options*

Fitness/Wellness Program*

Health Care & Dependent Day Care FSA *

Transit + Parking Benefits *

Growth + Development

Durfee Professional Development funds are available for all employees, in good standing, who have been with CLC for at least two years.

Flexibility + Additional

Flexible working environment (depending on position requirements)

Paid vacation/sick/holiday time

CLC will pay the current year's mandatory bar dues for all attorneys actively employed on the date bar dues are owed and who have no known plans to end employment with CLC within 30 days of the due date. CLC will also pay bar dues for new admittees who are actively employed on their initial payment due date and have no known plans to end employment with CLC within 30 days of the due date.

* Must meet eligibility requirements upon open enrollment






About CLC

CLC is the largest children's legal services organization in the nation, advocating for tens of thousands of children and youth in Los Angeles, Sacramento, and Placer County foster care systems. We are a powerful voice for our clients, fighting in and out of the courtroom for family reunification, permanence, educational opportunity, health and mental health services, self-sufficiency, and overall well-being. We want all of California's children to have the support they need to succeed. We work to accomplish this goal through direct legal representation for children, multidisciplinary advocacy and support, and public policy.






Equal Employment Opportunity Commitment : All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, individual with disability, medical condition, marital status, ancestry, military status, veteran status, protected veteran status, genetics or any other legally protected group status or non-job related characteristic of an individual as directed by law.

Equal Employment Opportunity-Reasonable Accommodation Assistance: Children's Law Center of California is committed to maintaining an environment of equal opportunity. If you need a reasonable accommodation to access the information provided by this organization, please contact HRdepartment@clccal.org further assistance regarding job postings.