Occupation · SOC 21-1029
Social Workers, All Other
All social workers not listed separately.
Median wage
$69,480
$44,530–$112,740
Projected growth
+3.8%
Average growth
Annual openings
310
per year
Employed (US)
64,940
Job Zone —
Core skills
Active ListeningSpeakingSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingService OrientationWritingJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge areas
PsychologyTherapy and CounselingCustomer and Personal ServiceEnglish LanguageEducation and Training
Technology & tools
Spreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation softwareWord processing software
Representative tasks
Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment.Encourage clients to express their feelings and discuss what is happening in their lives, helping them to develop insight into themselves or their relationships.Complete and maintain accurate records or reports regarding the patients' histories and progress, services provided, or other required information.Counsel clients or patients, individually or in group sessions, to assist in overcoming dependencies, adjusting to life, or making changes.Assess patients for risk of suicide attempts.Fill out and maintain client-related paperwork, including federal- and state-mandated forms, client diagnostic records, and progress notes.Perform crisis interventions to help ensure the safety of the patients and others.Encourage individuals and family members to develop and use skills and strategies for confronting their problems in a constructive manner.Guide clients in the development of skills or strategies for dealing with their problems.Perform crisis interventions with clients.Advocate for clients or patients to resolve crises.Ask questions that will help clients identify their feelings and behaviors.Prepare and maintain all required treatment records and reports.Develop and implement individualized treatment plans addressing family relationship problems, destructive patterns of behavior, and other personal issues.Develop and implement treatment plans based on clinical experience and knowledge.Maintain accurate and complete student records as required by laws, district policies, and administrative regulations.Assess individuals' degree of drug dependency by collecting and analyzing urine samples.Maintain case files that include activities, progress notes, evaluations, and recommendations.Conduct chemical dependency program orientation sessions.Educate clients about end-of-life symptoms and options to assist them in making informed decisions.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Client intake records — complete under direct supervision using office suite software in a community social service setting.Case progress notes — transcribe and file following established templates with guidance from a senior social worker.Active listening techniques — apply during initial client interviews under close supervision in a counseling office.Basic dependency screening questions — administer to clients using standardized protocols with supervisor oversight.Urine sample collection procedures — follow established chain-of-custody protocols under direct supervision in a clinical setting.Client background information — gather and organize into electronic records using word processing software as directed.Group session participation — assist a lead social worker by observing and documenting client interactions in group counseling sessions.Discharge summary forms — locate and prepare using agency templates under the direction of a licensed practitioner.Professional communication — compose routine emails to clients and referral agencies using approved language and office email software.Social service terminology — recognize and apply correctly in written reports under review by a supervising social worker.
developing
Client case records — maintain accurate and up-to-date histories and progress notes independently using electronic records systems in a social service agency.Individual counseling sessions — facilitate with reduced oversight to help clients address behavioral challenges and adjust to life circumstances.Drug dependency assessments — collect and analyze urine samples and document findings using agency protocols with minimal supervision.Discharged client follow-up contacts — conduct by phone or in person to monitor treatment effectiveness and flag concerns to clinical staff.Group counseling activities — co-facilitate in a community mental health or substance abuse setting, adapting discussion topics to participant needs.Client progress reports — write clearly and accurately using word processing software, meeting agency formatting and compliance standards.Critical thinking in case review — identify patterns in client behavior and recommend service adjustments within established program guidelines.Referral coordination — communicate with partner agencies via email and phone to connect clients with appropriate community resources.Spreadsheet records — use to track caseload metrics such as appointment adherence and treatment milestones in routine program reporting.Empathic engagement — demonstrate consistently during client interactions to build trust and encourage participation in treatment plans.
proficient
Comprehensive case documentation — produce thorough and legally compliant records covering client histories, interventions, and outcomes using integrated electronic systems.Complex individual and group counseling — lead autonomously across a full caseload, applying evidence-based techniques to address dependencies, trauma, and life adjustment challenges.Multifaceted dependency evaluations — design and carry out drug dependency assessments including urine analysis, behavioral interviews, and collateral data review without supervisory guidance.Post-discharge outcome tracking — develop and implement structured follow-up protocols to systematically evaluate treatment effectiveness and inform program improvements.Non-routine client crises — assess and respond to in real time, exercising independent clinical judgment to determine appropriate interventions in a community or residential setting.Interdisciplinary service plans — coordinate with medical, legal, and educational professionals to build holistic, client-centered support strategies.Program data analysis — compile and interpret caseload data using spreadsheet and presentation software to identify service gaps and report findings to agency leadership.Training new staff — provide on-the-job guidance on documentation standards, counseling techniques, and compliance requirements within the agency.Written clinical reports — author detailed assessments and court-ready documents demonstrating advanced written expression and adherence to professional standards.Ethical dilemmas — navigate independently by applying professional codes of conduct and sound judgment in ambiguous or high-stakes client situations.
advanced
Agency-wide documentation standards — establish and oversee to ensure accuracy, legal compliance, and continuity of care across all social work staff.Clinical supervision framework — design and lead for developing and licensed social workers, fostering professional growth and evidence-based counseling practice.Organizational dependency intervention strategy — develop and implement at program level, integrating urine analysis protocols, behavioral screening, and harm-reduction best practices.Outcome evaluation systems — build to track post-discharge client progress at scale, using data-driven insights to drive continuous program improvement.Cross-sector partnerships — lead with healthcare, criminal justice, and education stakeholders to create coordinated community support networks for underserved populations.Policy and procedure development — author and champion for the social work department, aligning operational guidelines with evolving regulatory and ethical standards.Budget and resource allocation — oversee for social service programs, using administrative and management knowledge to sustain and expand service capacity.Workforce training curriculum — design and deliver using presentation and multimedia software to build agency-wide competency in counseling, assessment, and documentation.Strategic program reporting — present findings and recommendations to executive leadership and community boards, translating complex caseload data into actionable organizational decisions.Professional culture of integrity — model and institutionalize across the agency by embedding empathy, dependability, and ethical decision-making into hiring, onboarding, and performance standards.
Also known as
77 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Adult Protective Services Social WorkerCase ConsultantCase InvestigatorCase ManagerCase ReviewerCase SupervisorCase WorkerChildren's CounselorCommunity Center WorkerCommunity Chest OfficerCommunity Organization WorkerCommunity OrganizerCriminal Justice Social WorkerDelegateDivine HealerDomestic Violence AdvocateEcclesiastical WorkerEmployment Case ManagerFaith DoctorFaith HealerField ReporterField SupervisorField WorkerForensic Social WorkerGospel WorkerGrand ScribeGroup Home WorkerHealth Information ProviderHealth PromoterHome SupervisorHome WorkerIntake CoordinatorIntake SpecialistMembership SecretaryMental Health ConsultantMental Hygiene ConsultantMental HygienistMission WorkerMissionaryMonk