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5 Social Worker Resume Examples - Here's What Works In 2024

Now that the pandemic has shaken the world, the question, “who is an essential worker” inevitably presents itself. social work has proven one of the most important jobs today. social workers enhance human well-being and are essential for the fight for social justice. we’ve curated sample resumes of social workers with details on how you can write your own..

A social worker is one of the most essential people in the labor market since they help meet people’s basic needs, relieve suffering, improve lives, and much more. Social work involves learning all about the progression of human suffering and breaking social barriers to relieve it, all while maintaining professionalism. As a social worker, you can expect to practice case management, counseling, connecting people to resources, teaching, and other tasks. 

In a social worker’s resume, you’ll find a degree in social work - an interdisciplinary approach to psychology, social and biological science, statistics, and more. You may also find several years of volunteering experience. Recruiters will be looking for a highlight of work in a local community or experience of the sort. Social workers could branch out into different roles: life coach, consultant, therapist, or essentially, social worker. 

In this article, we will examine the different types of social workers, some of their resume samples, and how you can create your own.

Social Worker Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

• Child and Family Social Worker
• Social Work Teacher
• Mental Health Social Worker
• Clinical Social Worker

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Social Worker Resumes

Social Worker Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Related Other Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

Template 1 of 5: Child and Family Social Worker Resume Example

A child and family social worker mediates instances of abuse and neglect as well as places children in safe environments. Being assigned such a role involves arranging adoptions and foster homes, assisting families through such processes, and reuniting dissected families and children. A skilled social worker keeps track of case files and notes improvements accordingly while understanding their clients’ needs and efficiently solving their issues. This resume illustrates a social worker of 5-year experience. It lists experience on a case-by-case basis with a success rate, a B.A. in the relevant field of social work, and the executions of each role - treatment programs, maintaining resources, and managing case files.

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Tips to help you write your Child and Family Social Worker resume in 2024

   include metrics like participant and case success rates..

Notice how this resume highlights the number of cases dealt with as well as their participation and success rates. You should always include this information to show recruiters your efficiency in managing simultaneous case files as well as your work ethic in each one’s success rate.

   Highlight the specifics of each role.

Notice how this resume explains each responsibility in detail - “organized meetings / maintained community resources”. It is important that you list those to show that you understand the dynamics and nature of the work.

Skills you can include on your Child and Family Social Worker resume

Template 2 of 5: social work teacher resume example.

A social work teacher can range from specializing in social work and conducting academic positions to instructing teachers and officials on important responsibilities. This is executed by training them (or students) on important societal, cultural, or economic factors in the educational realm or the skill of identifying instances of abuse. A social work teacher focuses mainly on training people to include social work in their professions or their lives. This resume illustrates an experienced social work teacher. It lists their social work, their community development roles, and their teaching responsibilities. There is a highly strong base established with a B.S. in Psychology - with a minor in Counselling. The resume continues on a role-by-role basis and volunteering work is listed which shows recruiters their plan-to-action progression and initiative.

Tips to help you write your Social Work Teacher resume in 2024

   define the goals of each social assistance role..

Notice how this resume highlights the reason behind each initiative - “to prevent and resolve issues related to human behavior and relationships”. You should list these for recruiters to see your know-how and immersion in the work.

   List your tools and techniques.

Notice how this resume provides its tools and techniques. This shows recruiters your methodological diversity. You should include all the ways you employ to complete your goals.

Skills you can include on your Social Work Teacher resume

Template 3 of 5: mental health social worker resume example.

A mental health social worker is mainly responsible for spotting, treating, and preventing mental and behavioral issues. Such a social worker cultivates relationships with clients, provides coping tools, addresses urgent needs, and provides support. This resume is that of a mental health social worker. As seen, there’s a strong base of a B.S. in social work with highlights on individual and group treatments, conflict resolution, and crisis intervention. There’s sufficient experience in counseling and community. This resume portrays a strong work diversity and a success rate in treatment and progression.

Tips to help you write your Mental Health Social Worker resume in 2024

   underscore client-success results..

Notice how this resume underscores client relations and societal reintegration. You should list your involvement in clients’ success in conquering their mental health issues to show recruiters your capacity of helping, empathy, and improvement of peoples’ lives.

   Highlight the social categories of your clients.

Notice how this resume lists their diversity of working with clients - children, infants, and pregnant women. This shows a wide range of interpersonal skills and dynamic work needed for this role.

Skills you can include on your Mental Health Social Worker resume

Template 4 of 5: clinical social worker resume example.

As a clinical social worker, your role is about creating lasting change in the lives of those you serve. That said, your resume needs to reflect your ability to do just that. You'll want to showcase how your experiences have helped improve clients' overall well-being—physically, psychologically, and socially. These days, potential employers are heavily focused on evidence-based practices, trauma-informed care, and a multidisciplinary team approach. They're not just looking for someone who can counsel clients. They want candidates who can collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care. Writing a resume for this role can be tricky, particularly because you're dealing with sensitive, confidential information. You need to highlight your case management skills and therapeutic abilities without breaching client confidentiality. It's a tricky balance, but an important one to maintain.

Tips to help you write your Clinical Social Worker resume in 2024

   highlight specialized social work skills.

As a clinical social worker, you'll need more than just basic counseling and advocacy skills. Highlight specialized, role-specific skills such as diagnosing mental, behavioral, or emotional disorders, creating and implementing treatment plans, and knowledge of the latest therapeutic techniques.

   Showcase your multidisciplinary team experience

Clinical social workers often work as part of a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with psychologists, psychiatrists, and nurses. Show that you can thrive in this type of environment by mentioning experiences where you've worked with other healthcare professionals to deliver holistic care.

Skills you can include on your Clinical Social Worker resume

Template 5 of 5: clinical social worker resume example.

A clinical social worker is focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental and behavioral issues. Their work ranges from individual to group therapy. This role may seem similar to psychology but it’s more complex in that it deals with socioeconomic, cultural, and familial impacts on people. This resume portrays a highly qualified social worker, with several years of experience and an M.A. in Science. It begins with an internship and a volunteering capacity which shows drive and work ethic. 10 years of experience are listed in many areas ranging from mental health counseling to clinical social work.

   Mention any internship and volunteering experience, if applicable.

Notice how this resume highlights internships and volunteering capacity. You should include any extra work you’ve executed since this portrays the value of your capacity to take initiative.

   Highlight relationships with clients.

Notice how this resume mentions work with families and individuals alike. It emphasizes the continuation of communication and safety through upheld relationships. This shows recruiters the interpersonal and social skills that are needed for the job.

As a hiring manager who has reviewed countless social worker resumes from applicants at organizations like the Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, and local government agencies, I know what makes a resume stand out. The following tips will help you craft a strong social worker resume that grabs attention and lands you interviews.

   Highlight your specialization areas

Many social workers specialize in certain areas, such as child welfare, mental health, or substance abuse. Make sure to prominently feature your specialization(s) on your resume, as it shows your expertise and passion.

Compare these two examples:

• Worked with various populations, including children, families, and the elderly
• Specialized in child welfare, with 5+ years of experience serving at-risk youth in foster care and group home settings

The second example is much stronger because it clearly highlights a specific specialization and backs it up with years of relevant experience.

   Quantify your impact with numbers

As a social worker, you make a real difference in people's lives. Quantify that impact on your resume to paint a vivid picture for hiring managers. For example:

• Managed a caseload of 50+ clients per month, conducting assessments and developing individualized treatment plans
• Connected 25 homeless individuals with housing resources and support services, resulting in an 80% placement rate
• Facilitated 10 weekly group therapy sessions for adults with depression and anxiety, with 90% of participants reporting improved symptoms

Numbers jump off the page and really hammer home the scope and results of your work.

   Describe your crisis intervention skills

Social workers often deal with high-stress, crisis situations. Employers want to see that you have the skills to handle these challenges calmly and effectively.

A good resume might say:

• Responded to emergency hotline calls, assessing risk and providing crisis counseling and referrals as needed
• Conducted on-site mental health assessments for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation or psychosis, collaborating with medical staff to ensure client safety

These examples show that the candidate has real-world experience intervening in crises and knows how to assess risk, de-escalate, and collaborate with others.

   Showcase your cultural competence

Social workers serve diverse populations, so cultural competence is a must. Show that you have experience working with different communities and understand their unique needs.

Instead of simply listing:

• Worked with diverse clients

Try something more specific, like:

• Provided culturally sensitive counseling to Latino immigrant families, conducting sessions in Spanish and English
• Developed and delivered diversity training for staff on LGBTQ+ competency, reaching 100+ employees

These examples demonstrate your ability to bridge cultural differences, communicate effectively, and promote equity and inclusion.

   Emphasize your collaboration skills

Social work is a team effort. You'll be collaborating closely with colleagues, other professionals (like doctors and lawyers), and community partners. Highlight successful collaborations on your resume.

You might say something like:

• Partnered with local schools to implement a truancy prevention program, resulting in a 25% decrease in chronic absenteeism
• Collaborated with law enforcement and victim advocates to support domestic violence survivors, providing crisis intervention and court advocacy

These examples show that you can build relationships, communicate effectively, and work with others to achieve positive outcomes for clients.

   Tailor your resume to the job posting

One-size-fits-all resumes rarely cut it. Take the time to customize your resume for each position you apply to. Mirror the language in the job posting, and emphasize your most relevant skills and experiences.

For example, if a job posting says:

"Seeking a social worker to provide individual and group counseling to adults with serious mental illness."

Make sure your resume includes things like:

• Provided individual therapy to 20+ adults with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, using CBT and DBT techniques
• Facilitated weekly skills training groups for adults with serious mental illness, covering topics like symptom management, social skills, and independent living

By tailoring your resume, you show the employer that you're the right fit for this specific role.

Writing Your Social Worker Resume: Section By Section

  header, 1. emphasize your name and social work credentials.

Make sure your name is the most prominent element in your header, ideally on its own line. Use a larger font size than the rest of your header details. Right after your name, list your key social work credentials, such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Certified Social Worker (CSW).

Compare these examples:

• John Smith, 123 Main St, New York, NY, 555-555-5555, [email protected]
• JOHN SMITH, LCSW New York, NY | 555-555-5555 | [email protected]

2. Include your location, phone, and email

After your name and title, include your city and state, phone number, and a professional email address. Use separators like a vertical line (|) to keep these details concise on one line.

Here's an example of what to include:

• JANE DOE, MSW Chicago, IL | 555-123-4567 | [email protected]

Avoid listing your full mailing address, which is no longer expected and takes up valuable space:

• JANE DOE 123 Oak St, Apt 2B Chicago, IL 60007 555-123-4567 [email protected]

3. Showcase your specialization if applicable

If you specialize in a particular area of social work, consider incorporating it into your header after your name. This quickly conveys your niche expertise. Some examples:

• SARAH JOHNSON, LCSW Substance Abuse Counselor Miami, FL | 555-456-7890 | [email protected]
• MICHAEL BROWN, DSW Geriatric Social Worker Philadelphia, PA | 555-987-6543 | [email protected]

However, avoid listing multiple specialties or unrelated titles, which can confuse your professional focus:

SARAH JOHNSON, LCSW, Substance Abuse Counselor, Family Therapist, Case Manager

  Summary

A resume summary, also known as a professional summary or summary statement, is an optional section that can be included at the top of your resume. While it's not a mandatory component, a well-written summary can help you stand out from other candidates by highlighting your most relevant qualifications and experiences. It's particularly useful if you're changing careers or have a diverse background that may not be immediately apparent from your work history alone.

When crafting your summary, focus on your key strengths, skills, and accomplishments that align with the social worker role you're targeting. Avoid using an objective statement, which is an outdated approach that focuses on what you want from an employer rather than what you can offer them.

To learn how to write an effective resume summary for your Social Worker resume, or figure out if you need one, please read Social Worker Resume Summary Examples , or Social Worker Resume Objective Examples .

1. Tailor your summary to the specific social worker role

When writing your summary, it's crucial to align your qualifications with the requirements of the specific social worker position you're applying for. Research the job description and the organization to identify the key skills, experiences, and qualities they're seeking in a candidate.

For example, if the role emphasizes case management and client advocacy, your summary might look like this:

Licensed clinical social worker with 5+ years of experience in case management and client advocacy. Proven track record of developing personalized treatment plans and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure optimal client outcomes. Skilled in crisis intervention, community outreach, and facilitating support groups.

By tailoring your summary to the specific role, you demonstrate your understanding of the position and show how you can contribute to the organization's mission.

2. Quantify your achievements and impact

When possible, use specific numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements and demonstrate the impact of your work. This helps employers better understand the scope of your responsibilities and the value you can bring to their organization.

Compare the following examples:

• Experienced in providing counseling services to clients
• Managed a caseload of clients with various needs

Instead, try quantifying your achievements like this:

• Provided counseling services to a diverse caseload of 30+ clients per week, addressing issues such as substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence
• Managed a caseload of 50+ clients, developing and implementing individualized treatment plans that resulted in a 75% improvement in client outcomes

By using numbers and metrics, you provide concrete evidence of your abilities and make your summary more compelling to potential employers.

3. Highlight your specialized skills and certifications

As a social worker, you may have specialized skills or certifications that set you apart from other candidates. Be sure to highlight these qualifications in your summary, especially if they're relevant to the position you're seeking.

For example:

Licensed master social worker (LMSW) with expertise in geriatric care and end-of-life support. Certified in gerontology and palliative care, with a strong background in facilitating family meetings and providing emotional support to clients and their loved ones. Fluent in English and Spanish, enabling effective communication with diverse populations.

By emphasizing your specialized skills and certifications, you demonstrate your unique value proposition and help employers quickly identify how you can contribute to their organization.

  Experience

The work experience section is the heart of your resume. It's where you'll highlight your relevant experience and accomplishments to show employers you have the background they're looking for in a social worker. Here are some key things to keep in mind as you write about your work history.

1. Highlight social work skills and specialties

Social work is a broad field with many specialties and skill sets. Highlight the ones most relevant to the jobs you're targeting. For example:

• Conducted psychosocial assessments and developed treatment plans for 50+ clients with mental health and substance abuse issues
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate care for children and families involved in the foster system
• Provided crisis intervention and safety planning for domestic violence survivors

Think about key social work skills like case management, counseling, advocacy, and program development. Showcase how you've applied these in your past roles.

Not sure if your work experience section is highlighting the right skills? Try putting your resume through Score My Resume . It provides instant feedback on how well your resume showcases key skills employers look for.

2. Quantify your impact with metrics

Numbers jump off the page and quickly convey the scope and impact of your work. Whenever possible, include metrics to show the results you achieved. Here are some examples:

• Managed a caseload of 80+ clients, ensuring 95% of treatment goals were met within 6 months
• Secured $50K in grant funding to launch a new job readiness program serving 100 at-risk youth annually
• Supervised a team of 5 social workers and 2 interns, increasing client satisfaction rates by 30%

If you don't have hard numbers, estimates are okay. The goal is to give a sense of the scope and results of your work, not to have exact figures.

When you quantify your accomplishments, be strategic. Pick metrics that relate to the job you want. If an employer is looking for someone to manage large caseloads, highlight your caseload numbers.

3. Show progression and specialization

Employers like to see growth and progression. If you've been promoted, taken on leadership roles, or specialized in certain areas, make that clear. Compare these two examples:

• Social Worker, Agency X, 2018-2022
• Provided therapy, developed treatment plans, collaborated with other providers
• Promoted from Social Worker to Senior Social Worker in 2020
• Specialized in working with older adults experiencing depression and social isolation
• Supervised MSW interns and mentored new staff

The second example does a much better job showing career advancement and areas of expertise. It gives a clearer picture of the scope and trajectory of your social work career.

Applying for a job that requires specific experience you have? Check how well your resume highlights those key qualifications with Targeted Resume . It compares your resume to the job description and provides tailored suggestions.

4. Tailor your experience to the job

The best resumes are tailored to the specific job you're applying for. Review the job posting and identify the key qualifications and responsibilities. Then adjust how you describe your experience to highlight the most relevant aspects. For example, if a job emphasizes group therapy:

• Facilitated cognitive behavioral therapy groups for clients with anxiety, with 90% of participants reporting symptom reduction
• Developed and led an 8-week support group for new mothers experiencing postpartum depression

If it's more focused on community outreach:

• Conducted community needs assessments to identify gaps in mental health services and developed new programming to address them
• Built partnerships with 10+ community organizations to expand access to resources and referrals for underserved populations

The content is similar, but the emphasis shifts based on the job requirements. This customization helps employers quickly see you have the right experience for their role.

When tailoring your resume, look beyond the job title. Dig into the responsibilities and qualifications in the job description. Sometimes jobs with different titles have similar underlying skill sets, giving you more opportunities to showcase your relevant experience.

  Education

Your education section is a critical part of your social worker resume. It shows you have the necessary qualifications and training to excel in the role. Here are some key tips to ensure your education section stands out:

1. List your degrees in reverse chronological order

Start with your most recent or highest degree first. For each degree, include:

• Name of the degree (e.g. Master of Social Work)
• Name of the university
• Graduation year
• Relevant coursework, honors, or awards

Master of Social Work (MSW) University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 2020 Relevant Coursework: Clinical Social Work Practice, Social Welfare Policy, Human Behavior and the Social Environment

2. Highlight your social work licensure

As a social worker, your state licensure is crucial. Make sure to prominently list:

• The type of license you hold (LMSW, LCSW, etc.)
• The state you're licensed in
• Your license number, if required

Bad example:

Licensed Social Worker

Good example:

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), New York License #1234567

3. Include relevant training and certifications

Social work often requires ongoing professional development. Highlight any relevant:

• Certifications
• Training programs
• Workshops or seminars

Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC), NASW Completion Date: May 2021

However, avoid listing generic training that's not directly applicable, like:

• CPR Certification
• Diversity and Inclusion Workshop

4. Tips for experienced social workers

If you have 10+ years of social work experience, your education section can be brief. Include:

• Advanced degrees (MSW, DSW, PhD)
• Licenses and specialty certifications

MSW, Columbia University LCSW, California Pupil Personnel Services Credential

• Graduation dates, to avoid potential age discrimination
• Details about your undergraduate degree, unless highly relevant

Action Verbs For Social Worker Resumes

Social work is known for being a demanding, active, and dynamic role. This is why you need to use these action words to begin sentences on your resume, specifically for work experience. Here are some examples of effective action verbs you can use to write your social worker resume. Social workers engage, collaborate, and empathize with people and human suffering which calls for action verbs that portray their humanity, emotional capacity, and work ethic.

• Consolidated
• Transformed

For more related action verbs, visit Healthcare Action Verbs .

For a full list of effective resume action verbs, visit Resume Action Verbs .

Action Verbs for Social Worker Resumes

Skills for social worker resumes.

In your resume, it’s important to include certain skills in a way that fits the concept and practice of social work and the demanding responsibilities it needs. 

Adjust and highlight qualities according to each job or field of social work that you apply for. Try to make your resume stand out for the qualification of each role.

• Psychotherapy
• Crisis Intervention
• Mental Health
• Group Therapy
• Case Management
• Mental Health Counseling
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Social Services
• Family Therapy
• Behavioral Health
• Motivational Interviewing
• Psychosocial
• Social Work
• Program Development
• Community Outreach
• Interventions
• Dual Diagnosis
• Discharge Planning

How To Write Your Skills Section On a Social Worker Resumes

You can include the above skills in a dedicated Skills section on your resume, or weave them in your experience. Here's how you might create your dedicated skills section:

Skills Word Cloud For Social Worker Resumes

This word cloud highlights the important keywords that appear on Social Worker job descriptions and resumes. The bigger the word, the more frequently it appears on job postings, and the more 'important' it is.

How to use these skills?

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• Child and Family Social Worker Resume Example
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Social Work Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples
• Resume Text Examples

How To Write a Social Work Resume

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

Social Work Text-Only Resume Templates and Examples

Jessica Boak (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Durham, NC 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

Certified master social worker focused on helping children and adolescents. Use active listening to fully understand each person’s needs and suggest appropriate community resources. Committed to providing support for those struggling with domestic violence and substance abuse issues.

• Active listening methods
• Case management
• Client needs assessment
• Client relations and communications
• Crisis intervention
• Reporting and documentation
• Team collaboration

Professional Experience

School Social Worker, Durham School District, Durham, NC | January 2021 to present

• Counsel students with personal or psychological issues affecting their behavior or academic performance
• Provide treatments and resources to ensure students have every opportunity to succeed
• Communicate with parents, educators, and administrators about ways to address each student’s challenges
• Draft and maintain detailed reports on students’ progress
• Offer support and guidance to students with disabilities, past trauma, or potential behavioral issues

Social Work Intern, Teen Parent Support, Chapel Hill, NC | September 2020 to December 2020

• Assessed needs of and connected teen parents to relevant community resources
• Facilitated group therapy sessions for new teen parents
• Maintained detailed records of all client treatment
• Co-developed viable case management and treatment plans

Waitress, Bucky’s Bar & Grill, San Francisco, CA | February 2019 to February 2020

• Gained and demonstrated strong skills in customer relations, conflict resolution, and team collaboration

Master of Social Work, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC

• Bachelor of Psychology, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN

Certified Master Social Worker, State of North Carolina | 2018

Anika Patel (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Cleveland, OH 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

Social worker with over 10 years of experience supporting clients and patients in hospital and home-care settings. Demonstrated success advocating for people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Draw on strong listening skills to determine each client’s needs and recommend helpful resources. Master’s degree in social work. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

• Client confidentiality
• Complex problem-solving
• Patient and client relations

Medical Social Worker, Northern Medical Center, Cleveland, OH | April 2016 to present

• Work closely with patients, family members, health care team, and community organizations to set a realistic discharge plan
• Coordinate smooth transfers to rehabilitation centers and skilled nursing facilities
• Build and maintain positive relationships with health care providers and government regulators
• Ensure utmost client health data accuracy and confidentiality

Social Worker, Alpha Assisted Living, Dayton, OH | June 2012 to March 2016

• Performed psychosocial assessment of new residents to determine the level of services needed and collaborated with other staff to set a personalized care plan
• Provided one-on-one counseling to help residents adjust to their new living situation
• Educated residents and family members about their rights and advocated to ensure their needs were met
• Advised administrators and other staff on the impact of social issues on resident care

Master of Social Work, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH

Bachelor of Sociology, University of Michigan, Detroit

• Licensed Social Worker, State of Ohio | 2018

Fluency in Spanish

Jose Santos (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Pittsburgh, PA 12345 | www.linkedin.com/example

Clinical social worker with over 13 years of experience focused on substance abuse, mental health, and domestic violence issues. Efficient and organized managing multiple priorities in a high-pressure environment. Doctorate in clinical social work from the University of Pennsylvania.

• Community outreach development
• Conflict management and resolution
• Cross-functional coordination
• Individual and group therapy

Clinical Social Worker, Beta Services, Pittsburgh, PA | February 2012 to present

• Manage a patient caseload of newly arrived adult and adolescent refugees
• Develop and adapt measurable treatment plans as needed
• Connect clients to appropriate community services, protective services, and resource agencies
• Hold both individual and group therapy sessions
• Adapt to the cultural and linguistic needs of each individual

Clinical Social Worker, Omega Guidance Services, Philadelphia, PA | July 2009 to January 2012

• Helped families set adolescent care plans integrating resources for education, mental health, and substance abuse treatment
• Facilitated group therapy sessions for teens struggling with substance abuse
• Built positive relationships with educators, family members, social services, and community partners to coordinate care across all sectors of the adolescent’s life
• Evaluated clients for signs or risk of abuse, neglect, or self-harm
• Compiled documentation for court hearings and presented findings in court

Doctorate in Clinical Social Work, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia

Master of Social Work, University of Pittsburgh, PA

Bachelor of Psychology, Tennessee State University, Nashville

Licensed Clinical Social Worker, State of Pennsylvania

Write a great social work resume by focusing on how you help people from various backgrounds address and overcome life challenges. Also, include your skills in collaborating with health care providers and government staff. The tips and examples below will help you capture these capabilities on your resume and get you interviews for your next social work job.

1. Write a brief summary of your social work qualifications

Your resume profile should catch hiring managers’ attention by giving the top reasons you excel at social work.

What is your approach to helping clients navigate life transitions or obstacles, and why is that method successful? For instance, maybe you’re highly adaptable and can speak to the concerns of people from diverse backgrounds. Or perhaps you’ve been commended for building partnerships with new volunteers and community resources. Also, feel free to mention specific skills , such as efficiency or active listening, that you utilize with your practice’s clients. By putting these strengths at the top of your resume, you can compel hiring managers to read further.

“Being a social worker is not just a job; it’s a calling to make a difference in the lives of others, one person at a time,” says expert recruiter Ernestine Council.

Mid-Career Profile Example

Social worker with over 10 years of experience supporting clients and patients in hospital and home-care settings. Demonstrated success advocating for people from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Draw on strong listening skills to determine each client’s needs and recommend helpful resources. Master’s Degree in Social Work. Bilingual: Fluent in English and Spanish.

Senior-Level Profile Example

2. outline your social work experience in a compelling list.

With the experience section, you can show you’re qualified for social work by giving examples of your success in helping people address life challenges. Under each relevant job in your recent work history , brainstorm and write down the strategies and resources you used to support clients. Also, describe the other parties you worked with to provide that support, such as family members, rehabilitation centers, or government agencies. Finally, note the types of life challenges or transitions you helped address and emphasize any you’re interested in focusing on in your next position.

Mid-Career Experience Example

Senior-level experience example, 3. outline your education and social work-related certifications.

Use the education and licenses sections to show hiring managers your engagement in social work has a strong knowledge base. Give details on your bachelor’s degree, along with any Council on Social Work Education ( CSWE )-accredited master’s degrees you’ve earned or are working toward . If your state requires a license , specify that as well so hiring managers know you’re fully credentialed to work with their organization’s clients.

Below are templates and examples to help you format your education and license details. Note that optional template areas appear in [brackets].

• Degree Name — [Major], School Name, City, ST | [Year]
• License Name or Title, Awarding State or Organization | [Year]

4. Make a list of your social work-related skills and proficiencies

Add a “key skills” section to show the various methods or tools you use to engage with client groups or individuals. These might range from general soft skills like conflict resolution to hard technical skills like Microsoft Excel. Make sure each one you include overlaps with the skillset of your target social work job. Below are some common social work skills and keywords to consider for your resume :

How To Pick the Best Social Work Resume Template

As with most vocations, social workers should use a resume template that’s clear and straightforward. Opt for a visual design that lets the hiring manager quickly review your best career details. Select a clear resume font , and avoid any template with an overly colorful or elaborate design.

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Work Resume Examples and Advice

What are common action verbs for social work resumes -.

For social workers, the best resume verbs will relate to the hands-on support of groups and individuals – for example, “advised,” “educated,” “listened,” or “motivated.” However, you may use various others to describe your duties and contributions in this field. The following list can help you find the right mix of action verbs for your social work resume:

How do you align your social work resume with a job posting? -

The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts the number of social worker jobs will increase by about 9% between 2021 and 2031. This growth rate is faster than the average for all U.S. vocations.

You can get more interviews in this growing field if you tailor your resume for each application. For example, if the agency seeks someone with a strong collaborative streak, you can mention that aspect of your experience in your profile and key skills sections. Or say the organization has many non-English speaking patients or clients. You may want to highlight your foreign language skills in your profile and as a separate section farther down the document. With adjustments like these, you can make your resume more relevant to each opportunity in your job search.

What is the best social work resume format? -

In nearly all cases, use a Combination (or Hybrid) resume because it’s easiest for hiring managers to learn about your pertinent skills and experience. It’s also simplest to modify based on your job goals.

With the combination format, you highlight the most relevant skills and expertise in your experience or work history section and an intro section. (This combination of work history and intro content is where the format gets its name.) Your resume intro should include a profile summary and key skills section, but you may also include an awards or career highlights section.

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To increase your chances of an interview, write and submit a strong cover letter. The key to an effective letter is customizing it based on each job opening. Read our social work cover letter guide to learn how to do it. For other related examples, see our case manager cover letter guide.

Jacob Meade

Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW, ACRW)

Jacob Meade is a resume writer and editor with nearly a decade of experience. His writing method centers on understanding and then expressing each person’s unique work history and strengths toward their career goal. Jacob has enjoyed working with jobseekers of all ages and career levels, finding that a clear and focused resume can help people from any walk of life. He is an Academy Certified Resume Writer (ACRW) with the Resume Writing Academy, and a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) with the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches.

Ernestine Council

Expert Recruiter

Ernestine Council is an accomplished chief recruiting executive with over 20 years of experience leading talent acquisition strategies and building high-performing teams across diverse industries. Council has a proven track record of attracting and retaining top talent through innovative recruitment practices and fostering inclusive workplace cultures. Passionate about building engaged workforces, optimizing processes, and driving recruiting excellence.

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Resume Guide for Social Workers

A solid resume is critical for success in the competitive social work field. Having an impressive educational background or extensive work experience does not matter if your resume does not inspire an employer to contact you. Professionals can employ simple techniques to differentiate their resumes. Keep reading to learn what information makes your resume stand out from the crowd.

How to Write a Social Work Resume

• Do Your Research: It is important to tailor your resume to each job, including social work internships for undergraduates. Study your potential employer’s website and social media accounts. Determine whether any licenses or certifications are required for the position. Ultimately, research helps you understand if a position is a good fit for you.
• List Key Points: After completing your research, create an outline by making lists to organize your education, computer skills, social work experience, memberships, and training. Include any licenses, degrees, social work internships, and volunteer work. Also note terminology, action verbs, and keywords you will incorporate into your resume. While making your outline, consider your strengths and weaknesses, and aim to highlight your strengths.
• Format Your Resume: A sloppy-looking resume will detract from your accomplishments and skills. Your final resume should be attractive, readable, and nicely organized. Pay attention to grammar and always proofread your writing. A well-formatted resume is organized with headers, bold font, and bullets. Social work resumes generally use Arial, Times, or Helvetica in 11-point font. Resume length should be one page, unless you are applying for a clinical position, in which case two pages is acceptable. Clinical-geared resumes also tend to feature educational information first, followed by social work experience.

Types of Resumes for Social Workers

To determine your ideal resume organization method, explore these three common resume formats for social workers.

Reverse-Chronological

This commonly used method shows your work history beginning with the most recent job. It is easy to skim and shows your career progression. On the negative side, the date-centered formatting exposes gaps in work history.

This style begins with a summary of your skills followed by a summary of your professional accomplishments. Your work history and educational background are listed at the bottom. This resume format benefits social workers just out of college or working professionals switching careers. On the downside, this style makes it harder for hiring managers to quickly scan your work background.

Combination

This resume merges the functional resume and chronological resume. It features a small timeline of your work history, but begins with a career summary. It is ideal for recent graduates or working professionals who have held several jobs. As a disadvantage, combination resumes are longer in length than chronological resumes.

Required vs. Preferred Qualifications

When you see the terms “required” and “preferred” qualifications, you may wonder about the difference. Jobs in social work typically require a bachelor’s or associate degree in social work. This means before a hiring manager calls you for an interview, you must hold the required qualifications. It is common to be asked to submit proof of your qualifications. For example, an employer may ask for a copy of your degree.

Preferred qualifications are those an employer hopes you have. Professionals with preferred qualifications are often put ahead of candidates without them, but those lacking preferred qualifications are not out of the running. Perhaps you have a lower-level degree, but more work experience. On the other hand, if you don’t have all, or most, of the required qualifications, chances are your resume will be discarded. Be sure to include all your required and preferred qualifications on your resume.

What Should I Include on a Social Work Resume?

Every social worker, regardless of experience, should include certain essential information on their resume. This also applies to professionals wondering how to find social work internships. Here’s what to include:

Education and Training

Under the educational header, always include degrees, certifications, licenses, and training in the social work field. Omit graduation dates. Showing that you recently graduated or graduated decades ago may work against you. If your GPA is impressive, list it. If not, leave it off your resume. College students should clearly indicate that their degree is pending.

In the experience section of your resume, include details, dates, and duties pertaining to your work experience. List your job experience in reverse chronological order. Each job should be offset from the others with bold font and bullets. The header contains your title, employer’s name, and the city and state.

For each job, describe the size and makeup of the client population you served. Be sure to include the treatments you administered. When describing your duties, use action verbs such as demonstrated, delegated, and orchestrated. Also use positive adjectives such as adaptable and compassionate to show your ability to relate to clients.

Your skills can be offset or incorporated into your work experience. Only mention skills relevant to social work and consider customizing skills to fit each job. The idea is to make your resume unique.

Licensure and Certifications

To obtain a clinical social work position, you must demonstrate that you are legally licensed. When listing your qualifications, spell out the full names and include your license number and expiration dates.

Awards, Accomplishments, and Affiliations

If you received a social work-related academic or professional award, note it in a separate section on your resume. Memberships to social work organizations are also noteworthy, so list your professional affiliations. This demonstrates you are actively involved in the field.

Volunteer Work

Include any volunteer work related to social work on your resume. This equals experience and is a plus on a resume unless the work is unrelated to the job.

What Should I Put on My Social Work Resume if I Don’t Have Any Experience?

Many hiring managers will take a chance on a less-seasoned candidate if they are willing to learn

Instead of focusing on your lack of on-the-job experience, brainstorm your other skills and qualifications, such as completing social work practicum. Consider any social work internships and volunteer work you completed. Though they may not be paid, undergraduates gain valuable experience through social work internships. If you possess licenses or certifications, that is an added bonus. Include any volunteer work or social work internships in separate category. These skills should be listed on your resume higher than your work experience. Skills unrelated to social work should also be included. Simply explain in your summary how you can transfer those skills to social work.

Keep in mind that many employers seek candidates who are motivated and willing to work hard. Many hiring managers will take a chance on a less-seasoned candidate if they are willing to learn.

What Is a Resume-Reading Robot?

What is ats.

Larger corporations and even some small companies use the applicant tracking system, or ATS, to screen resumes. The software finds keywords and scores your resume to see if you are qualified for the job. ATS also searches your social media account and scans your profile for job-related keywords. Here are a few techniques to get past ATS and get a human to read your resume.

Tips for Outsmarting an ATS

Follow these tips to outsmart ATS and get your resume read by a person.

• Simple Headers: The first step to avoid getting caught in ATS filters is to implement headers on your resume. Use clear-cut, bolded terms such as “Education,” “Skills,” and “Work Experience” to divide your resume.
• Clean Format: Choose a simple layout with commonly used fonts such as Arial, Times, and Helvetica. Skip the graphics and opt for a clean look.
• Keywords/Phrases: Software systems like ATS are designed to find keywords, so the more keywords you include, the better. “Clinical rotations,” “coordinate,” and “harm reduction” are smart keywords to include in your resume.
• Industry-Specific Terms: To show your familiarity and experience with social work, write your resume using industry-specific terms. ATS will identify these words and score your resume accordingly.

Resume Writing Tips for Social Workers

One small mistake on your resume can cost you an interview. Review the tips below for writing a great social work resume.

Tailor Your Resume

Instead of sending the same template resume to every job, customize your resume each time. Identify keywords in the job posting and include them in your resume.

Save Your Resume Under a Professional Name

It is a good practice saving your resume under a professional title such as: FirstNameLastName_Resume.doc.

Make it Easy to Read

Use basic fonts, a simple color palette, and no graphics. Do not distract from the content.

Include a Cover Letter

Do not overlook the importance of crafting a professional cover letter to accompany your resume.

Keep it to One Page

Write a one-page resume unless you are applying for a clinical-focused job, for which a two-page resume is acceptable.

Common Mistakes Social Workers Make on Their Resumes

Use this checklist to help eliminate resume errors.

Spell check won’t catch every typo, so run your resume through an online editor or get a second pair of eyes to review it.

Including Personal Information

Include your phone number and email address, but leave off your home address.

Including Salary Information

Revealing your previous salaries may prevent you from negotiating a higher salary or give the impression that you are underqualified.

Using Nicknames

Stick to your birth name on your resume as even relaxed employers have professional expectations.

Using an Unprofessional Email Address

A professional email address includes your first and last name.

First-Person Pronouns

Avoid first-person pronouns such as “I” and “me” as they are redundant.

Unprofessional Voicemail

A professional voicemail message is critical when employers contact you.

Social Work Resume Samples

Reviewing sample social work resumes gives you formatting and style ideas. You can also borrow social work terminology to include on your resume. Make your resume unique and avoid using standard templates. Here are three sample social work resumes:

• Sample 1: This chronological sample resume from Rutgers University includes great details such as the individual’s licenses, impressive GPA, and skillset.
• Sample 2: This combination example from the University of Michigan features nice organization with separate sections for clinical skills, administrative skills, and research. The three-page resume works for a clinical-focused candidate, but is likely too lengthy for anyone else.
• Sample 3: The last sample resume from the University of Texas, Austin features easy-to-read content. The job seeker also makes good use of action verbs. The lack of work experience, however, is clear since the dates are beside the jobs.

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Social Work resume examples & templates

Social workers are accustomed to providing services for others, but when you begin your job hunt, you might need a helping hand to develop a social work resume that powerfully shows off your empathy and abilities. 

The umbrella “social work” covers a host of specialties. No matter where your expertise lies, demand for all social workers is on the rise. That’s excellent news for you. As you pursue your next career goal, you need to consider how to catch the eye of hiring managers and get that coveted interview. 

Resume.io offers a full range of resources for any job seeker, as we provide writing guides and resume examples for 300+ professions, backed up by an easy-to-use resume builder.

This guide, along with the corresponding social work resume example, will cover the following topics:

• What do social workers do?
• How to write a social worker resume (tips and tricks)
• The best format for a social worker resume
• Advice on each section of your resume (summary, work history, education, skills)
• Professional resume layout and design hints.

A 2021 paper reported that 36% of master of social work graduates enter jobs focused on behavioral health. The most common job settings with a high behavioral health service provision included outpatient healthcare services and other private, not-for-profit, tax exempt, or charitable organizations.

What does a social worker do?

“Social workers advocate on behalf of underrepresented populations and serve as a resource and guide to help individuals as they navigate through difficult situations,” defines the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work at Baylor University .

This work may occur in a number of different settings and with different populations. Social workers also may specialize in an area of difficulty such as substance treatment.

Top 10 social work jobs

• Substance abuse and recovery treatment
• Mental health counselor
• Marriage and family counselor
• Medical social worker
• School social worker
• Foster care social worker
• Child and family therapist
• Corporate social responsibility
• Policy analyst
• Human resources coordinator/specialist

Source: USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

If you’re looking for the top paying job, specialize in medical social work. Salaries range from 58,968 to $71,346, according to Salary.com . 

Social workers see people in distress or who are coping with life’s rough patches. They may specialize in issues of aging, child welfare, developmental disabilities, health care, community advocacy, justice and corrections, international/immigrant issues, mental health and clinical work, substance abuse and treatment, policy and public planning, occupational and employee assistance programs, research, schools or public welfare. Simply put, social workers work in all areas that affect human mental health.

How to write a social work resume

The first thing you need to know to write an intriguing social work resume is what it comprises.  Here are the sections your CV should include:

• The resume header
• The resume summary (aka profile or personal statement)
• The employment history section
• The resume skills section
• The education section

This list is flexible, in that not only will your contents be unique, but you may reorganize the order or add a section such as awards and accolades if you have the space in your 1-2 page document.

Your resume needs consistent tone, style and a message. That depends on the target of your job application, so do your research up front. Learn what you can about the agency or business so that every line of your resume addresses their needs. If you can, find out who the hiring manager and/or your prospective boss are to see if you can make a connection to that person that they may latch onto and ask about in your interview.

A thoughtful social work resume:

• Keeps your future employer’s needs in mind and communicates directly to that agency
• Makes a winning first impression with a clean, professional design and template that represents your style visually
• Is optimized with keywords and phrases that will help you overcome the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) hurdle.

Beating the ATS

ATS software scans and ranks resumes according to algorithms based on keywords. Before a human being ever has a chance of seeing the resume you worked so hard on, the ATS is judging whether your document contains the right information to get a second look.

You know how to listen to your clients and analyze how best to help them. You can use those skills to help yourself overcome the ATS hurdle. Reread the job description and highlight the needs the employer lists. Take careful note of the skills and attributes within. Try to use the exact words or phrases (if they are applicable) in your resume to cue the ATS that you have what your prospective agency is looking for. 

Choosing the best resume format for social work

No matter your career, employers and recruiters hands-down prefer the reverse chronological order social work resume. Unless you have a compelling reason not to use this format, this is the way to go. This will mostly affect your employment history section which should start with your most recent position and work backwards through the past 10 years of experience (or however much you have.)

If you are new to the workforce, are changing careers or are a seasoned social work professional, you may consider one of the resume formats we suggest as chronological alternatives or hybrids.

Unless you are a scientist or work in a highly technical field, the functional resume format should not be your first choice. It offers a means to emphasize niche or highly complex skills by expanding the skills section and reducing the employment history section in exchange. 

Positions for social workers are expected to grow by 13% from 2019-2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . That’s well higher than the average career growth.

Resume summary example: a personal note

Social workers make deep connections with clients and the community, so the summary section holds great importance in your social work resume. The summary is also called a profile and you should consider it a combination of both.

In these 3-5 sentences, you want to pat yourself on the back (with a bit of humility, of course) for your career highlights, but also illuminate your prospective employer on your social work philosophy and interpersonal style.

For a slightly different take, try our case manager resume example. If you want to see a more focused guide, look at our drug and alcohol counselor resume sample, our juvenile counselor resume sample or our healthcare social worker resume sample.

It is here that you want to pat yourself on the back (with a bit of humility, of course) for your career highlights, but also illuminate your prospective employer on your social work philosophy and interpersonal style.

For more specific social work resume examples, check out our case manager resume example or our social worker. We also offer more specialized resume samples such as the geriatric social worker resume example, the healthcare worker resume example or the drug and alcohol counselor resume example.

You can find a resume example for your summary section below.

Dedicated Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in providing needed support to at-risk children. Adept in conflict resolution, safe physical management, and counseling methods. Experienced in managing assigned caseloads in an efficient manner, while utilizing exceptional time management skills to successfully advocate for clients and train colleagues.

Employment history sample: your case history

As we noted above, the employment history section of your social work resume should be presented in reverse chronological order. Then, use terse bullet-pointed items with strong verbs to emphasize your career highlights.

Think about your achievements and write using the CAR format: 

• Name the challenge you faced
• Describe the action you took
• Demonstrate your results

As a social worker, you may choose to tell of a specific client, but don’t shy away from accomplishments that can be quantified, such as the number of cases you successfully handled or the amount of services you were able to acquire for your clients.

Below you will find an adaptable employment history resume example.

Social Worker, Radnor Township School District, Philadelphia September 2014 - Present

• Provided small group and classroom support to students, while monitoring progress to determine efficiency of programs.
• Assisted in identifying available and necessary community resources for students.
• Participated in interventions, administrative reviews, and due process proceedings as needed.
• Completed and organized paperwork for at-risk and special education students.
• Aided students in applying for beneficial government and community resources available to them.
• Led and coordinated mental health assessment training resulting in 25% increase in carer and client satisfaction.

Social Worker, Springfield School District, Philadelphia September 2010 - February 2014

• Provided on-site crisis response and intervention services to students, families, and staff.
• Conducted functional behavior assessments for students displaying significant behavioral problems.
• Coordinated ongoing tasks of team members and maintained compliance with special education requirements.
• Implemented school-wide student management policies within classrooms.
• Assisted in development of first district-wide mental health service rollout, executing deliverables ahead of schedule.

CV skills example: you’re more than a listener

Social work requires much more than just listening skills, and this needs to be communicated in your CV. You must be aware of treatment techniques in your area of expertise, but you may also find yourself with mounds of documentation and paperwork.

Your skills section distills your very best and most desirable attributes into an easy-to-read list. Make sure you focus on those skills that your prospective employer specifically listed in the job ad you are responding to.

Skills every social worker needs

USC says this list comprises skills social workers can’t do without. Consider adding a few to your skills section:

• Boundary setting
• Active listening
• Social perceptiveness
• Self-awareness
• Organization
• Coordination
• Cooperation

Below you will find an adaptable skills resume example.

• NASW Code of Ethics
• Mental Health Assessments
• Certified Mental Health Counselor
• Crisis Intervention
• Strong Organizational Skills
• Time Management Skills
• Knowledge of Social Welfare Policy

Social work resume education example

Your education is a key component of your qualifications as a social worker. At minimum, you need a bachelor of social work, but many positions require an MSW or master of social work. Clinical social workers must have a master’s degree and two years of post-graduate work. Play up your education on your social work resume, especially if you are just starting out. In that case, you may want to switch this section with your employment history.

If you have completed any training seminars or certifications that enhance your skills, include those as well. You do not need to list your high school if you have earned more than a bachelor’s degree.

Below you will find an education resume example as a formatting guide.

Master of Social Work, Smith College, Northampton August 2008 - May 2010

Bachelor of Sociology, SUNY Albany, Albany August 2004 - May 2008

Resume layout and design: a professional look

Although you know you cannot judge a person by their initial presentation, you also know that first impressions do count. That’s why you need to make your social work resume look as amazing as it sounds.

What do you want your prospective employer to think when they get your resume into their hands? “Wow, this person is organized, professional and knows how to make a presentation!” Of course you do!

Here are some helpful hints to get you there:

• Keep your margins at one inch and use an easy-to-read font sized at 11-12 points to make sure your well-crafted words are legible.
• Make sure your contact information stands out without getting overly fussy.
• Vary your line lengths to give an uncluttered appearance.
• A splash of a subdued color is just enough, if you feel you need color at all.

Consider using one of our resume templates to save you the tedious task of formatting for perfection.

Key takeaways for a social work resume

• The demand for social workers is on the rise, so take advantage of the opportunities out there now.
• As a skilled listener, you should be able to discern what your prospective employer needs and speak to that need in your social work resume.
• Review and personalize your resume for every employer.
• Take advantage of the online resume builder to limit your formatting frustration and speed up your job hunt!

Beautiful ready-to-use resume templates

• • Managed a caseload of 120 clients, ensuring timely and effective service delivery.
• • Developed a new client assessment protocol, reducing intake processing time by 20%.
• • Initiated a community outreach program, connecting over 200 individuals with essential services.
• • Facilitated 40+ group therapy sessions per year, significantly improving client coping strategies.
• • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create personalized care plans, enhancing client well-being.
• • Successfully advocated for 50+ clients, securing necessary resources and support.
• • Handled 30+ complex child welfare cases annually, ensuring child safety and family stability.
• • Implemented a new family reunification program, resulting in a 35% increase in successful reunifications.
• • Conducted comprehensive assessments and reports for court proceedings, impacting 100+ cases.

9 Social Worker Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

In your social worker resume, highlight your extensive knowledge in social work theories and practice. Demonstrate your commitment to ongoing professional development within the field. Ensure your resume includes evidence of strong interpersonal skills and your ability to build trust with diverse populations. Showcase your experience in case management and your aptitude for advocacy in both community and individual settings.

All resume examples in this guide

Social Work Student

Social Work Intern

Entry-Level Social Worker

Associate Social Worker

School Social Worker

Clinical Social Worker

Nursing Home Social Worker

Medical Social Worker Ii

Resume guide.

Social worker Resume Example

Resume Format

Resume Experience Section

Hard Skills and Soft Skills

Certificates for Social Worker Resumes

Resume Summary Tips

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

By Experience

Social work is a dynamic field that involves a combination of interpersonal skills and qualifications.

Social workers serve diverse populations, and each job or internship might require a different set of skills and experiences.

Therein lies the challenge of tailoring your social worker resume to each specific role, clearly demonstrating the direct experiences and skills that make you the right fit for the role.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to highlight your career achievements in an experience section that hiring managers look for
• How to present your education and social work credentials so potential employers know that you have all the necessary qualifications
• How to showcase crucial soft skills that recruiters want to see like crisis intervention and communication
• How to give an overview of your career and highlight your commitment to social work with a strong summary

If you’re looking for something a little different, explore our guides for similar roles in social services:

• School social worker resume
• Social work intern resume
• Clinical social worker resume
• Social work student resume
• Nursing home social worker resume
• Social worker cover letter  

Social worker  resume example

Here’s what this applicant does well in their resume:

• Experience with diverse roles: Highlights experience in various social work positions, each with different responsibilities and achievements, demonstrating a broad skill set and adaptability.
• Quantifiable achievements: Uses specific metrics (e.g., "reducing intake processing time by 20%", "30+ child welfare cases annually") to quantify achievements, effectively showcasing impact and competence.
• Relevant certifications: Includes certifications in Advanced Case Management and Child Welfare and Advocacy, directly relevant to the field of social work, enhancing their credibility and specialized knowledge.

How to format a social worker  resume

Having a career in social work requires specific credentials and requirements. You want to be sure that your information that is clear and understandable to anyone who looks at your resume.

The first thing hiring managers will notice about your social worker resume is the format. Send a clear message with an organized and professional format.

Here are a few areas to focus on to create a social work resume format that recruiters look for:

• Reverse chronological layout  - As the name suggests, a reverse chronological layout focuses on work experience  in reverse chronological order. Career paths to a social worker position can vary. Show a commitment to the industry and steady career growth with a reverse chronological resume.
• Professional header  - Include a header at the top of your resume  that clearly states your title and professional contact information. As roles and credentials in social services can vary, a header is your opportunity to introduce potential employers to your specific title right away.
• Single page  - Potential employers will have tons of applications to sort through. Save them time by keeping every section of your resume short, concise, and relevant to your social work achievements.
• ATS optimized  - Select fonts, keywords, and file formats that are optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems . Use ATS-friendly fonts like Rubik and Montserrat and a PDF file format in Enhancv’s resume builder to give your social work resume the best chance of making it to a human recruiter.

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Drop your resume here or choose a file . PDF & DOCX only. Max 2MB file size.

The top sections on a social worker resume:

• Personal summary: This section highlights the applicant's passion and commitment to social work, providing a glimpse into their motivation and dedication to help others.
• Key skills and qualities: Given the demands of a social worker role, this section should articulate essential skills such as empathy, resilience, and excellent communication skills.
• Work experience & achievements: Employers will be particularly interested in previous experiences in social work or related areas, as well as any notable achievements that demonstrate effectiveness in this role.
• Education and professional training: As social work requires specific academic and professional qualifications, this section is crucial to demonstrate that the applicant is suitably qualified for the role.
• References: References from previous employers or professional contacts can reinforce the applicant's aptitude for social work, offering third-party validation of their skills and experience.

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Education: Recruiters prioritize education because a degree in social work or a related field is typically required for professional social work roles.
• Experience in social services: Work experience in the field of social services is valued because it shows the applicant's practical knowledge and ability to handle the demands of social work.
• Crisis intervention skills: Given the nature of social work, applicants with crisis intervention skills are prioritized, as this demonstrates their ability to handle challenging and urgency-driven situations.
• Certifications: Certifications, such as a state license in social work or specialized training in specific areas (e.g., child welfare, substance abuse), show a candidate's dedication and specialized knowledge.  
• Cultural awareness: Recruiters value applicants with a demonstrable understanding of multicultural issues as this is crucial in effectively helping the diverse range of clients that social workers encounter.

How to write your social worker resume experience

The experience section of your resume lists your work history  along with 3 to 4 bullets highlighting your top accomplishments in the role. Show potential employers what you’ve achieved as a social worker so they will know what you will bring to their organization.

Be careful not to just list blanket roles and responsibilities. This is an opportunity to show how you’ve achieved success in the field and executed industry skills.

Let’s look at an example of a social worker's resume experience section.

• • Managed caseload and communicated with clients
• • Conducted intake and assessment of new clients
• • Developed community outreach program

What doesn’t work in this example:

• No numbers or data - Mentioning things like caseload and clients doesn’t go very far without quantifying them. Hiring managers want to see the scope of your work and the measurable results that you achieved.
• Duties and not accomplishments - “Conducted intake and assessment of new clients” explains what the candidate did in their role, but not if they were successful. Focus on results instead of tasks to show potential employers how you will impact success.
• Vague statements - “Developed community outreach program” doesn’t provide any relevant information about the candidate. Use the experience section to demonstrate achievements and industry skills.

Let’s make a few changes to this experience section and take another look.

• • Managed caseload of 110 clients and communicated through secure teletherapy platform
• • Implemented new client intake process, reduced intake processing time by 15%
• • Developed outreach program to provide free counseling services to the community, connected 250 people with essential services

What works in this example:

• Quantifies results - “Implemented new client intake process, reduced intake processing time by 15%” shows hiring managers measurable success by using real numbers and data to quantify impact. Back up your claims by providing measurable evidence of your success.
• Shows industry achievements - "Developed outreach program to provide free counseling services to the community, connected 250 people with essential services" demonstrates a commitment to the industry and an example of achieved success.
• Demonstrates relevant skills - Mentioning specific skills like “secure teletherapy platform” is an example of using keywords to tailor your resume to fit your target job .

How to quantify the impact on your resume

To show potential employers that you have successfully helped clients and managed cases, you must quantify the impact on your social worker resume.

Due to confidentiality agreements, social workers cannot always provide direct references or proof from past work experiences. This can make it hard to quantify successes or positive impacts, which are pivotal points in a resume.

If you’re not sure what achievements to include, here is a list of areas to consider when using real numbers and data  on your social worker resume to emphasize your impact:

• Include the number of cases managed: This showcases the capacity to handle workload, manage time and multitask effectively.
• Show quantifiable client improvements: This can illustrate your success in helping clients achieve their goals and evidence a tangible impact.
• Detail size of multidisciplinary teams worked with: This can demonstrate your collaborative skills and ability to work within a larger organizational framework.
• Mention budgets you've managed: This portrays financial responsibility and an understanding of resource allocation.
• Specify your client demographic: Citing the average number of clients and demographic specifics can highlight expertise in a particular area of social work.
• Include success rate in linking clients to resources: This illustrates your efficiency and effectiveness in responding to client needs.
• Detail  the number of crises handled: This underlines your ability to cope under pressure and your crisis management skills.
• Indicate the number of comprehensive assessments completed: This shows you can effectively understand and address complex client needs.

How do I write a social worker resume with no experience

The path to a social worker position varies from candidate to candidate. Maybe you are shifting from another area of social services or just finished school and are new to the field.

If you’re making a career change or new to the industry, you have to find a way to write a social worker resume with no social worker experience.

The key to an effective entry-level social worker resume is focusing on transferable skills instead of work history.

Follow these steps to writing an effective social worker resume with no experience:

• Choose a functional resume layout
• Focus on transferable skills
• Present education and credentials clearly
• Use additional sections to highlight skill development and specialty knowledge
• Tailor every section to fit your target job

A functional resume layout focuses on transferable skills  rather than experience.

This is a great method to show potential employers other ways that you’ve learned relevant skills and tools like interviewing techniques and client database software.

Don’t pad your experience section with irrelevant jobs  just to fill space. Only include roles that are relevant to your target position  and focus on transferable skills.

Other jobs in social services like school counselor or case manager are great ways to show relevant skills. Even roles in customer service or community outreach present an opportunity to develop soft skills for social workers.

How to list your hard skills and soft skills on your resume

Social work requires specialized skills in tools and techniques. Present your skills so hiring managers know you are proficient in therapy techniques and client-tracking software.

Your skill section has two major categories. Hard skills are the technical knowledge  and abilities needed to perform job duties, whereas soft skills are the interpersonal and communication skills  needed to interact with others.

Listing hard skills on your social worker resume is fairly simple. Technical skills like software and assessment tools can be listed without a detailed breakdown.

Here is an example of hard skills on a social worker's resume.

If you’re including a hard skill on your resume, potential employers will assume you’re proficient. Only list hard skills that are relevant and that you’re confident in.

Here are a few more hard skills to consider for your social worker resume.

Best hard skills for your social worker resume

• Case Management
• Client Advocacy
• Problem Solving
• Intervention Planning
• Psychological Assessment
• Project Management
• Therapeutic Techniques
• Policy Development
• Knowledge of Social Work Theory
• Crisis Intervention
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• Case Note Reporting
• Budget Planning
• Proficiency in Database Management
• Experience with EHR Software
• Experience with Social Services Software
• Public Speaking
• Multilingual skills
• Legal Knowledge
• Experience with digital communication platforms like Zoom or Skype

Soft skills tend to be open to interpretation so it’s best to explain. Including an example with each soft skill will help recruiters understand how you’ve achieved success by using those skills.

Here is an example of a soft skills section on a social worker's resume.

By providing examples of achievement with your soft skills, potential employers will see how you will impact success at their company.

Here is a list of top soft skills to consider for your social worker resume.

Best soft skills for your social worker resume

• Active Listening
• Communication
• Adaptability
• Cultural Awareness
• Problem-Solving
• Negotiation
• Time Management
• Emotional intelligence
• Organization
• Collaborative Teamwork
• Ethical Judgment
• Motivational Skills
• Sensitivity
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

Having the right credentials is crucial for social work. Your certifications and education should be prominently displayed on your resume so hiring managers see that you’re qualified right away.

Most social work jobs will require at least a bachelor’s in social work while others will require a master’s in social work.

While the specific requirements vary from state to state, practicing social work also requires a social work license. Typically licensure follows an exam after completion of a social work degree.

Let’s look at an example of an education section on a social worker's resume.

Your education section should include :

• Name of institution
• Name of degree
• Years attended

Additional information like GPA or coursework is not necessary. Only include it if explicitly requested, or if you are applying for an entry-level position and have relevant coursework.

Your certification section will also be short. Hiring managers will be looking to see if you meet the requirements. Save them time by presenting the information.

Your social worker certification section only needs to include  the name of the certificate and the issuing institution.

Here is an example of a certification section on a social worker's resume.

Earning additional certifications is a great way to increase your employability as you continue your career. Certifications in specialized techniques and therapies will give your social worker resume a boost.

Here are a few certifications to consider for your social worker resume.

Best certifications for your social worker resume

• Certified Advanced Children, Youth & Family Social Worker (C-ACYFSW)  - National Association of Social Workers
• Child Development Associate (CDA)  - Council for Professional Recognition
• Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)  - National Association of Social Workers
• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)  - Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification
• Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC)  - National Association of Social Workers

How to write your social worker resume summary or objective

A summary or objective is an opportunity to introduce yourself and your value in the industry to potential employers. It captures your career history and top accomplishments in 3-4 sentences.

Though the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between a summary and an objective.

A summary is a brief introduction  that summarizes your career and top achievements. An objective looks to the future  and captures what you are hoping to achieve in your new position.

A summary is more suitable for candidates with experience in the field. Entry-level candidates are more likely to focus on an objective.

If you have at least some social work experience, combine them by writing an introduction, a career highlight, and a goal you share with your target employer.

Let’s take a look at an example of a social worker resume summary.

• Generic buzzwords - Words like “experienced” and “passion” don’t mean much if they aren’t quantified. Hiring managers want to know exactly how much experience you have and what your passion has helped you achieve.
• No measurable results - “I have handled complicated cases and reunited many families” is left open to interpretation. How were the cases complicated and how many families were reunited?
• No objective - Just stating that you want the job isn’t a sufficient objective. Research your target company and find out what solutions you can provide to their challenges.

Let’s make a few changes and look at this summary again.

• Introduces credentials - Since credentials are valuable in social work, it’s a great idea to let hiring managers know right away that you have relevant certifications and specific experience.
• Highlights accomplishment - “I implemented a new family reunification program which resulted in a 20% increase in reunifications” shows a specific achievement in the industry and gives potential employers a good idea of your abilities.
• Shared goal - “Seeking the opportunity to leverage assessment experience and increase family reunifications at Children’s Community Center” lets hiring managers know how this candidate’s specific experience will impact success in their new role.

Additional sections for a social worker resume

There are different kinds of social workers so it follows that there are many different paths to get there. Additional sections on your resume can be a great way to show how you’ve developed social work skills in unique ways.

Here are a few sections to consider adding to your social worker resume:

• Languages  - Speaking multiple languages can be a great skill for social workers, especially if your clients have a first language other than English.
• Continuing education   - Continuing to expand your education and complete training for things like cognitive behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy is a great way to keep your resume up-to-date and increase your employability.
• Volunteer work   - Volunteering is a great way to develop social work skills and show achievements outside of work history.

Key takeaways for writing a great social worker resume

Congratulations! You’re almost ready to send out that amazing social worker resume that gets callbacks! Let’s take a moment to briefly review some key points.

• Create a clear and professional social worker resume with a format that communicates key information to hiring managers and gets through ATS filters.
• Quantify the impact on your resume by using real numbers and data to show how you’ve achieved things like managing cases and reuniting families.
• Strike the right balance between soft skills and hard skills so potential employers know you can handle the technical aspects of the job as well as interpersonal communication.
• List your education and certifications clearly so that hiring managers will see right away that you meet the requirements to fill the role.

Social Worker resume examples

Explore additional social worker resume samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Social Work is a field that values practical experience and strong interpersonal skills. In pursuing opportunities as a social work student, you should emphasize certain aspects on your resume.

Intimate understanding of social work theory is a must, however, practical experience beats theory in this field. Highlight any field placements or practicum experiences you’ve had, indicating the theory you applied to aid your clients efficiently.

Showcase your diversity and cultural competency skills. In a diverse society, social workers need to be adaptable. Discuss times where you’ve worked with different cultures and how it impacted the service.

Empathy and good listening skills are crucial here. Instead of only listing them, demonstrate how these have improved client engagement or satisfaction.

Provide evidence of your communication and problem-solving skills through descriptions of academic projects or client interactions. This will help employers understand your approach in making a difference in people's lives.

Looking to build your own Social Worker resume?

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5 Social Worker Resume Examples & Writing Guide

Looking for a social work job? A strong resume is key. This guide provides 5 real resume examples and step-by-step writing tips. Learn how to highlight your skills and experience to impress employers and get hired. Includes advice on resume structure, achievements to include, and common mistakes to avoid. Start creating your winning social work resume now.

A well-written resume is important for social workers who want to find a good job. It's the first thing employers look at, so it needs to show your skills, experience, and education in a clear way. But writing a resume can be hard, especially if you don't know where to start.

In this article, you'll find five real-life examples of social worker resumes that worked. You'll also get a step-by-step guide on how to write your own resume. It will cover the different parts of a resume, like the summary, work history, and skills sections. By the end, you'll know exactly what to include and how to make your resume stand out to employers.

Having a strong resume is key to getting interviews and job offers in social work. So if you want to improve your chances of landing your dream job, keep reading to learn how to create a resume that shows off your best qualities and makes employers want to meet you.

Common Responsibilities Listed on Social Worker Resumes

• Assessing clients' needs and developing individualized treatment plans
• Providing counseling and support services to individuals, families, and groups
• Advocating for clients' rights and facilitating access to available resources
• Maintaining accurate and detailed case records and documentation
• Collaborating with other professionals and agencies to coordinate services
• Conducting home visits to assess living conditions and provide support
• Educating clients on available community resources and services
• Participating in interdisciplinary team meetings to discuss client cases
• Developing and implementing treatment plans for clients with mental health issues
• Providing crisis intervention and emergency support services
• Conducting research and evaluating program effectiveness
• Advocating for social policies and reforms to improve community welfare
• Providing training and education to community members and organizations

Resume ATS Scanner

Drop your resume file here to scan for ATS compatibility.

How to write a Resume Summary

Consider the summary or objective section of your resume as both an introduction and a billboard advertisement simultaneously. Present this part effectively, and hiring managers are likely to read the remainder of your document. Stumble, and they might move on to the next applicant. That's the power inherent in the "summary/objective" section of your resume as a Social Worker.

Passionate about social issues and dedicated to serving others, you, as a Social Worker, are in a unique position where your summary can truly showcase empathy, dedication, leadership, and a deep understanding of societal issues and remedies.

When writing your summary it's important to remember three key things:

The first is to remain concise. Aim for a succinct paragraph, around 3-4 sentences. This is not an autobiography, it's an elevator pitch. You want to deliver the most important and relevant information about yourself.

Secondly, avoid abstract traits when describing yourself. It's better to provide a clear image for your reader. Therefore, instead of words like "dedicated" or "passionate", demonstrate these characteristics through action. You might indicate, for example, your years of commitment to a social service or non-profit organization without breaking any rules laid out for you.

Third and finally, understand the power of quantifiable achievements. While Social Workers aren't usually in roles associated with revenue increases or customer acquisition, they can, nonetheless, demonstrate a significant positive impact. Document that influence with any numbers or descriptive measures you can. Percentages, timeframes, numbers of people served, these all offer ceramic pictures of accomplishments and give a tangibility to your experiences.

Proceeding with these key ideas, you should start with a grounded understanding of what the employer desires for the role. The job description will serve as a guide to the skills and experiences you should highlight. If the position focuses on dealing with youth related issues, for example, make sure to emphasize your experiences and accomplishments in this particular sphere.

Remember, the most effective resume summaries or objectives comprise both your professional identity and your intent. What do you specialize in and what can you bring to the table? By providing an informed and enticing snapshot of your capabilities, you're not merely fulfilling a resume requirement, you're respecting the time of your hiring manager by allowing them to see your value instantly.

Strong Summaries

• Passionate and committed Social Worker with over 5 years of experience in dealing with various social issues such as domestic violence, child abuse, etc., specializing in providing aid to children and adolescents. Outstanding record in providing crisis intervention and long-term case management services.
• Empathetic Social Worker with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and field experience in hospice settings. Exhibits strong ability to communicate with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences in end-of-life-care and grief counselling support. Demonstrated skills in building effective client relationships leading to significant improvements in their quality of life.
• Experienced Social Worker dedicated to providing effective and efficient social services to diverse population groups. Distinguished track record of developing and implementing targeted care plans to meet individual client needs. Master's degree in social work with a focus on program development and evaluation methodologies.

Why these are strong ?

These are good examples because they quantify their experiences and achievements, explicitly state their area of expertise and use action words to describe their responsibilities. They effectively communicate the candidate's abilities, professional summary and how they can contribute to a potential employer. Such an approach is considered good practice because it's an opportunity to highlight strengths and core competencies right at the start of the resume. It captures a Recruiter's attention and makes them interested in reading further.

Weak Summaries

• Passionate and hard-working Social Worker and a certified yoga instructor.
• A Social Worker with a love for pets, painting, and traveling.
• Worked as a Social Worker for several years and know all the tricks of the trade.
• Your friendly neighbourhood Social Worker who's just a phone call away.
• I'm all about 'me' and less about 'us'. Social Work is a fun part-time commitment for me.

Why these are weak ?

These examples are considered bad for several reasons. First, they don't provide the reader with any substantial information about the candidate's professional skills or experiences. Irrelevant personal interests such as being a certified yoga instructor, love for pets, painting and traveling, do not serve the purpose. More so, the tone in these examples is casual, almost as if they are not taking their job or application seriously. Phrases like 'know all the tricks of the trade' or 'Social work is a fun part-time commitment for me' might come across as overconfident and selfish, showing a lack of empathy and dedication, which is crucial in a Social Worker role. Finally, using terms such as 'your friendly neighbourhood Social Worker' is too informal for a professional summary section and might make a potential employer question the candidate's professionalism.

Showcase your Work Experience

Penning your work experience: a quintessential guide for social workers.

The work experience section of your resume is a fundamental element that showcases your proven abilities and practical know-how in the social work arena. This section validates your skills - gleaned from real-world settings - and highlights how these have positively impacted your past organizations or clients. Keep in mind that the work experience segment speaks volumes about your featured capabilities - these could range from tangible responsibilities such as community outreach to more complex provisions like providing mental health counseling.

Put Remarkable Achievements Front and Centre

Bearing that in mind, how do you construct a formidable work experience section? There's no silver bullet but a golden rule - always lead with your most significant achievements. This demands being specific about what you've achieved in your previous roles and quantifying them where possible. Instead of merely jotting down generic responsibilities, delve deeper and illustrate the impact you had. Did you manage to reduce waiting times for consultations at your community centre? Maybe through fundraising, you enabled the provision of additional essential services?

Quantify your achievements and impact using concrete numbers, metrics, and percentages to demonstrate the value you brought to your previous roles.

Cater to the Specific Job Description

Remember, the work experience you feature should always be moulded to fit the specific role you're applying for. Align your past experiences and roles with the demands and expectations of the new job description. Demonstrate your capacity to fulfill and exceed these. So, it's prudent to modify this section for each job application based on the skills and experience the hiring organization values the most.

Chronological Order Serves You Well

In terms of formatting, it's general practice to list your experiences in reverse chronological order, with your most recent role at the top. Each job entry should include the job title, the name of the organization, its location, and the timescale. This should be followed by bulleted references to your measurable achievements and significant responsibilities.

Illustrate Your Expertise and Trustworthiness

To optimize for E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), ensure every element of your work experience section reflects these standing points. Let your expertise shine through by choosing pertinent job experiences to display, and stress on the areas where you particularly excelled (Authoritativeness). Trustworthiness can be showcased by highlighting your long-standing service at particular organizations or by mentioning significant trust-based roles you held, such as being responsible for vulnerable individuals.

Endeavor to maintain simplicity and clarity throughout. Think of your resume as a direct, down-to-earth conversation with potential employers through written form. Conciseness is paramount. Interweave your prowess without resorting to complex, flowery language that could dilute the message you aim to convey.

Penning an effective work experience section demands a meticulous breakdown of your professional journey, a dash of ingenuity, and a sprinkle of mindfulness towards the potential employer's requirements. It's not an area to rush - take time to perform this task, and it could serve as a deciding factor in advancing your social work career.

Strong Experiences

• Designed and implemented therapy programs for individuals, families, and groups.
• Assessed client needs and evaluated client progress to adjust treatment plans accordingly.
• Collaborated with multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care plans.
• Provided crisis intervention services to patients dealing with issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
• Coordinated community outreach programs to improve access to mental health services.
• Facilitated support groups for clients dealing with issues such as grief, depression, and anxiety.
• Managed case load of 50+ clients, documenting and maintaining detailed case reports.

These are good examples as they provide a mixture of responsibilities, achievements and metrics. They clearly demonstrate the scope of the tasks managed by the candidate and present a wide range of skills, from direct patient care to coordination and administrative skills. They also showcase the ability to work in a team and collaborate with other professionals. All these aspects are crucial for a Social worker role. Speaking about achievements and providing tangible outcomes also shows proactivity and implies that the candidate is result-oriented.

Weak Experiences

• Depressing clients by focusing on negative behavior rather than reinforcing positive changes.
• Failed to maintain client confidentiality on multiple occasions resulting in a breach of trust.
• Consistently late, causing disappointment and inconvenience among clients and staff.
• Failed to keep accurate records of client interactions leading to confusion and mismanagement.

Using negative language to describe your work experiences like 'Depressing clients' or 'Failed to maintain' reflects poorly upon you as an applicant and tends to focus on the problems rather than solutions. It gives the impression that you can't overcome challenges at your job. Additionally, being precise about your performance is good; but highlighting your failures like 'consistently late' in your resume sends wrong signals to the prospective employers and could lead to rejection right away. A good practice would be to showcase your strengths, achievements and your problem-solving skills.

Skills, Keywords & ATS Tips

Crafting an effective resume is essential for your job hunt. One key element in your resume is the Skills Section. Here, it's vital to list both hard and soft skills. Let's dive into what these skills are and discuss the interplay between them, Keywords, and Applicant Tracking System (ATS) in the context of a Social Worker's resume.

Understanding Hard and Soft Skills

Hard skills are abilities or knowledge you've gained through education or experience that are specific to your profession. For Social Workers, these include skills like case management, counseling, and knowledge of social work theories.

On the other hand, soft skills refer to your personal attributes or characteristics that can influence how you interact with others and manage your work. For a Social Worker, important soft skills could include communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

The Importance of Hard and Soft Skills

To land a job as a Social Worker, it's crucial to have a mix of both hard and soft skills. Hard skills show that you have the technical competence to perform the job, while soft skills demonstrate your ability to interact with clients effectively and work in a team. Balancing both skill sets in your resume can make you a more attractive candidate to employers.

Keywords, ATS, and Skills Matching

Keywords are terms or phrases that describe specific job requirements. They are found in the job description and are what recruiters look for in a resume to quickly identify if a candidate matches their requirements.

An ATS, or Applicant Tracking System, is a software used by many employers to screen resumes. The ATS scans your resume for specific keywords that match the job description. If your resume includes those keywords, it's more likely to be flagged as a potential match for the role.

Including keywords from the job description in your skills section can boost your resume's visibility to ATS software. Mention your hard and soft skills that directly correlate with the listed requirements. Using exact keywords as they are in the job description helps ensure your resume won't be overlooked by the ATS.

In conclusion, by effectively incorporating hard and soft skills and strategically using keywords related to your skillset, you can better meet the requirements of the role and increase the chances of your resume making it past the ATS.

Top Hard & Soft Skills for Full Stack Developers

Hard skills.

• Crisis intervention
• Case management
• Documentation
• Resource coordination
• Community outreach
• Program evaluation
• Ethical decision-making
• Trauma-informed care
• Cultural competence
• Mental health diagnosis
• Substance abuse treatment
• Legal knowledge

Soft Skills

• Active listening
• Communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving
• Cultural sensitivity
• Flexibility
• Time management
• Conflict resolution
• Stress management
• Self-care practices
• Professional boundaries

Top Action Verbs

Use action verbs to highlight achievements and responsibilities on your resume.

• Implemented
• Collaborated
• Facilitated
• Coordinated
• Resolved conflicts
• Managed crises
• Advocated for clients
• Educated on resources
• Facilitated support groups
• Developed treatment plans
• Implemented interventions
• Collaborated with agencies
• Documented progress
• Evaluated program effectiveness
• Supported individuals in need
• Empowered clients to make decisions
• Navigated complex systems
• Researched community resources
• Promoted social justice
• Engaged with diverse populations

Education & Certifications

When it comes to listing your credentials on your resume as a social worker, you want to prioritize relevance and significance. Start off with the education section where you'd note your bachelor's or master's degree in social work or related discipline. Follow this by listing any additional certificates or training you've undertaken. It's preferable to mention the name of the institution and the year of completion. Make sure that these details are easy to locate in your resume, normally following immediately after your personal details and professional summary.

Some of the most important certifications for Social Workers

A LCSW is a social worker who has completed a master's degree in social work and has passed a licensure exam.

This certification demonstrates expertise in case management for social workers.

This certification focuses on social work with children, youth, and families.

This certification focuses on social work in the field of substance abuse.

This certification focuses on social work in educational settings.

This certification focuses on social work in healthcare settings.

Resume FAQs for Social Workers

What is the ideal length for a social worker resume.

The ideal length for a social worker resume is typically one page. However, if you have extensive experience or relevant certifications, it can be up to two pages.

What is the best resume format for a social worker?

The reverse-chronological format is generally recommended for social worker resumes. This format highlights your work experience and accomplishments in a clear and organized manner, starting with your most recent position.

How should I list my social work licenses or certifications on my resume?

Create a separate section titled 'Licenses and Certifications' and list all relevant licenses, certifications, and their expiration dates (if applicable). This section should be prominently placed near the top of your resume.

Should I include volunteer experience on my social worker resume?

Yes, volunteer experience is highly relevant for social worker resumes. It demonstrates your commitment to the field and can highlight transferable skills. Create a separate section titled 'Volunteer Experience' and list your roles and accomplishments.

How can I make my social worker resume stand out?

Tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for by highlighting relevant skills and experiences. Use quantifiable achievements to demonstrate your impact. Additionally, consider including a 'Core Competencies' section to showcase your key strengths.

Social Workers support individuals, families, and communities in overcoming challenges related to mental health, addiction, disabilities, unemployment, and family crises. Writing an effective Social Worker resume involves highlighting relevant education such as a Bachelor's in Social Work, describing applicable roles where you provided case management or counseling services, and listing key skills like empathy, active listening, and cultural awareness. Be sure to include any licenses or certifications.

Dedicated and empathetic social worker with a strong commitment to improving the lives of individuals and communities. Skilled in case management, counseling, and advocacy, with a proven track record of developing and implementing effective intervention strategies. Adept at building strong relationships with clients, families, and community partners to ensure the best possible outcomes.

• Managed a caseload of 50+ clients, providing comprehensive case management and counseling services
• Developed and implemented individualized treatment plans, resulting in a 30% improvement in client outcomes
• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to ensure holistic care for clients with complex needs
• Conducted community outreach and education programs, increasing awareness of available services by 25%
• Supervised and mentored a team of 5 junior social workers, fostering professional growth and development
• Provided case management and counseling services to a diverse client population, including refugees and asylum seekers
• Conducted psychosocial assessments and developed individualized treatment plans
• Collaborated with community partners to connect clients with essential resources and services
• Facilitated support groups and workshops on topics such as stress management and cultural adjustment
• Maintained accurate and timely documentation in compliance with agency and regulatory standards
• Provided individual and group counseling to students in grades K-12
• Collaborated with teachers, administrators, and families to support student success
• Developed and implemented school-wide programs to promote positive behavior and social-emotional learning
• Conducted crisis interventions and risk assessments as needed
• Served as a liaison between the school and community resources, ensuring students and families had access to necessary supports
• Program development
• Cultural competency
• Motivational interviewing
• Group facilitation
• Collaboration

An entry-level social worker assesses clients' needs, develops plans, and maintains records. For resumes, emphasize relevant education, internships, and skills like listening, critical thinking, and cultural awareness. Quantify achievements using clear language within a structured format to highlight your fit for the role.

Compassionate and driven entry-level social worker with a strong commitment to empowering individuals and communities. Skilled in case management, crisis intervention, and advocacy. Adept at building rapport with diverse populations and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to deliver comprehensive support services.

• Conducted intake assessments and developed individualized service plans for a caseload of 20+ clients experiencing homelessness and mental health challenges.
• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to provide comprehensive support services, including housing assistance, employment training, and mental health counseling.
• Facilitated psychoeducational groups on topics such as stress management, conflict resolution, and independent living skills.
• Advocated for clients' rights and connected them to community resources to address their unique needs and promote long-term stability.
• Maintained accurate and timely documentation in client records, ensuring compliance with agency policies and funding requirements.
• Provided immediate crisis intervention and emotional support to individuals experiencing suicidal ideation, mental health crises, and emotional distress.
• Utilized active listening, empathy, and problem-solving skills to de-escalate crises and help callers develop safety plans.
• Assessed callers' risk levels and made appropriate referrals to emergency services, mental health providers, and community resources.
• Documented call details and maintained confidentiality in accordance with organizational policies and ethical guidelines.
• Completed extensive training in crisis intervention, suicide prevention, and cultural sensitivity to provide effective and compassionate support to diverse populations.
• Provided direct care and support to adults with severe mental illnesses in a residential treatment setting.
• Assisted clients with activities of daily living, medication management, and the development of independent living skills.
• Facilitated therapeutic groups and recreational activities to promote social skills, stress management, and community integration.
• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to develop and implement individualized treatment plans and monitor clients' progress.
• Responded to crises and emergencies using de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed approaches to ensure client safety and well-being.
• Needs assessment
• Treatment planning
• Psychoeducation
• Interpersonal communication

Hospital Social Workers help patients navigate non-medical challenges, providing counseling, securing support services, and facilitating discharge planning. When crafting a resume, clearly outline relevant experience, education, licenses, and interpersonal abilities. Highlight achievements showcasing complex case management and collaborative healthcare teamwork skills. Quantify accomplishments wherever possible for added impact.

Dedicated and empathetic Hospital Social Worker with a strong commitment to patient advocacy and well-being. Skilled in crisis intervention, care coordination, and fostering collaborative relationships with healthcare teams to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Adept at navigating complex healthcare systems and providing compassionate support to patients and families during challenging times.

• Conducted comprehensive psychosocial assessments for patients in various hospital units, including oncology, pediatrics, and intensive care.
• Developed and implemented individualized care plans, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to address patients' diverse needs.
• Provided crisis intervention and emotional support to patients and families facing acute medical conditions and end-of-life decisions.
• Facilitated discharge planning, coordinating with community resources and healthcare providers to ensure smooth transitions of care.
• Served as a patient advocate, educating patients and families about their rights and available support services.
• Conducted biopsychosocial assessments and provided counseling to patients and families in the emergency department and inpatient units.
• Collaborated with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
• Facilitated support groups for patients and caregivers, addressing topics such as coping with chronic illness and grief.
• Coordinated referrals to community resources, including home health services, rehabilitation centers, and mental health providers.
• Documented social work interventions and maintained accurate patient records in the electronic health record system.
• Assisted in conducting psychosocial assessments and providing supportive counseling to patients in various hospital units.
• Collaborated with the social work team to develop and implement patient care plans, addressing social determinants of health.
• Participated in multidisciplinary rounds and case conferences, contributing to the development of comprehensive treatment strategies.
• Provided education and resources to patients and families regarding advance directives, healthcare proxies, and end-of-life planning.
• Assisted in discharge planning, coordinating with community agencies and healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care.
• Psychosocial assessments
• Care coordination
• Discharge planning
• Patient advocacy
• Multidisciplinary collaboration
• Electronic health records
• Community resource navigation
• Grief counseling
• Advance care planning

Licensed Social Workers provide support to individuals, families, and communities. Your resume should detail your education, licenses, counseling abilities, and experience managing cases and intervening in crises. Tailor each resume to the role, highlighting relevant skills and achievements that display your commitment to empowering clients. Keep your writing clear and succinct while showcasing your qualifications.

Dedicated Licensed Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in providing comprehensive support to diverse populations. Expertise in case management, crisis intervention, and fostering community partnerships. Proven track record of developing and implementing innovative programs that drive positive change. Passionate about advocating for social justice and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.

• Manage a caseload of 50+ clients, providing individualized support and resources to address complex social and emotional needs
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans and ensure continuity of care
• Implement evidence-based interventions, resulting in a 30% reduction in client relapse rates
• Spearhead community outreach initiatives, establishing partnerships with 20+ local organizations to expand access to critical services
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation support, successfully resolving high-risk situations and ensuring client safety
• Conducted comprehensive assessments to identify client needs and develop individualized case plans
• Facilitated group therapy sessions, providing a supportive environment for clients to process experiences and build coping skills
• Collaborated with community partners to connect clients with housing, employment, and educational resources
• Served as a client advocate, ensuring access to essential services and benefits
• Maintained accurate and detailed case records, ensuring compliance with agency policies and regulatory requirements
• Provided individual and group counseling to students facing academic, social, and emotional challenges
• Collaborated with teachers and parents to develop individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs
• Implemented school-wide prevention programs focusing on bullying, substance abuse, and mental health awareness
• Served as a liaison between the school and community resources, facilitating referrals and access to support services
• Conducted staff trainings on trauma-informed practices and culturally responsive interventions
• Case Management
• Crisis Intervention
• Individual and Group Therapy
• Community Outreach
• Program Development
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Motivational Interviewing
• Cultural Competence
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Documentation and Reporting
• Policy Analysis
• Grant Writing
• Public Speaking

Medical social workers assist patients and families navigate healthcare crises through counseling, needs assessment, and referrals to community resources. To create a strong resume, detail healthcare experience, patient advocacy skills, knowledge of social services eligibility criteria, and provide examples highlighting compassion and cultural sensitivity when working with diverse populations.

Compassionate and driven Medical Social Worker with extensive experience in providing psychosocial support, care coordination, and advocacy for diverse patient populations in healthcare settings. Skilled in collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans and ensure optimal patient outcomes. Dedicated to empowering patients and families to navigate complex healthcare systems and access necessary resources.

• Conduct psychosocial assessments and develop individualized care plans for patients with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and mental health conditions.
• Collaborate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive patient care and seamless transitions between care settings.
• Provide crisis intervention, supportive counseling, and resource referrals to patients and families coping with illness, loss, and major life changes.
• Facilitate support groups and educational programs on topics such as disease management, coping strategies, and advance care planning.
• Advocate for patients' rights and access to healthcare services, insurance coverage, and community resources.
• Provided psychosocial support and care coordination for patients in acute care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings.
• Conducted family meetings to discuss goals of care, treatment options, and discharge planning.
• Collaborated with community agencies to secure services such as home health care, medical equipment, and transportation for patients post-discharge.
• Developed and implemented a hospital-wide initiative to improve advance directive completion rates and promote patient self-determination.
• Supervised and mentored social work interns and provided training on best practices in medical social work.
• Coordinated care for patients with complex medical and social needs across multiple healthcare settings.
• Conducted psychosocial assessments and developed care plans in collaboration with patients, families, and healthcare teams.
• Provided supportive counseling and crisis intervention to patients and families experiencing acute stress, grief, and loss.
• Facilitated referrals to community resources such as housing, transportation, and financial assistance programs.
• Participated in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient satisfaction and reduce hospital readmissions.
• Supportive counseling
• Family meetings
• Resource referrals
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Quality improvement
• Electronic medical records
• HIPAA compliance

7+ Tips for Social Workers & Your Social Worker Resume in 2024

Social workers help individuals and families through difficult times and ensure they are safe from harm. As such, their contribution is invaluable. 

So, we can only assume that you want your social worker resume to represent the value you bring into society and land you the best employment opportunities out there! 

The best way to do that is by putting the spotlight on your most noteworthy professional achievements and showing that you’ve got all the right skills to excel at the job. 

Not sure exactly how to use your social worker resume to your advantage? 

Well, you’ve come just to the right place! 

• How to Pick the Best Social Worker Resume Format
• How to List Your Work Experience in a Compelling Way
• How to Tailor Your Social Worker Resume to the Job
• Tips & Tricks on How to Excel In Your Career As a Social Worker

And much more!

Let’s dive in! 

#1. Choose the Optimal Format For Your Social Worker Resume

For your value to shine through, your social worker resume needs to follow the optimal format. 

We bet you don’t want the recruiter to ditch your resume without paying it too much attention just because it looks cluttered, or because the sections don’t follow a logical order. 

For this exact reason, out of the three resume formats , we recommend you choose the reverse-chronological format for your social worker resume.

The reverse-chronological format includes employment history beginning with the most recent and then going backward.

This resume format is the most popular one around the globe and every single recruiter is familiar with it. As such, it is your best bet.

• When you’re done writing your social worker resume, save it in a PDF format . PDF-s allow your resume to look the same on any computer (while Microsoft Word documents may not). So, as long as the job ad explicitly asks for a Word resume , go with PDF.

Use a Social Worker Resume Template 

Want to skip past all the hassle of formatting a resume?

We get that! 

Having to deal with a text editor to create your CV is not fun. You have to spend hours and hours making the resume look just like you want it to…

Then you make a very slight change, and your entire resume layout gets messed up. 

That’s why resume-builders like Novoresume exist! 

To make your life a little easier, you can just pick one of the hand-crafted resume templates , and voila! All you have to do is fill in your resume contents, literally no formatting effort is required.

#2. Pay Attention to Your Contact Information

This one’s relatively straightforward.

In your contact information section, make sure to include:

• Title (in this case, “social worker”)
• Phone number 
• Email address 
• LinkedIn URL (optional) 

Simple enough, right?

However, there are a few things to keep in mind: 

• Make sure to triple-check all the information (especially your phone number) before moving to the next section. You don’t want to lose your shot at the job just because you had a typo in your phone number. 
• Use a professional email address (something like, [email protected] ), not something that sounds like it belongs in your childhood.  

Sarah Davis - Social Worker 

105-324-9089.

[email protected]

Sarah Davis - Your go-to social worker 

[email protected]

#3. Customize your Resume Summary

Your resume summary needs to be attention-grabbing.

The 2-3 sentence synopsis of your career is the first thing that recruiters lay their eyes on and what makes them decide if they should keep reading. 

As such, it’s very important that you get this right.

Not sure how you can do that? Simply follow our tried-and-tested format:

• Your job and years of experience 
• 1-2 best achievements/core responsibilities 
• Desired goal (or your motivation for working in this industry/specific job) 

And this is what it would look like in your social worker resume: 

Child, family, and school social worker with 5+ years of experience in treating childhood abuse. I’ve had three scientific articles on childhood abuse published in academic journals and I’m currently researching how abandonment issues manifest in young adults. Passionate about deepening my knowledge through experience.

Preparing a Social Worker Resume With No Experience? Go For a Resume Objective

Now, if you don’t have the necessary professional experience to write a captivating resume summary (either because you’re a recent graduate, or because you’re changing careers), you’re still in the clear. 

All you have to do in that case is go for a resume objective . 

In a nutshell, this is a brief statement of your motivation for getting into the field. 

To write an effective resume objective, follow this simple format:

• Your qualifications. E.g. “Recent graduate from University X with a degree in social work”
• Practical experience with social work or relevant skills. E.g. “2 years of volunteering experience”
• Your objective. E.g.: ”Looking to apply my social work knowledge as a Role at Company X”

Here’s a concrete example to get a better idea of what we’re saying: 

Dedicated recent graduate with a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Pennsylvania. 2 years of practical experience from volunteering as a community social worker. Looking to apply my knowledge and deepen my experience as a social worker at the Butler County Community College. 

#4. Show Your Professional Experience as a Social Worker

And just like that, you reached your resume’s most important section. 

Ultimately, it’s your professional experience that defines whether you have the skills for the job or not. So you better make it count. 

Here is the best way to structure your work experience section: 

• Position name
• Company/institution name
• Dates employed
• Achievements and responsibilities (in bullet points) 

And here’s how this looks like in practice for a social worker resume:

Healthcare Social Worker

Massachusetts General Hospital

02/2017 - 05/2021

• Worked with over 100 hospital patients 
• Provided patient education and counseling
• Conducted and developed case to case consultation treatments and therapy plans  

Whenever you can, mention what you achieved instead of just listing what was required of you.

Of course, if you don’t have any relevant achievements to mention, don’t make them up. You can always go with your responsibilities. 

Or, if you do have an experience that just doesn’t fit the traditional “work experience” definition—just follow the advice below. 

Haven’t Worked in the Field Before? Internships and Volunteer Experience Counts!

Lacking work experience doesn’t automatically disqualify you from getting your dream job,  especially if you have something to substitute it with. 

So, if you’ve ever volunteered, or done an internship, make sure to include that in the professional experience of your social worker resume. 

And remember - as we mentioned above, list your achievements over your responsibilities whenever you can. Here’s how! 

Professional Experience 

Social Worker

2019 - 2020

• Volunteered at the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) For Children. 
• Helped 60 children in the process of finding permanent home environments. 
• Did 30 hours of pre-service training before beginning to volunteer.

Are you a student struggling to create your resume? Our guide on how to make a student resume can help!

#5. Include Your Education

Your education comes directly after your work experience. Here’s what you should know about it: 

• Only include your high school degree if you don’t have a B.A. or any higher education degree. 
• If you haven’t completed your education yet, you should still mention every year of your education to date. 
• In terms of layout, your work experience section should precede education. If you’re a recent graduate with no experience (including any volunteering or internships in social work), then you can start with your education instead. 

Start filling up your education section by listing the following:  

• Degree Type and Major
• Name of University 
• Years studied 
• GPA, Honors, Courses, and any relevant achievements! 

Exceptional education results, honors, and relevant extracurricular activities can also show recruiters that you are driven, motivated, and determined to put in the effort. As such, you should not underestimate this section. 

Here’s how two well-built education sections looks like: 

MA in Counseling Psychology 

Webster University 

2015 - 2019

• Published research on trauma bonding in the Journal of Counseling Psychology 
• Founder and Editor in Chief of the Webster Psychology Magazine 

BA in Social Work

University of Southern California

2012 - 2016

• Graduated Summa Cum Laude
• Assisted in the University’s Counseling Office since sophomore year  

#6. Tailor Your Skills to the Social Worker Profile

The next thing recruiters want to see is that you have the right skills for the job. And the best way to show that is via the skills section.

Instead of just listing random skills, though, you want to specifically list the ones that are relevant for the role.

To do this, analyze the job ad you’re applying for, and extract the top skills that are mentioned there.

Say that the job description is looking for the following skills in a candidate: 

Social worker skills: (1) counseling, (2) conflict management, (3) relationship building

So, when you’re listing out your skills, make sure to include these (as long as you actually possess the skills, of course) - along with 2-3 other relevant skills. 

Additionally, whenever it’s possible, mention these skills as part of your achievements or responsibilities. You can do that by adding them as verbs in your resume summary, or as part of your work experience section. 

For example: 

• Counseled teenagers as a social worker at Brooklyn Technical High School
• Practiced conflict management and resolution as a therapist at the Southwest Idaho Juvenile Detention Center 

Best Soft Skills for a Social Worker

Not sure what skills to mention in your social worker resume?

Here are some of the ones that are most sought-after by recruiters in your field:

• Active listening 
• Self-awareness
• Emotional Intelligence
• Problem-solving
• Communication  
• Time-management
• Acceptance 
• Open-mindedness
• Perceptiveness
• Organization 
• Collaboration  

#7. List Your Licenses and Certifications as a Social Worker

Your resume is the last place to stay humble. 

You should use every chance possible to highlight how you’re qualified for the position. So, if you have any licenses and certifications, this is your chance to boast about them. 

Are you a Licensed Clinical Social Worker? There are two places to include it:

• As part of your title, under your name at the contact information (e.g. Laura Burton, LCSW)
• In the first sentence of your resume summary (e.g.: LCSW with 4+ years of experience in…)

With your license in such a front-row seat, the hiring managers looking at your application will know you’re experienced without even reading your resume.

As for your certification, those go under the dedicated “Certifications” section.

This is how it would look like in your social worker resume: 

• Certified Counselor, NCE level (2019)
• Certificate in Human Services, Great Basin College(05/2017)

#8. Take Advantage of Additional Resume Sections

So, you got all the essentials out of the way and you’re closer than ever to landing your dream job as a social worker. 

But what if you have some extra space on your resume? 

Or, maybe, you are fluent in a foreign language or have attended a ton of scientific conferences. 

No reason to let those achievements go to waste! Take advantage of additional resume sections such as “Languages,” “Conferences,” “Publications” and “Hobbies & Interests.”

Here are some examples on how this would look like on a social worker resume:

• Spanish (Verbal skills: Advanced; Written skills: Advanced) 
• French (Verbal skills: Advanced; Written skills: Intermediate)

Conferences

• 2018 NASW National Conference: "Shaping Tomorrow Together"
• 2016 NASW National Conference: “Leading Change, Transforming Lives” 

Hobbies & Interests

• Member of the National Association of Social Workers
• President of the “Counseling Through Reading” Book Club (25 members) 

5 Things You Need to Know About Working as a Social Worker 

Being a social worker isn’t easy. 

You get to do a lot of good and help people, but you also experience all the tough situations that people go through in their daily lives firsthand. 

Here are some of the things you should know about the beautiful - but, at the same time demanding - social worker journey. 

#1. Remember to take care of yourself! 

I t often happens that when our work involves taking care of others, we become less concerned with taking care of ourselves. 

For example, as a social worker, you might get too involved and personal with a case and, wanting to find a solution, end up neglecting your need for rest. This might lead to burnout. 

Well, that should never be the case - especially when you have a job with an intense workload and unstable hours. Social workers are also at risk of developing emotional fatigue - a factor for a deterioration in their mental health.    

That’s why self-care goes a long way in your industry; you won’t be able to take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself! 

#2. Advance your education to increase your employability!  

The level of your education in social work determines how far you can advance your career. 

For example, a Bachelor’s degree in social work will qualify you for entry-level positions, such as aging services or residential treatment.  

Meanwhile, you need a Master’s degree to become a Licensed Social Worker and practice your profession unsupervised. With a doctorate in social work (DSW) or a Ph.D. in social work, you can get advanced training in research and policy analysis, and even teach at the university level.  

This means that the higher the degree you have obtained, the better your employment options. 

#3. Networking is essential in the field of social work! 

Social work can be an emotionally draining field of work. 

At times, you might face situations that you are unprepared to deal with, despite all your professional experience. For instance, you might find yourself completely unsure what kind of expertise to offer in an unfamiliar situation.

That’s why building a support system of colleagues, mentors, and other professionals in the field is essential to get through all the challenges that may arise during your career.  

#4. Listening is half the communication process! 

We cannot stress the importance of active listening enough. 

Why? To assess each case that you are assigned, you’ll need to listen and understand their experiences before you can work out a solution. 

For this solution to be effective, the people you work with need to trust you and open up to you. 

Neither is doable if you’re not an expert in effectively listening to those around you. 

That’s why career advisors, professors, and trainers alike stress the importance of knowing how to listen, no matter the field of social work you are in.

#5. Government rules and standards frame the work of a social worker

One thing every social worker learns early on is that they cannot each case based on passion and goodwill alone. 

The line of action of social workers is very intricately tied with - and limited by - government guidelines, regulations, and standards. 

Sometimes, you may think those guidelines are frustrating, or you may find that organizational dysfunction causes an intense caseload that can leave you feeling overworked.  

Well, just remember that bureaucracy is an integral part of how our societies operate and that guidelines are oftentimes necessary to set a standard of how cases (which are countless across the US alone) should be treated.

So if you’re feeling frustrated, just remember that ultimately, your job helps people - which is probably what made you want to get into the field in the first place.    

Key Takeaways 

Well, that was a lot to take in! 

By now you should have the right know-how to build the social worker resume that best represents you. 

Just to do a small recap, though, let’s go over the main points we covered:  

• Choose the reverse-chronological format to make the most out of your social worker resume and put the spotlight on your most recent work experiences.
• Whenever it is possible, mention your professional achievements over your responsibilities to stand out from other applicants.
• You can list volunteer experience and internships in social work under your “work experience” section - especially if you haven’t previously worked in the field.
• Don’t leave any licenses and certifications out of your social worker resume.
• Remember, being a social worker isn’t easy! Make sure to take care of yourself and build a support system of colleagues and mentors to help you through any professional hardships.

Related Resume Examples

• Volunteer Resume
• Nurse Resume
• Teacher Resume
• Career Change Resume

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• Social Worker Resume Example

Resume Examples

• Common Tasks & Responsibilities
• Top Hard & Soft Skills
• Action Verbs & Keywords
• Resume FAQs
• Similar Resumes

Common Responsibilities Listed on Social Worker Resumes:

Speed up your resume creation process with the AI-Powered Resume Builder . Generate tailored achievements in seconds for every role you apply to.

Social Worker Resume Example:

• Developed and implemented a crisis intervention plan for a client in a high-risk situation, resulting in the client receiving necessary medical attention and avoiding harm to themselves or others.
• Advocated for a client in court, successfully securing custody of their child and connecting them with community resources to support their family's needs.
• Collaborated with a team of healthcare professionals to develop and implement a treatment plan for a client with a complex medical condition, resulting in improved health outcomes and increased quality of life for the client.
• Managed a caseload of 20 clients, consistently meeting or exceeding performance metrics for client progress and engagement.
• Developed and facilitated a support group for clients with a specific mental health condition, resulting in increased social support and improved mental health outcomes for participants.
• Participated in a community outreach program, connecting individuals experiencing homelessness with resources and services to support their basic needs and improve their overall well-being.
• Conducted home visits to assess client needs and developed individualized treatment plans for 10 clients, resulting in improved mental health outcomes and increased client satisfaction.
• Participated in a case conference with a multidisciplinary team to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for a client with complex needs, resulting in improved coordination of care and increased client engagement.
• Educated clients and their families on available resources and services, resulting in increased utilization of community resources and improved overall well-being for clients.
• Crisis intervention
• Case management
• Treatment planning
• Client advocacy
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Support group facilitation
• Community outreach
• Home visit assessments
• Resource education
• Mental health assessment
• Family support
• Cultural competence
• Active listening
• Problem-solving
• Time management
• Communication
• Documentation
• Ethical decision-making
• Conflict resolution

Top Skills & Keywords for Social Worker Resumes:

Hard skills, soft skills, resume action verbs for social workers:, a better way to build your resume.

Resume FAQs for Social Workers:

How long should i make my social worker resume, what is the best way to format a social worker resume, which keywords are important to highlight in a social worker resume, how should i write my resume if i have no experience as a social worker, compare your social worker resume to a job description:.

• Identify opportunities to further tailor your resume to the Social Worker job
• Improve your keyword usage to align your experience and skills with the position
• Uncover and address potential gaps in your resume that may be important to the hiring manager

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for Social Workers:

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5 Real Entry-Level Social Work Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

Entry Level Social Work Resume

• Entry Level Social Work 2
• Entry Level Social Work 3
• Entry Level Social Work 4
• Entry Level Social Work 5
• Entry Level Social Work Resume Writing 101

Eager to demonstrate your interest in social work, you’re ready to assist other social workers in an entry-level position by helping guide people in difficult life situations toward the resources they need: You might help place people in need of rehabilitation centers, group homes, or assisted living facilities.

But you might still have some questions about resume and cover letter writing . How should your career docs look when their done? How can you show your ability to provide much-needed guidance?

Don’t sweat it: We’ve helped plenty of social workers navigate their way to their dream jobs ! With these five resume templates and seasoned advice, you’ll be on the road to success in no time, too.

or download as PDF

Entry Level Social Work 2 Resume

Entry Level Social Work 3 Resume

Entry Level Social Work 4 Resume

Entry Level Social Work 5 Resume

Related resume examples

• Social Work Cover Letter
• Clinical Social Worker
• Nursing Home Social Worker
• Medical Social Worker
• Social Worker

What Matters Most: Your Skills & Job Experience Sections

Your skills section is potentially more important than ever when you’re at an entry level in your career! Skills show recruiters that you have what it takes to get the job done, even if you haven’t had the chance to build up that much relevant experience yet.

Recruiters are looking for someone who knows their stuff well enough to go beyond basic terms like “communication” and list more profession-specific strengths like “counseling”. Now’s the time to go the extra mile and make sure you don’t sound generic!

Try to present both hard and soft skills through an equally technical lens. Really go past the surface and think “What do I use this skill for ?” to get an idea of how you can get more specific with your social work abilities.

Here are some examples of what we mean:

9 most popular entry level social work skills

• Active Listening
• Case Assessment
• Case Documentation
• Problem-solving
• Adaptability
• Addiction Recovery
• Google Docs
• CharityTracker

Sample entry level social work experience bullet points

A diverse and adaptable skill set is indispensable for any social service worker, and the best way to show that your abilities count is to provide examples. Recruiters want to see that you know how to use your skills in the working world, and you can use this opportunity to showcase your biggest achievements.

Just ensure that all your accomplishments are relevant to your job role and reinforce your alignment with high-quality social work. At an entry level, you might not have tons of work experience within the field, but you can still look for experience points that overlap.

Make sure you provide metrics for the successful results in each bullet point to make them more credible. When you provide quantifiable data like milestone achievement rates or program engagement percentages, you appear more reliable and desirable.

Here are some samples:

• Developed and implemented various forms of games and play, resulting in a 12% lift in clients’ self-confidence and social skills
• Provided individual assessment, treatment plans, and psychotherapy services to a diverse teenage population diagnosed with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders, boosting milestone achievement by 9%
• Lead afterschool mentoring program three times per week for teenage youth to encourage self-esteem and teamwork with fellow classmates, friends, siblings, and families, earning a 4.8/5-star personal rating
• Drafted historical documents in Google Docs to reflect children’s social and developmental regression vs. progression, resulting in a 16% increase in record accuracy
• Communicated goals and programs to parents, encouraging parents to take advantage of all opportunities and boosting program engagement by 11%

Top 5 Tips for Your Entry Level Social Work resume

• Diversity and acceptance are huge factors in how effectively social work can guide people to success. You can show your understanding and alignment with this value by citing an array of different examples in your experience section. Mention different demographics, projects, and initiatives when possible.
• Recruiters don’t have much time to spend during their initial speed-read through your resume. They’ll only take a few seconds on average! So use a clean resume template that makes those your excellent social worker qualifications look tidy and easy to read.
• If several of your experience points are measured in the same way, such as grade increases or success percentages, you can keep things interesting by varying your context. Just a few words of backstory can go a long way in terms of upping the intrigue!
• Pay attention to the original job description for hints on how to make your tone match the values of the organization you’re applying to. Social work jobs require a balance of professional detachment and compassion, so look to the job ad for the appropriate writing style to reflect.
• Social work requires, at the very least, that you become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). But if you have any additional degrees, certifications, or training completion credentials like First Aid or special education, don’t leave them out!

Whichever one makes your individual qualifications look most impressive! Your resume should only be one page long, so your layout matters. You want your greatest experiences with disadvantaged groups to take center stage!

This concern is common among entry-level applicants, but don’t worry about it! If you have internships, college projects, or even volunteer initiatives in your background that relate to social work, those still count.

It couldn’t hurt! Some people write social work cover letters when they have “experience overflow,” but they’re equally good for giving some backstory on what makes you qualified for an entry-level position. Again: Refer to the job description for details on teaching values or specific demographics of interest.

6 things you could be doing wrong if you're struggling to get a job

• The labor market is softening, and it might be harder to get a job compared to the past.
• Business Insider talked to job experts about why applicants might struggle to get hired for a role.
• A poorly organized résumé or not learning about a company during interview prep could be issues.

If you're not hearing back after applying for jobs , you may need to make some changes to your résumé, interview prep, or search strategy.

A cooler labor market means it could be harder to find a job now than a couple of years ago. Bureau of Labor Statistics data shows there were 1.2 job openings per unemployed person this past June compared to 1.5 job openings per unemployed person in June 2023.

"It's remaining steady, but it's definitely softer than it was several years back," Leanne Getz, vice president of tech staffing firm Experis's delivery channels, said about the labor market. "So, not surprising that applicants are having a little bit more of a challenge to identify opportunities."

Stacie Haller, the chief career advisor with ResumeBuilder.com , said she thinks "people aren't necessarily as prepared when they enter a job search today" because they may think the job market is the same as it was many years ago.

But for job seekers who are struggling, there are ways you can try to improve your odds. Below are some things that you may want to change if you aren't landing a job .

You are sending out way too many résumés

One issue could be you're sending out a bunch of résumés , including for jobs you don't even want or for jobs where you don't have the desired experience. Haller suggested having most of what an employer is looking for before applying to the role.

"I would prefer people to not send out 800 résumés just throwing spaghetti against the wall," Haller said. "That's when you hear from people, 'It's a horrible market, and I can't get a job.'"

Gabrielle Davis, a career trends expert at Indeed, told Business Insider people should first consider the things that matter to them in a job beyond a paycheck, such as the benefits and whether it's remote, instead of first applying to many roles.

"I think that when job seekers function from maybe a place of slight panic, they don't do that because they feel like, 'I just have to move fast because the market's moving fast. I have to get all the stuff in, and I'm just going to see what sticks,'" Davis said. "And that's not always really fruitful for them. So I think that it's better to take a much more intentional approach to the actual job search."

You are waiting too long to apply

OK, so you have decided to send out fewer résumés that are more focused on gigs you want. Now, don't wait too long to actually apply.

Related stories

Haller said job seekers should reply to a job posting within 24 hours "to at least have a shot to be in the mix."

Haller said people come to her and say, "'Oh, I saw a job posting that I'm interested in.' And they take days, if not a week, to reply."

She added, "By the time they send their résumé out, that company's probably on final interviews."

You might need to reconsider the contents or format of your résumé

Six seconds. That's how long Haller said job seekers have "to capture somebody's attention by your résumé or by your profile."

Formatting could be important to consider when putting together a résumé in hopes of successfully landing work.

"You need to know how to create and format a résumé that works in today's job search process," Haller said, adding this "means the formatting should be cleaned, standardized, and easy to read."

Getz said the résumé should also be similar to things noted on a candidate's online profile, like on LinkedIn. She also said résumés should be accurate and be in their own words.

"We're seeing candidates utilizing certain AI tools to generate the résumé, and it's fine to use it to help guide or give you suggestions, but you want to be careful about having something like ChatGPT design your whole résumé," Getz said. "It's easy for recruiters to pick up on that. It doesn't seem authentic."

You are not considering your connections

There's more that can be done than uploading a résumé to a job application. Haller said job seekers may want to see who they can contact at the company beforehand.

Haller said, "The last thing you want to do is dump your résumé into" an applicant tracking system "if you have another way to make contact inside that company."

Getz noted people could consider who they may know at the place they're hoping to get a job when they are applying.

"It is often about the network and who you know, but it also is sometimes just a game of numbers," Getz said. "There are so many applicants. You have to just keep applying, be consistent, be persistent, be patient."

You are not doing sufficient prep for an interview

If you get the good news that an employer is interested in interviewing you, it's probably best to prepare for the interview with some research.

Haller said people should know the company's mission, why they even want to work for the employer, and prepare questions to ask during the interview.

"I've interviewed people as a hiring manager with people who have no idea what the company does or why they're even interested in a job," Haller said. "That's a waste of everybody's time."

Some helpful hints of what to say during the interview are in the job posting itself.

"The job posting tells you exactly what they're looking for," Haller said. "That's where your prep starts. So if you know what they're looking for, you want to prepare as many examples that you can about what they might ask in reference to what they're looking for in the person they hire."

Getz also talked about being prepared and other basics of interviewing. Getz said to make "sure that you're dressed professional, that you've prepared, that you've done your research on the company that you're interviewing with, that you have strong questions to ask, that you're prepared to answer behavioral style questions."

Don't do an interview from a car and eliminate any background noise, Getz also advised. Getz emphasized the basics of doing an interview because "it could be one of those minor, little things that knock you out of consideration that could have been overcome by simply being prepared, dressed for the interview."

Davis suggested preparing a few main points that you want to reiterate in every interview round. "If you're speaking to maybe two or three people at a company, just because you've spoken to the same people at one company doesn't always mean that they are sharing exactly what you've spoken about to their colleagues," Davis said.

She added those main points can help show your prep, and she said, "Any sign of preparedness to an employer means, OK, this person is showing up. They're here. They're taking it seriously."

You aren't sending a thank-you note, or you're following up too much

Davis said a handwritten thank-you note could be good if you did an in-person interview. Even if it was not an in-person interview, Davis said sending a simple thank-you note on the same day could be good.

Davis said the note should thank the person for their time and include something personal from the interview to show you were listening.

"I think that really goes a long way," Davis said. "And after that, it's kind out of your hands, so waiting to hear back from the recruiter or hiring manager and then going from there."

Getz said "to be cautious about how often you're following up" because you're not the only job candidate a hiring manager is talking to. She said people don't want to overdo their reach out, and it should be professional.

How long did it take you to find a job, or how long have you been unemployed? Reach out to this reporter to share your experience at [email protected] .

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