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Unlicensed Social Work Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$56 - $87/hr

... for unlicensed social workers, review of documentation, precepting MSW students, and providing education and training to the healthcare team regarding social work services, behavioral health ...

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Unlicensed Social Work information

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$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do unlicensed social work jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for unlicensed social work 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 an unlicensed social worker?

Unlicensed social workers are individuals who work in the social services field but have not yet obtained a professional social work license. They may hold a degree in social work or a related field and often work under the supervision of a licensed social worker. Their roles can include case management, client support, administrative tasks, and assisting with service coordination. While they provide valuable support, unlicensed social workers typically cannot perform clinical assessments, therapy, or other duties restricted to licensed professionals. These positions are often entry-level and may serve as a stepping stone toward licensure.

What are the tasks and responsibilities of an unlicensed social worker, and how do they differ from those of licensed social workers?

As an unlicensed social worker, you will typically assist with case management, client intake, resource referrals, and providing support under the supervision of a licensed social worker. While you may interact directly with clients and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, you are generally not permitted to provide clinical assessments, therapy, or independently manage cases. This role offers valuable hands-on experience and insight into the field, serving as a stepping stone toward licensure and more advanced opportunities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as an unlicensed social worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Unlicensed Social Worker, you typically need a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, along with a strong understanding of case management and client advocacy. Familiarity with documentation systems, community resource databases, and client management software is often required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and emotional resilience help you excel in building trust with clients and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are vital for effectively supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring clients receive appropriate resources and care.

What is the difference between Unlicensed Social Work vs Licensed Social Worker?

AspectUnlicensed Social WorkLicensed Social Worker
CredentialsNo formal licensure requiredMust hold a state license (e.g., LCSW, LISW)
Work EnvironmentCommunity agencies, schools, non-profitsSame as unlicensed, often with more responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level roles, internships, support positionsClinical, counseling, case management roles
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Unlicensed Social Workers typically work without licensure, focusing on support and case management, while Licensed Social Workers have completed licensing requirements and can provide clinical services. The main difference lies in credentials and scope of practice, impacting job responsibilities and career advancement.

More about Unlicensed Social Work jobs

What cities are hiring for Unlicensed Social Work jobs?

Cities with the most Unlicensed Social Work job openings:

What states have the most Unlicensed Social Work jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Unlicensed Social Work 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 $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

ED Clinical Social Worker, Emergency Department, FT Nights 12Hr Shift (Th, Fri, Sat 6p-6:30a)

PIH Health

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


PIH Health rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The ED Clinical Social Worker, MSW interviews and evaluates patients and family members to identify social, emotional and economic factors which may interfere with obtaining maximum benefits from medical care; develops and implements a social work treatment plan to be offered to patients and family; selects and utilizes community resources as part of the treatment plan; makes referrals to and coordinates with other professional disciplines or agencies; provides psycho-social therapy using a variety of treatment methods; participates in multidisciplinary health team conferences to formulate the overall patient care plans by interpreting to the team the psycho-social aspects of the patient’s illness. This position will provide discharge planning by collaboratively working with the RN Case Manager in determining level of care needs beyond acute care/emergency care providing decision support to patients and families and physicians, managing patient and family expectations, and ensuring a smooth transition to the next level of care and services.

The ED Clinical Social Worker, MSW will also be responsible for additional duties as assigned by the Director, including but not limited to clinical supervision for unlicensed social workers, review of documentation, precepting for MSW students, and education and training with staff regarding social work services.

PIH Health is a nonprofit, regional healthcare network that serves approximately 3.7 million residents in the Los Angeles County, Orange County and San Gabriel Valley region. The fully integrated network is comprised of PIH Health Downey Hospital, PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital, PIH Health Whittier Hospital, 35 outpatient medical office buildings, a multispecialty medical (physician) group, home healthcare services and hospice care, as well as heart, cancer, digestive health, orthopedics, women’s health, urgent care and emergency services. The organization is nationally recognized for excellence in patient care and patient experience, and the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) has identified PIH Health as one of the nation’s top hospital systems for best practices, cutting-edge advancements, quality of care and healthcare technology. For more information, visit PIHHealth.org or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.


Required Skills
  • Demonstrated skill in patient assessment, planning, intervention, and evaluation.
  • Strong communication skills, verbal, non-verbal, written, and oral.
  • Familiarity with regulatory agency requirements, policies, and protocols.
  • Must be able to demonstrate sound decision making and prioritization skills.
  • Utilizes the approved process to resolve biophysical, psychological, educational, and environmental needs of patient/significant others when administering or explaining treatment plans.

Required Experience

Required:

  • Master’s degree in social work
  • Evidence of continuing education
  • Knowledge with regulatory requirements related to reporting of child/elder abuse, substance use/abuse, child protective custody, adoptions, and other legal requirements.
  • Proficiency with main-frame and personal computers. 

Preferred:

  • Experience in Healthcare

What PIH Health employees say

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About PIH Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

* PIH Health is a nonprofit health and wellness network serving Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Our integrated system consists of 747 beds at two acute care hospitals and a multi-specialty medical group. * Strong community reputation * 2014, 2015 Favorite Workplace * Innovative, transparent, family-like culture

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Whittier, CA, US

Year founded

1959