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Comprehensive Social Worker Job Description, Duties, Responsibilities, Requirements, and Qualifications

Comprehensive Social Worker Job Description, Duties, Responsibilities, Requirements, and Qualifications
September 27, 2025

Explore the critical requirements, core duties, primary responsibilities, and key skills that should be included in a comprehensive Social Worker job description.

What does a Social Worker do?

A social worker helps people with everyday problems in their lives. They work with clients who may have experienced neglect, abuse, domestic violence, mental health issues, or have a parent with a substance abuse problem. Some social workers can also diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues.

Job Description

We are looking for a caring social worker to help our clients in the communities we serve. You will work with people who are facing challenges such as neglect, child abuse, domestic violence, mental health issues, and parental substance abuse. You will communicate with clients by phone or in person. Your main responsibilities will be assessing clients, providing crisis intervention, and referring them to other agencies and services as needed.

Being able to stay calm and show empathy towards clients when they are upset is important in this role. You should also be able to understand how others may react and why they react that way.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

  • Helping clients through phone and in-person services.
  • Encouraging clients to participate in helpful activities.
  • Assessing clients and gathering important information about their situation.
  • Providing information and support to clients and their families.
  • Referring clients to other services and agencies.
  • Keeping accurate records and preparing reports.
  • Participating in training, supervision, and meetings.
  • Recognizing signs of child abuse.
  • Providing crisis intervention.

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field.
  • Experience working with clients who have faced neglect, child abuse, domestic violence, mental health issues, or parental substance abuse.
  • Ability to listen and pay attention to what clients are saying, ask questions, and not interrupt inappropriately.
  • Understanding of how others may react and why.
  • Ability to decide on the best course of action for clients' needs.
  • Comfortable using a computer for various tasks.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
  • Able to stay calm and empathize with upset clients.
  • Licensed clinical social worker.
  • Able to create a treatment plan.
  • Knowledge of crisis intervention.
  • Valid driver's license.

Social Worker Salary

The earning potential of a Social Worker can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic location, industry, professional experience, educational background, and the specific employer. On average, the annual salary for an Social Worker in the United States is approximately $72936.

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