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Social Work Trainee Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Intersport

Trainee, Sponsorship & Experiential

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45K - $47K/yr

... social media marketing, and sponsorship consulting * Properties - owned-and-operated live sports ... In addition to their day-to-day work, the Trainee will gain exposure across the organization to get ...

Intersport

Trainee, Sponsorship & Experiential

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45K - $47K/yr

... social media marketing, and sponsorship consulting * Properties - owned-and-operated live sports ... In addition to their day-to-day work, the Trainee will gain exposure across the organization to get ...

Revolution Workshop

Case Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $53K/yr

Work with the trainee to navigate financial assistance needed * Other tasks assigned by supervisor Requirements: * Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology or a related field preferred * At least ...

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Social Work Trainee information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$21.1K

$45.5K

$74.7K

How much do social work trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for social work trainee in Chicago, IL is $45,492.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28,300.00 and $58,200.00 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Social Work jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Social Work Trainee jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Social Work Trainee job openings:

Social Work Trainee jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Work Trainee job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,492 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Psychiatric Social Worker

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Lincoln Park, IL • On-site

$70K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital Of Chicago rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 1,065 rated hospitals

Job description

Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago provides superior pediatric care in a setting that offers the latest benefits and innovations in medical technology, research and family-friendly design. As the largest pediatric provider in the region with a 140-year legacy of excellence, kids and their families are at the center of all we do. Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is ranked in all 10 specialties by the U.S. News & World Report.
Day (United States of America)
Location
Outpatient Services at 1440 N Dayton
Job Description
This position provides clinical care, including diagnostic, therapeutic and case management services to children and their families while working in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary team in our Partial Hospitalization Program
Essential Job Functions:
  • Independently performs comprehensive diagnostic evaluations of children identifying with psychiatric and behavioral health needs.
  • Provides individual, family and group therapy to children and families.
  • Carries a caseload of 2-5 patients as primary therapist.
  • Completes program intake evaluations 1-3 times per week.
  • Collaborates and provides clinical support as needed with team members within PHP, including working closely with Medical Director, Operations Manager and other program administration.
  • Collaborates and provides clinical support as needed with team members across the continuum, including intra- and inter-departmentally within the Lurie System and outside stakeholders.
  • Links patients and families to community agencies, services and protective services for patients and families at risk.
  • Completes all case management duties of assigned cases including discharge planning, completion of the diagnostic evaluation and referrals to appropriate support services as needed.
  • Provides clinical supervision and education to designated personnel (trainees, staff, and interns) as assigned
  • Participates in rounds, treatment meetings, patient care conferences, staffing, supervision, and multidisciplinary case conferences
  • Maintains clinical documentation in a thorough and timely manner.
  • Addresses the psychosocial/spiritual/developmental/cultural needs of the child and family throughout the continuum of care. Particularly collaborates closely with assigned team in addressing the social and emotional concerns of families served.
  • Performs job functions adhering to service principles with customer service focus of innovation, service excellence and teamwork to provide the highest quality care and service to our patients, families, co-workers, and others.
  • Provides clinical coverage to other Lurie's acute care services such as the Inpatient Unit and Intensive Outpatient Program on an as needed basis.
  • Other job functions as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:
  • Master's degree in social work from university approved by the council for social work education is required.
  • License Requirements: LCSW required. Consideration will be provided to qualitied LSW candidates who are within 3-6 months of obtaining LCSW Illinois licensure.
  • Minimum of two (2) years of work experience or internship completion in a health care, child welfare or mental health setting is required. Experience working with children and families.
  • Ability to think proactively, acts creatively, and takes initiative appropriately. Excellent communication, critical-thinking, and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to work as a part of multiple teams.
  • Special physical requirements - sits and stands throughout the day. Physical management of patients in crisis situation may be necessary.
  • Life Support Certification required.
  • Consideration will be provided to qualified LSW candidates who are within 3-6 months of obtaining Life Support Certification.

Education
Master's Degree: Social Work (Required)
(LCSW) - Licensed Clinical Social Worker - Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
Pay Range
$70,720.00-$115,627.20 Salary
At Lurie Children's, we are committed to competitive and fair compensation aligned with market rates and internal equity, reflecting individual contributions, experience, and expertise. The pay range for this job indicates minimum and maximum targets for the position. Ranges are regularly reviewed to stay aligned with market conditions. In addition to base salary, Lurie Children's offer a comprehensive rewards package that may include differentials for some hourly employees, leadership incentives for select roles, health and retirement benefits, and wellbeing programs. For more details on other compensation, consult your recruiter or click the following link to learn more about our benefits.
Benefit Statement
For full time and part time employees who work 20 or more hours per week we offer a generous benefits package that includes:
Medical, dental and vision insurance
Employer paid group term life and disability
Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Accounts
Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
403(b) with a 5% employer match
Various voluntary benefits:
  • Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability
  • Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
  • Tuition assistance
  • Student loan servicing and support
  • Adoption benefits
  • Backup Childcare and Eldercare
  • Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members
  • Discount on services at Lurie Children's facilities
  • Discount purchasing program

There's a Place for You with Us
At Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and its affiliates (collectively "Lurie Children's"), we embrace and celebrate diversity and equity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills, and viewpoints - recognizing that diverse identities strengthen our workplace and the care we can provide to the Chicago community and beyond. We treat everyone fairly, appreciate differences, and make meaningful connections that foster belonging and allyship. This is a place where you can be your best, so we can give our best to the patients and families who trust us with their care.
Lurie Children's and its affiliates are equal employment opportunity employers. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, protected veteran status, order of protection status, protected genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
For questions about how to request an accommodation please contact: employeehealth@luriechildrens.org
AI Notice
Lurie Children's utilizes certain AI-enabled features within our recruiting platform to support candidate engagement and assist recruiters in identifying and prioritizing applicants whose experience aligns with job requirements. All employment decisions are made by individuals.
It is a civil rights violation with respect to recruitment, hiring, promotion, or employment for an employer to use artificial intelligence that has the effect of subjecting employees to discrimination on the basis of protected classes under the Illinois Human Rights Act or to use zip codes as a proxy for protected classes.
For questions about the use of artificial intelligence in this process or any additional support, please contact: peoplequestions@luriechildrens.org

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