professional social work resume examples

• • 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

Social Worker | Case Management | Client Advocacy resume example

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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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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Social Work Resume Examples and Templates for 2024

• Resume Examples

How To Write a Social Work Resume

• Resume Text Examples

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.

• Entry-Level
• Senior-Level

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

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.

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

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

Senior-Level Experience Example

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

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]

Bachelor of Psychology, Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN

• License Name or Title, Awarding State or Organization | [Year]

Licensed Social Worker, State of Ohio | 2018

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.

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

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

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

Fluency in Spanish

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

• 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

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

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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• Social Work

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

Resume Worded   |  Proven Resume Examples

• Resume Examples
• Other Resumes

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.

We're just getting the template ready for you, just a second left.

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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Social Work Resume Example and Writing Guide for 2024

When it comes to finding employment as a social worker, having a professional and well-crafted resume is crucial. Your resume is the first impression that potential employers will have of you, and it serves as a reflection of your skills, experience, and accomplishments.

In this article, we will delve into the importance of a professional resume in social work and explore what employers look for in a social work resume. Whether you are a newly licensed social worker looking for your first job or an experienced professional seeking a new opportunity, this guide will provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to create an effective social work resume.

So, why is a professional resume important in social work? A well-written resume showcases your education, experience, and skills, providing hiring managers with a clear understanding of how you can contribute to their organization. Given the competitive job market for social workers, having a standout resume can make all the difference.

Employers in the social work field are looking for candidates who possess specific skills and experiences. They want to hire individuals who can effectively communicate with clients, work collaboratively with colleagues and other professionals, and exhibit a deep understanding of ethical and legal considerations.

Throughout this article, we will explore the key skills and experiences that employers are looking for in a social work resume. By following our writing guide and incorporating these elements into your resume, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job in social work.

Key Elements of a Social Work Resume

When crafting a social work resume, it is important to highlight specific elements that showcase your expertise and experience in the field. Here are some key elements to consider including in your social work resume:

Contact Information

Your contact information should be the first thing that appears on your resume. This includes your full name, phone number, email address, and mailing address. Make sure to keep your contact information up-to-date and professional.

Professional Summary

Your professional summary should provide an overview of your skills and experience as a social worker, showcasing your strengths and key qualifications. This should be a brief, well-written paragraph that catches the reader’s attention and entices them to read further.

Your education section should list your highest level of education first, and also mention any relevant honors or awards you received. Be sure to include the name of the institution, the degree you earned, and the year you graduated.

Work Experience

In the work experience section of your resume, you should list your previous employment (in reverse chronological order, beginning with your most recent position), your job title, name of the organization, and dates of employment. You should also include a brief summary of your duties and responsibilities.

Certifications and Licenses

Social work certifications and licenses are important for demonstrating your expertise and qualifications in the field. Be sure to list any relevant certifications or licenses you hold, including the name of the certification or license, the organization that awarded it, and the date it was awarded.

The skills section of your resume should list the specific skills you have that are relevant to social work. This can include communication skills, problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, and more.

Volunteer Work

If you have volunteered in social work-related roles, be sure to include this information in your resume. This can show your commitment to the field and your dedication to helping others.

Professional Memberships

If you are a member of any social work-related professional organizations, be sure to include this information in your resume. This can show your dedication to the field and provide additional credibility to your qualifications.

Awards and Achievements

If you have received any awards or achieved any accolades in the social work field, be sure to include this information in your resume. This can showcase your level of expertise and demonstrate your commitment to excellence.

Your social work resume should include at least three professional references, including your name, job title, contact information, and a brief summary of your relationship to them. Make sure to ask permission before listing someone as a reference.

Formatting and Layout

As a social worker, your resume should be designed to showcase your skills and expertise while ensuring it is easy to read and visually appealing. Here are some key factors to consider when formatting and designing your resume:

Choosing the Right Format

There are three standard resume formats: chronological, functional, and hybrid. As a social worker, the chronological format may be the best choice since it focuses on your work experience and accomplishments. The functional format, on the other hand, highlights your skills and education, which may be more beneficial for recent graduates or those entering the field.

Font and Size

Choosing the right font and size is critical in making sure your resume is readable and professional-looking. Opt for a clean and simple font such as Arial or Times New Roman, and make sure the size is between 10 and 12 points. Avoid using decorative fonts that may be difficult to read or distract from the content of your resume.

Length of Resume

Keep in mind that recruiters and hiring managers often have limited time to review resumes, so it’s essential to keep yours concise and to the point. A one-page resume is generally recommended for those with little work experience or recent graduates, while a two-page resume may be suitable for those with extensive experience.

Use of Bullets and White Space

Using bullets and white space effectively can make your resume more visually appealing and easier to read. Utilize bullet points to highlight your accomplishments and skills, and break up longer paragraphs with white space to avoid overwhelming the reader. Keep in mind that too much white space can also make your resume appear sparse, so finding the right balance is key.

When formatting and designing your social work resume, choose a format that highlights your experience and skills, use an easy-to-read font and size, keep the length concise, and utilize bullets and white space effectively to make your resume visually appealing and reader-friendly.

Writing a Strong Professional Summary

A professional summary is a brief section at the top of your resume that highlights your most significant professional strengths and experiences. It serves as your elevator pitch, communicating your unique value proposition to potential employers. A strong professional summary can entice hiring managers to continue reading your resume and consider you as a top candidate.

To write a professional summary that stands out, follow these tips:

Tailor your summary to the job you’re applying for. Highlight the skills and experiences that align with the job requirements.

Keep it concise. Aim for a maximum of four to six bullet points that capture your most impressive accomplishments and skills.

Use strong action verbs and quantifiable metrics to communicate the impact of your work.

Avoid cliches and generalities. Instead, focus on specific examples that showcase your unique strengths.

Here are some examples of top-performing professional summaries:

“Dedicated and compassionate social worker with over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families in crisis. Proven ability to provide counseling and support in a variety of settings, including community centers, hospitals, and schools.”

“Licensed clinical social worker with expertise in trauma-informed care and crisis intervention. Strong track record of helping clients with a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Skilled in developing and implementing treatment plans that promote long-term success.”

“Passionate social work professional with experience in program development and implementation. Proven ability to collaborate with stakeholders and community partners to address key social issues, including poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse.”

With a strong professional summary, you can show potential employers that you’re a top candidate for the job. Keep it concise, tailored to the job, and focused on your unique strengths and accomplishments.

Highlighting Education

When it comes to social work, education is essential. Therefore, emphasizing your degrees and certifications in your resume is highly important. Here is a list of relevant degrees and certifications that you should include in your social work resume:

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
• Master of Social Work (MSW)
• Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)
• Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)

In addition to degrees and certifications, you should also highlight your relevant courses and academic projects. This gives prospective employers a better understanding of your knowledge and expertise. Examples of relevant courses and academic projects include:

• Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• Social Work Practice with Groups
• Social Work Practice with Individuals/Families
• Social Work Research Methods
• Field Practicum or Internship

Depending on the position you are applying for, there may be additional courses and projects to include. Make sure that you tailor your resume to the job description.

Lastly, do not forget to mention any honors and awards that you have received. This highlights your accomplishments and sets you apart from other candidates. Honors and awards to consider including in your social work resume are:

• Dean’s List
• Phi Alpha National Social Work Honor Society
• NASW Student Scholarship Award
• Outstanding Student in Social Work Award
• Social Work Student of the Year

Remember, your education, relevant courses and projects completed, as well as any awards or honors received, can greatly impact the hiring process. Make sure that you showcase your education and accomplishments prominently in your resume.

Showcasing Work Experience

When it comes to crafting a social work resume, showcasing your previous work experience in the most effective way possible is vital. Highlighting your relevant experience can make all the difference when it comes to catching the eye of potential employers and securing an interview.

How to List Previous Work Experience

One important aspect of showcasing work experience is listing it in a way that is easy for potential employers to understand. Ensure that you list your previous employers, job titles, and job descriptions in a clear and concise way.

To achieve this, use bullet points to highlight your duties and responsibilities at each job position you’ve held. Consider using a chronological order, starting with your most recent position and working backward.

Quantifying Experience with Numbers

Adding numbers to your work experience can make it stand out even more. For example, rather than simply stating that you “worked with clients to develop treatment plans”, you might say “Developed individualized treatment plans for 50+ clients annually, resulting in a 30% increase in positive outcomes”.

These quantifiable achievements help potential employers understand the impact you’ve had in your previous roles and make your resume even more impressive.

Highlighting Relevant Internships and Volunteer Work

Your previous internships and volunteer work can also speak volumes about your experience and qualifications. Be sure to include them in your resume, especially if you do not have much paid work experience.

In particular, emphasize any internships and volunteer work that are relevant to the social work field. This can include experience in non-profit organizations, community programming, and social services.

Including Relevant Skills

Finally, listing your relevant skills is essential to showcasing your experience in a social work resume. This can include both hard and soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and empathy.

When listing your skills, include examples of how you have used them in previous roles, such as “utilized strong communication skills to effectively manage cases and coordinate with other professionals”.

Showcasing your work experience in a social work resume can be a very effective way of highlighting your qualifications and experience. By following the tips listed above, you can create a resume that stands out to potential employers and sets you apart from other candidates.

Highlighting Certifications and Licenses

As a social worker, highlighting your certifications and licenses is crucial in emphasizing your expertise and credibility. Here are some tips on how to list your certifications and licenses on your resume:

How to List Certifications and Licenses

When listing your certifications and licenses, be sure to include the following information:

• Certification/License Name:  The full name of the certification or license you received.
• Certifying/Licensing Organization:  The organization that granted the certification or license.
• Date Received:  The date you received the certification or license (or the expiration date, if applicable).

For example:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), State Board of Social Work Examiners, issued June 2015
• Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM), National Association of Social Workers, issued January 2018

Importance of Certifications and Licenses

Certifications and licenses demonstrate that you have met certain standards in your field, and can be a key factor in landing a job or advancing your career. They indicate that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job duties of a social worker safely and effectively.

Furthermore, depending on the state and type of social work you are involved in, certain certifications and licenses may be required by law. It is important to research and understand the specific requirements for your area of practice.

Examples of top certifications and licenses in social work

Here are some of the most respected and recognized certifications and licenses in social work that can give your resume an edge:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Enables social workers to diagnose and treat mental disorders through one-on-one therapy sessions.
• Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC): Demonstrates advanced knowledge and skills in the area of health care social work.
• Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS): Required for social workers in many school districts, and demonstrates expertise in working with children and families in educational settings.

By highlighting your certifications and licenses on your resume, you demonstrate your commitment to your profession and your ongoing effort to improve your skills and knowledge. Employers and hiring managers will take notice of these qualifications and consider you a more attractive candidate as a result.

Showcasing Skills

In the world of social work, skills are of utmost importance. As a social worker, you need to be equipped with a wide range of skills that enable you to provide compassionate care and support to those in need. Unfortunately, many people underestimate the importance of showcasing their skills when crafting their social work resumes.

In this section, we’ll explore how you can effectively showcase your skills in your social work resume by listing relevant skills, highlighting transferable skills and providing examples of top skills in social work.

Listing Relevant Skills

The first step to showcasing your skills is to list them out clearly and concisely. Consider including a section in your social work resume that outlines your relevant skills. Be sure to tailor your list to the specific job you’re applying for. Here are some examples of relevant skills that you may want to include:

• Active listening
• Communication
• Conflict resolution
• Time management
• Case management
• Problem solving
• Crisis management

Highlighting Transferable Skills

When crafting your social work resume, it’s important to highlight your transferable skills. These are skills that you’ve gained from previous experiences that can be applied to your role as a social worker. They can be skills you’ve acquired from other jobs, volunteer work or even personal experiences. Here are some examples of transferable skills that may be relevant to social work:

• Project management
• Resourcefulness
• Adaptability

Be sure to provide concrete examples of how you’ve applied these skills in your previous roles or experiences.

Examples of Top Skills in Social Work

Finally, here are some of the top skills that are highly valued in the social work industry:

Compassion: Social workers need to be caring, empathetic, and compassionate individuals who understand and respond to the needs of their clients.

Social perceptiveness: Understanding social cues, nonverbal communications, cultural differences, and other societal factors is essential to building rapport with clients.

Interviewing skills: Interviewing is a key part of a social worker’s job. Effective communication is crucial when gathering information from clients, interpreting it, and taking action accordingly.

Crisis management: Social workers may confront emergencies, and understanding techniques for addressing stressful or dangerous situations is critical to their success in helping their clients.

Advocacy: Social workers are often involved in advocating for their clients’ welfare, and they need to be skilled at communicating with others to ensure their clients’ needs are met.

Keep these skills in mind as you craft your resume and be sure to highlight any relevant skills and experiences you have that demonstrate your ability to apply them in your work. Remember that showcasing your skills is the best way to stand out from the competition and secure your dream job in social work.

Highlighting Volunteer Work

When it comes to creating a standout social work resume, highlighting volunteer work can be a powerful strategy. Including relevant volunteer experience can not only demonstrate your dedication to service but also highlight transferable skills that can make you a strong candidate for a social work position.

Types of volunteer work to include

When deciding what volunteer experience to include on your resume, consider the following:

• Relevance:  Choose volunteer work that is relevant to the social work field or the specific job you are applying for. This could include volunteering at a homeless shelter, community health clinic, or school counseling office, among other options.
• Duration:  Longer-term volunteer commitments can indicate a greater level of dedication and skill-building. Look for experiences that lasted several months or even years to showcase your commitment to service.
• Leadership:  If you held a leadership role in your volunteer work, be sure to mention this on your resume. This could include serving as a team lead, coordinator, or board member for a nonprofit organization.

Including volunteer work that meets these criteria can demonstrate valuable qualities and skills to potential employers.

How to highlight transferable skills through volunteer work

Volunteer work can provide an excellent opportunity to gain transferable skills that are relevant to social work positions. Here are some tips for highlighting these skills on your resume:

• Emphasize communication:  Volunteer work often involves interacting with diverse populations, communicating effectively, and collaborating with others. Use your volunteer experiences to highlight your communication skills, such as active listening, conflict resolution, and relationship-building.
• Showcase problem-solving:  Social work requires strong problem-solving skills, and volunteer work can provide opportunities to develop these skills. Highlight experiences where you had to navigate complex challenges, brainstorm solutions, and implement effective strategies.
• Demonstrate empathy and compassion:  Volunteer work often involves working with marginalized or vulnerable communities, providing an opportunity to develop empathy and compassion. Showcase experiences where you were able to demonstrate these qualities, such as providing emotional support to those in need.
• Highlight organizational skills:  Volunteer work can also involve managing events, coordinating schedules, and handling administrative tasks. Highlight experiences where you demonstrated strong organizational skills, such as managing budgets, coordinating volunteers, or overseeing initiatives.

By highlighting transferable skills gained through volunteer work, you can demonstrate your versatility, adaptability, and potential to succeed in a social work role.

Including relevant volunteer work on your social work resume can showcase your commitment to service while also highlighting valuable transferable skills. Use your volunteer experiences to demonstrate key qualities and skills such as communication, problem-solving, empathy, and organizational skills to help stand out as a strong candidate.

Professional Memberships and Awards

When it comes to social work, highlighting your professional memberships and awards can make a huge difference in your job search. Not only do they demonstrate your commitment to the field, but they can also showcase your achievements and expertise.

List of Relevant Professional Memberships

Listing your professional memberships on your resume can show that you are actively involved in the social work community and dedicated to staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. Some examples of relevant professional memberships include:

• National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
• American Public Health Association (APHA)
• Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR)
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Be sure to include the name of the organization, your status (member or board member), and the duration of your membership.

How to Highlight Awards and Achievements

When highlighting your awards and achievements on your resume, it’s important to quantify them as much as possible. For example, instead of simply listing “Received award for outstanding performance,” try including specific details such as “Received 2019 NASW Award for Outstanding Performance in Child Welfare for reducing foster care placements by 50% through implementation of evidence-based interventions.”

Here are some tips for highlighting your awards and achievements:

• Use bullet points to make them stand out
• Quantify as much as possible (numbers, percentages, dollar amounts, etc.)
• Include the name of the award and the date it was received
• Explain what specifically you did to earn the award or achievement

Examples of Top-Achieving Social Workers

Jane Smith: Received the 2020 APHA Social Work Section Award for Excellence in Advocacy for her work in promoting policy changes to improve access to mental health services in underserved communities. She is also a board member of the NASW and holds a certification in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy.

John Doe: Received the 2018 SSWR Outstanding Dissertation Award for his research on the effectiveness of school-based mental health services for children with behavioral disorders. He is actively involved in the CSWE and is a member of several committees focused on advancing social work education.

Maria Hernandez: As the director of a non-profit organization serving homeless youth, Maria received the 2019 NASW Public Citizen of the Year Award for her tireless efforts to raise awareness and prevent youth homelessness. She is a member of the APHA and frequently speaks at conferences on the topic of youth homelessness.

These examples demonstrate the value of highlighting professional memberships and awards on your social work resume. They not only showcase your accomplishments but also your dedication to the field and your ongoing commitment to learning and improving.

Writing a Cover Letter

A cover letter is a crucial document that accompanies your resume in a job application. The cover letter provides an opportunity for you to introduce yourself and demonstrate your interest in the position. It also allows you to highlight how your qualifications align with the requirements of the job. A well-written cover letter can set you apart from other candidates and increase your chances of getting hired. Here are steps to write an effective cover letter:

Steps to write an effective cover letter:

1. research the company and the job position.

Before writing your cover letter, research the company and the job position. Understand the company culture, values, and goals. Analyze the job posting and identify the skills and qualifications required for the job.

2. Start with a strong opening

Begin your cover letter with a strong and attention-grabbing opening. You can start with an interesting fact about the company or highlight a specific achievement that caught your attention.

3. Customize your letter

Customize your letter based on the job position and the company. Use the information gathered during your research to tailor your letter to the specific company and job posting. Address the letter to the hiring manager if possible.

4. Highlight your skills and qualifications

In the body of your letter, highlight your skills, qualifications, and experiences. Explain how they align with the requirements of the job. Use specific examples to illustrate your abilities.

5. Show enthusiasm

Conclude your letter with a positive note. Express your enthusiasm for the job and your interest in working for the company. Provide your contact information and let the hiring manager know that you are looking forward to hearing from them.

Tips for tailoring cover letters to specific job postings:

1. use keywords.

Use specific keywords from the job posting in your cover letter. This shows that you have read and understood the requirements of the job. It also helps your letter pass through automated screening systems.

2. Address the job requirements

Address the job requirements in your letter. Explain how your skills and experiences match the qualifications required for the job. Provide specific examples to support your claims.

3. Research the company

Research the company and its culture. Show that you understand the company’s goals and values. Discuss how your values align with those of the company.

4. Keep it concise

Keep your letter brief and to the point. Do not exceed one page. Use simple and easy-to-understand language.

5. Proofread

Proofread your letter carefully. Check for spelling and grammar errors. Ask someone else to review your letter as well.

A well-crafted cover letter can make a significant difference in your job application. Make sure to follow the steps outlined above and tailor your letter to the specific job posting and company.

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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.

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Click here to directly go to the complete Social Resume Sample.

Is a good social work resume necessary?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of social workers will grow 12% from 2020 to 2030.

Although this is below the national average of 14%, it still means that there will be more than 78,300 new jobs created in the field. T

The BLS expects many social workers to retire during this time period, leaving a large number of new positions open. Jobs will be available in all areas of the industry and there should be good employment prospects for social workers with a range of experience and qualifications.

In this thriving job market, without a professionally written resume, you don’t stand a shot at landing your dream job. So, in this blog, we will teach you the art of curating the perfect social work resume that will land you your dream job.

We have answered the following questions in this blog:

• Who is a social worker?
• How much money do social workers make?
• What is the correct format for the social worker resume?
• What sections should be included in a social work resume?
• How to write the social worker resume header section?
• How to create a professional summary for a social worker resume?
• How to add key skills section in the social worker resume?
• How to write the professional experience section of a social worker resume?
• What is the best way to add education experience in the social worker resume?
• How to add the certification section for the social worker resume?
• How to add the additional experience to the social worker resume?

Who is a Social Worker?

Social workers are those professionals who have devoted their life to the service of the ailing and the needy. They are often associated with NGOs, think tanks, and organizations that seek to bring about a momentum change in the lives of others and the community.

It is a profession that is marked with selflessness and genuine concern for the welfare of the people. For instance, they are often responsible for helping people cope with the problems that they are facing.

Individuals who are facing neglect, abuse, domestic violence, mental health, parental substance abuse, and a range of other issues are often helped by social workers who help them overcome these issues.

Social Work Salary Analysis: How much money do social workers make?

According to the figures quoted on various websites, social workers make an average of the below mentioned figures:

• Glassdoor : $37.4k – 69.7k per year
• Salary.com : $44.7k – 70.6k per year
• Payscale : $31.9k – 66.3k per year

Ideal Resume Format for your Social Work Resume

Every professional has different preferences when it comes to resume formats. For some, a chronological format is ideal, while others prefer a functional or combination format. Here are three common types of resumes you can use:

There are three types of resume formats:

• Reverse Chronological Resume Format
• Functional Resume Format
• Combination Resume Format

Reverse Chronological Resume

This type of resume highlights your work experience in reverse chronological order, from most recent to least recent. It gives an employer an overall view of your career history and helps them see how it all fits together. This type of resume is ideal for experienced professionals who want to highlight their most recent accomplishments first.

Functional Resume

This type of resume focuses on skills and accomplishments rather than dates and titles. It's helpful if you're changing careers or have gaps in your employment history because it allows you to focus on what matters most—your strengths—without having to explain why those gaps exist. However, this type of resume may not be appropriate if you don't have many years' worth of experience under your belt yet--or if you're trying to switch careers entirely!

Combination Resume

This type of resume combines both chronological and functional elements into one document so that an employer can understand both aspects at once

Also Read: What format to use in a resume in 2022? .

Why is the Reverse Chronological Resume Format best for you?

• The Reverse Chronological Format is universally acknowledged as the most preferred and ideal resume format.
• It approaches time from a reverse order i.e. from the most recent to the least recent.
• In this format style, your most recent work experience comes first followed by the second recent, and so on and so forth.

Your most recent work experience is your most relevant work experience, and by highlighting it first, this resume format sees to it that your social work resume is both relevant and meaningful.

Hiration Pro Tip : Use the Reverse Chronological Format to write a highly relevant, ATS-targeted social work resume to stand a better chance at getting the shortlist you deserve!

Social Work Resume Sections

You cannot write the ideal resume for social workers if you don’t know what to write in your resume in the first place!!

Here is a list of all the sections that you should mention in your social worker resume:

• Personal Information
• Profile Title
• Summary/Objective
• Professional Experience
• Certifications
• Additional Information/Volunteer Experience

Also Read: What are the different sections to add to a resume? .

Social Work Resume: Header

Like all the elements of your social work resume, your header is equally important. It gives your resume an individual identity and life of its very own.

This distinguishes your resume from all other resumes and protects it from getting mixed up.

Hiration Pro Tip : Don't write 'CV/Resume' on the top. Your full name should always feature as the resume header of your resume.

Here are some rules that you should follow to do justice to your resume header :

• Write your resume header on the extreme top of your social work resume
• Write your resume header in the font range of 16-20 font size
• Give a single space between your first name and last name
• If you have a middle name, the correct way to write it is mentioned in the next point:
• Write your first name, followed by a space, followed by the first initial of your middle name in capital letters, followed by a full stop, followed by a space, followed by your last name
• Example: If your name is Roseline Raymond Stark, write it on your resume header as Roseline R. Stark

Social Work Resume for Header

Also Read: How to write a perfect resume header in 2022?

Social Work Resume: Personal Information

The 3 important things that you should mention in the personal information section of your resume for social workers is mentioned below:

• Updated mobile number
• Professional email address

The personal information section of your social worker resume is the most basic element of your entire resume. It is easy to compose and does not demand a lot of your attention.

Hiration Pro Tip : Be extremely accurate when you fill the personal information section of your resume for social workers.

Updated Mobile Number

While composing your updated mobile number in the personal section of your social worker resume, there are certain standard rules that you should follow.

We have mentioned these rules below:

• Use your country’s ISD code as a prefix before your phone number
• Put a plus sign (+) before the ISD code
• Write your updated mobile number after the ISD code
• Eg: +1 65325 41981

E-mail Address

There are 2 types of people when it comes to writing email addresses.

• Person 1 : [email protected]
• Person 2 : [email protected]

You will observe that when you compare both the emails, person 1 has written his email more professionally as compared to person 2.

Person 2 has used childish nicknames as his email ID. This reflects unprofessionalism.

Our advice? Follow the email format followed by person 1.

Follow the guidelines below to impeccably write the location in your resume for social workers:

• In your resume, location means your current city of residence
• This should be written on the right most corner of your social worker resume
• You should never write your house address in your resume for social workers
• Do not mention the street name or locality name in your social work resume
• Write your city name and state name if you’re looking for a job in the same country
• Write your city name and country name if you’re looking for a job in another country

Also Read: How to compose the perfect personal information section?

Social Work Resume Sample for Personal Information

Social Work Resume: Profile Title

When you write your resume for social workers, there are some hard and fast rules that you should follow. We have mentioned them below:

• Your resume title should be written in the range of 14-16 font size
• It should be the second largest text in your resume after your resume header
• For example: If you are a social worker, your profile title should be written as “Social Worker” in 14-16 font size

Our below-mentioned social work resume example is the perfect example of what an ideal profile title should look like in your resume:

Social Work Resume: Key Skills

The key skills section is the second last section that you should compose when writing your resume for social workers. This is where your social worker resume skills should go.

This is the first section of your resume that the recruiter notices when he/she goes through your resume. So, in order to attract the attention of the recruiter, you need to perfect this section.

Mentioned below is a list of what you should to perfect this section of your resume:

• The key skills section endorses your social worker resume skills. This means that it is in this section that you should highlight your core skills as a professional
• To objectively single out your core skills, scan through your professional experience section to get a good sense of what your key performance areas are, and then list them down in the key skills section of your resume
• To attract the recruiter’s attention to this section, mark your key skills in bold
• To stand a good chance at getting shortlisted, analyze the keywords used by the recruiter in the job listing that he/she has posted and replicate them in the key skills section if it matches the roles & responsibilities that you have done in the past

Also Read: How to write the key skills section of a resume in 2022?

Social Worker Resume Sample for Key Skills

Social Work Resume Summary

Now, here comes the last section of your resume.

Mentioned below is a list of the things that you should do to curate the perfect resume for social work jobs:

• Ideally, you should write your social worker resume summary towards the end. By doing this, you will be able to quickly browse through your resume to pick out the best highlights and achievements of your professional life
• Identify the keywords that the recruiter has used in the job listing of your interest. After you have identified them, replicate them in your resume summary by drawing a connection between them and your past roles & responsibilities
• Do not write over 5 lines of social worker resume summary. If possible, try to stick to 3 lines
• Write a social worker resume summary if you have over 3 years of work experience
• Write a social worker resume objective if you have less than 3 years of work experience

Also Read: How to write a resume summary in 2022?

Social Work Resume Sample for Summary

Social Work Resume Objective

Mentioned below are the rules for writing a social worker resume objective :

• Write a social worker resume objective only if you have zero or less than 3 years of work experience
• As you have zero or very minimal work experience, your goal here is to sell your skills as convincingly as you can to the recruiter
• Emphasize any past internships and volunteer activities that you may have done. This will tell the recruiter that despite the lack of active work experience, you have the drive and the willingness that any good candidate should have
• Try to demonstrate through past experiences that you have the right skills that the recruiter is looking for in the applicant

Social Work Resume: Professional Experience

The professional experience section of your social work resume is the heart and soul of your resume. You have the best shot at striking gold with your dream job if you are able to impeccably manipulate this section to your advantage.

The professional section of your resume for social workers is ideal as it endorses your social worker resume skills.

This section covers the length & breadth of your social worker resume skills and leaves no stones unturned to communicate your skills as a professional.

This section is essential as it tells the recruiter where you worked, in what capacity you have worked, for how many years you have worked, and what skills you have cultivated over the years. Based on these parameters, a recruiter decides if you should get shortlisted or not.

Your job before you get the job is to ensure that you have done everything in your power to nail this section.

Here’s what you can do to accomplish this:

• Use the STAR format to structure your resume.
• Use points to communicate your roles & responsibilities.
• Use grouping & highlighting alongside points to maximize the impact of your resume.

STAR Format in your Social Work Resume

To professionally compose the work experience section of your social worker resume, use the STAR format.

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

For each project or responsibility, you have to mention:

• The situation you faced at a workplace.
• The task you were assigned.
• The action or the solution that you came up with.
• The result of your action in quantifiable figures.

The above points aka the STAR format establishes a cause-effect relationship.

By quantifying the results of your actions, you are able to express your achievements in figures. What this does is draw the recruiter’s attention to these figures and prolongs the amount of time a recruiter spends on assessing your resume.

This further helps in sustaining the recruiter’s interest which enhances your chances of a shortlist!

Framing Points in your Social Work Resume

To write an ideal social work resume, you need to nail the professional experience section.

To do this, your resume should be both readable and impactful.

To make your social work resume more readable, use points instead of paragraphs to talk about your roles & responsibilities.

Grouping & Highlighting in your Social Work Resume

Earlier, we have discussed that to write an impactful social worker resume, it needs to be both readable and effective/impactful.

Framing points takes care of the readability part while bucketing & bolding sees to it that your resume for social workers is impactful and effective.

Here are an example of work experience section of social work resume:

Vocational Training, Counseling & Referral Assistance Handled the intake and psycho-social assessments for 50+ patients on a weekly basis Administered referral assistance and individual counseling sessions to formerly homeless adults Provided vocational training to 200+ homeless adults to make them independent & employment-ready Coordinating Therapy Sessions & Welfare Programs Facilitated weekly therapy sessions to promote coping skills , emotional processing, and non-verbal expression Created programs to offer resources, training and rewards for healthy eating, exercise, and mindfulness practices

Also Read: How to write the work experience section of a resume in 2022?

Social Work Resume: Education

The education section of your resume for social workers should consist of the elements that we have mentioned below:

• School/university you have attended
• Courses you have pursued
• Location of your school/university
• Enrollment and graduation dates in month and year format

Take a look at our social work resume sample below to know what an ideal education section should look like:

Also Read: How to write the education section of a resume in 2022?

Social Work Resume: Certifications

The certifications section of your social work resume should include the elements that we have mentioned below:

• Name of the certification
• Name of the institution of affiliation
• Location of the certifying body
• Enrollment and completion date in month and year format

Arrange these points in the format that we have mentioned below:

{Name of certification} | {Affiliating Institution} | {Location} | {Date} (in month and year format)

List of Certifications for Social Worker

• Certification in Forensic Social Work
• Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)
• Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential
• Certified School Social Work Specialist
• Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish
• Certified Application Security Engineer - Java
• Functional Aging Specialty Certification
• Diplomate in Clinical Social Work
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Certified Master Forensic Social Worker
• Child Development Associate
• Certified Rehabilitation Counselor
• National Clinical Supervision Endorsement
• Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work
• Certified Emergency Manager
• Certified in Family and Consumer Sciences

Also Read: How to write the certification section on a resume in 2022?

Social Worker Resume: Additional Information Section

In addition to the essential sections, you can add some additional sections on the resume as well, if you have the space.

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer work is an excellent way to show that you are a team player and that you care about others. If you volunteer in your free time, it’s great to include this on your resume.

Also Read: How to add volunteer information on a resume in 2022?

Hobbies & Interests

If you have any hobbies or interests that are relevant to the position or industry, then it’s worth including them on your resume. For example, if you enjoy writing, then including it on your resume might help you get noticed by a potential employer.

Publications/Articles

If you have published articles in professional journals or newspapers then you can include this on your resume.

Social Work Sample Resume

Before we begin, take a look at our social work resume sample to know what an ideal social work resume should look like:

• Vocational Training
• Report Making
• Therapy Sessions
• Mental Health Assessments
• Case Studies
• Conducting Seminars
• Training & Mentoring
• Psycho-social Assessments
• Program Development
• Patient Education
• Developing Treatment Plans
• Record Keeping
• Child Care & Counseling
• Referral Assistance
• Handled the intake and psycho-social assessments for 50+ patients on a weekly basis
• Administered referral assistance and individual counseling sessions to formerly homeless adults
• Provided vocational training to 200+ homeless adults to make them independent & employment-ready
• Facilitated weekly therapy sessions to promote coping skills, emotional processing, and non-verbal expression
• Created programs to offer resources, training and rewards for healthy eating, exercise, and mindfulness practices
• Developed workable solutions and conducted seminars for 20+ bully victims with PTSD
• Educated families on community resources to address problems faced by their children in school
• Devised realistic treatment plans to improve care and well-being of 1000+ students in the school facility
• Organized mental health assessments in schools and home settings for children
• Maintained case history records and curated 100+ reports to track progress on a weekly basis
• Top 5 percentile of the class
• Top 10 percentile of the class

Key Takeaways

• Write the dates in month and year format across all sections in your resume for social workers
• Use reverse chronology order across all sections in your social worker resume
• Highlight your social worker resume skills in the key skills section of your resume
• Begin all the points in your work experience section with a power verb
• Write a social worker resume objective if you have worked for less than 3 years
• Write a social worker resume summary if you have worked for over 3 years
• Write the location in city/state format if you are applying for a job in the same country
• Write the location in city/country format if you are applying for a job in another country

We have reached the end of this blog

Go to Hiration resume builder and create a professional resume for yourself. Additionally, reach out to us at [email protected] and you can get 24/7 professional assistance with all your job & career-related queries.

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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:

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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: