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Social Work Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Provide training and supervision for students and registered counselor trainees when services are ... Education: A master's degree in social work, psychology, or counseling is required. Experience:

Provide training and supervision for students and registered counselor trainees when services are ... Education: A master's degree in social work, psychology, or counseling is required. Experience:

Director Social Services

Arlington, VA ยท On-site

$96K - $181K/yr

Provide training and supervision for students and registered counselor trainees when services are ... Education: A master's degree in social work, psychology, or counseling is required. Experience:

QMHP

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

REGISTERED QMHP( A/C/TRAINEE) COMMUNITY BASED POSITION VIRGINIA FAMILY SERVICES (VFS) is currently ... Bachelor's Degree OR Master's Degree in Psychology, Social Work or related approved Human Services ...

REGISTERED QMHP( A/C/TRAINEE) COMMUNITY BASED POSITION VIRGINIA FAMILY SERVICES (VFS) is ... Bachelor's Degree OR Master's Degree in Psychology, Social Work or related approved Human Services ...

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Showing results 1-20

Social Work Trainee information

See Virginia salary details

$20.3K

$43.8K

$71.9K

How much do social work trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for social work trainee in Virginia is $43,781.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27,300.00 and $56,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social work trainee?

Social Work Trainees are individuals who are undergoing practical training and supervision to become professional social workers. They typically work in various settings such as schools, hospitals, or community agencies, assisting clients with a range of social, emotional, and practical issues. Trainees apply theoretical knowledge from their academic studies while gaining hands-on experience, often under the guidance of licensed social workers. Their responsibilities may include conducting assessments, helping clients access resources, and developing intervention plans as part of their learning process.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a social work trainee?

To thrive as a Social Work Trainee, you need foundational knowledge of social work principles, a relevant degree or coursework, and a commitment to ethical practice. Familiarity with case management systems, documentation protocols, and basic counseling tools is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and emotional resilience help trainees build trust and effectively support clients facing diverse challenges. These competencies ensure that trainees can deliver empathetic, effective services while learning and adapting within supervised professional environments.

What support and supervision does a social work trainee receive?

As a Social Work Trainee, you can typically expect to receive structured supervision from experienced social workers, often through regular one-on-one meetings and team debriefings. Many organizations also offer mentorship programs, training workshops, and opportunities for shadowing experienced professionals. This supportive environment is designed to help trainees develop key skills, reflect on challenging cases, and gradually take on more responsibility as they gain confidence. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is common, ensuring you learn from a variety of perspectives while building your professional network.

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

AspectSocial Work TraineeSocial Worker
CredentialsOften pursuing or have completed relevant education, may lack full licensureLicensed or certified professional with full credentials
Work EnvironmentSupervised training settings, internships, entry-level rolesIndependent practice, case management, community services
Employer & IndustryEducational institutions, training programs, social service agenciesHospitals, government agencies, non-profits

In summary, a Social Work Trainee is typically in training or early in their career, gaining experience under supervision, whereas a Social Worker is a fully qualified professional providing independent services. The trainee role focuses on learning and skill development, while the social worker role involves direct client support and case management.

How to get into social work with no experience?

To become a social work trainee with no experience, consider volunteering or interning in social service settings to gain relevant skills and understanding. Pursuing a relevant qualification, such as a diploma or degree in social work or a related field, can also improve your chances. Additionally, developing strong communication and empathy skills is essential for entry-level roles in social work.

What can I do to get started to be a social work trainee?

To become a social work trainee, you typically need at least a high school diploma or equivalent, and pursuing a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field is often required. Gaining relevant experience through volunteering or internships and obtaining any necessary state licensure or certification can also help you get started in this role.

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

The most popular types of Social Work jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Social Work Trainee job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,781 per year, or $21 per hour.

Foster Parent Specialist/Recruiter

COMMONWEALTH CATHOLIC CHARITIES

Newport News, VA

$20.18 - $26.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

About CCC:ย ย 

Since 1923, Commonwealth Catholic Charitiesย (CCC)ย hasย providedย life-changing human services to vulnerable individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. CCC offers quality and compassionate human services to all people, especially the most vulnerable, regardless of faith.ย We are passionate about the work we do in our communities,ย providingย 31 critical services atย 7ย locations throughout Virginia.ย ย 

CCCย providesย equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex (includingย pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, or genetic informationย (including family medical history) in all aspects of employment includingย selection, job assignment,ย compensation, discipline,ย terminationย and benefits, except where there is a bona fide occupationalย qualificationย reasonably necessaryย toย the normal operation of the agency.ย 

Commonwealth Catholic Charities is a drug-free and smoke-free workplace. Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a drug screening and background check.

SUMMARY: This position is responsible for recruiting, assessing, and training qualified foster parents for the Foster Care Program. Traveling to the Richmond office as needed.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.ย 

ยท Assist in development and implementation of foster parent recruitment and retention plan.

ยท Identifies foster parent training needs and provides ongoing and support to families.

ยท Develops and coordinates foster parent orientation, pre-service training, and/or on-going training.

ยท May recruit families to provide care for specialized high needs youth.

ยท Conducts home studies and certifies foster families.

ยท Makes presentations and provides information to community groups as needed.

ยท Coordinates program participation in cultural festivals and other community events.

ยท Assists in the development of new program services and placement options as needed.

ยท Participates as member of Placement/Referral Committee to review and approve all placements in the region; may coordinate placements and take referrals.

ยท Participates in staff training and meetings.

ยท May provide foster care services for small caseload in accordance with State Licensing Standards and Program policy and procedures as back-up or in the absence of others.

ยท Represents the Agency in the community and workplace in a professional and ethical manner.

ยท Demonstrates sensitivity to the service populationโ€™s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

ยท Demonstrates strong interpersonal, decision-making, problem-solving, oral, and written skills.

ยท Utilizes a basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

ยท A doctorate or master's degree in social work from a college or university accredited by the Council on Social Work Education or a field related to social work such as sociology, psychology, special education, or counseling, with a student placement in casework services to children and families or one year of experience in providing casework services to children and families;

ยท A baccalaureate degree in social work or a field related to social work including, but not limited to, sociology, psychology, special education, or counseling and one year of experience in providing casework services to children and families; or

ยท A baccalaureate degree in any field plus two years experience in providing casework services to children and families.

Strongly prefer foster care experience

A case worker trainee would have the same duties and responsibilities above, but would meet the following education and experience conditions:

ยท The trainee shall have a baccalaureate degree in any field;

ยท The program director or a child-placing supervisor shall directly supervise the trainee and develop a written training program listing topics to be covered during the period of time the individual is a trainee; and

ยท Placement decisions made by the trainee shall be approved by the supervisor.

Full-time Employee Benefits:

Retirement savings โ€“ After one year of employment, the agency contributes 4% of your plan year earnings into a savings account for you and will match dollar-for-dollar up to 4% of salary if an employee makes contributions to the plan. Thatโ€™s an 8% annual contribution to your retirement savings!

PTO โ€“ earn 16 days off for vacation, sick, or personal time in your first year. This goes up to 22 days in your second year and keeps climbing every five years.

Holidays โ€“ Enjoy eleven paid holidays

Other paid leave at no cost to employees โ€“ bereavement, short-term disability, long-term disability, paid parental leave

Virginia Credit Union memberships

Employee Assistance program โ€“ Free services including five free confidential consultations with a mental health professional

Medical Insurance โ€“ a choice of 4 PPO plans for employee, employee + spouse, employee + child(ren), or family coverage. A portion of premiums subsidized by the agency.

Dental Insurance โ€“ a choice of two dental plans for employee, employee + spouse, employee + child(ren), or family coverage. A portion of premiums subsidized by the agency.

Vision Insurance

Life insurance โ€“ paid by agency with option to purchase additional coverage

Other insurance benefits โ€“ flexible spending accounts including dependent care, health savings account (for qualified HDHP participants), legal resources