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9 Social Worker Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

Social Worker Resume

• Social Worker Resumes by Experience
• Social Worker Resumes by Role

Writing Your Social Worker Resume

Social workers protect vulnerable populations, support families, and help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives, all within different settings.

Since social workers support numerous communities, work in various environments, and develop different scopes based on their licensure, creating your social worker resume  to target the right job for your career goals can be challenging. (It’s also why  social worker job descriptions  tend to be rather vague.)

We’ve analyzed hundreds of social worker resume samples from all populations, environments, settings, and licenses to  attract the attention of a hiring manager or recruiter so you can get more interviews in 2024 . We created nine resume samples to help you  build an eye-catching resume  and  check your resume  using AI-powered tips. 

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

• Make sure to mention the facility settings where you’ve worked, whether it’s a hospital, school, rehabilitation center, group home, or community facility, so hiring managers see your expertise.
• Social workers typically have high volumes of cases to manage, so you should highlight the number of cases you managed per day/week/month.
• If your case management included court documentation and appearance, be sure to discuss this in your social worker resume. 

Social Work Student Resume

• As a social worker, you’ll interact with people from all walks of life. List any experiences that exposed you to diverse backgrounds on your social work student resume to show that you’re prepared to work with complex clients.

Social Work Intern Resume

• An advanced degree in social work and volunteer involvement prove that you chose this career mindfully.

Entry-Level Social Worker Resume

• In your  resume skills section , include skills like “verbal communication,” “case assessment,” “and counseling” to reassure employers of your abilities.
• If you’ve participated in any internships, include those over other positions. The goal is always to include the most relevant experience if at all possible.
• Don’t discount any administrative or supportive tasks; hiring managers understand (and want to see) that everyone starts somewhere.  

Associate Social Worker Resume

• Consider including work-related projects, activities, or  hobbies on your resume  to demonstrate your abilities.
• Start strong with a  resume objective  that immediately shows the reader who you are as a professional.
• If you choose to use an objective, always tailor it to the specific role and  job description .

School Social Worker Resume

or downloand as PDF

• In your work experience bullets, mention your areas of expertise ( for example, ADHD, grief counseling, teenage pregnancy) to create a targeted  school social worker resume  that will gain a recruiter’s interest.
• Within the experience of your school social worker resume, be sure to focus on the programs you implemented or supported. This will support the statements made in your resume objective.

Clinical Social Worker Resume

• Be sure to discuss how your responsibilities and leadership abilities resulted in  positive changes  at your workplace.
• If you have a license designation, put it after your name in your contact header so recruiters can immediately see your expertise. 
• Your  resume summary  should list also the settings where you’ve worked or the clinical settings you want to target for your next clinical social worker role. 

Nursing Home Social Worker Resume

• Include the patient types you worked with, such as end-of-life/hospice or memory care patients, and mention how you demonstrated collaboration and communication in your work experience since those are vital skills for nursing home social workers.
• Highlight your experience educating patients and their families, as well as any community initiatives you implemented, to improve the nursing programs you supported.  
• Be sure to  check your resume  to ensure there aren’t any grammar, punctuation, or spelling errors so you can put your best foot forward. 

Medical Social Worker II Resume

• Only include three to four positions in your work experience, and focus on your expertise from the most recent ten years of jobs and training.
• If you can, keep your bullet points solely about achievements or responsibilities that benefited the company.
• It should be just two or three sentences long to keep it brief. Include the name of the company to which you’re applying, and finish strong with a closing sentence tying directly to the role you’re targeting.

Related resume guides

• Social work cover letter
• Medical Receptionist

A  well-formatted resume  is your first impression to potential employers, so formatting is your golden ticket to securing an interview. Hiring managers sift through countless applications daily, so readable and  comprehensive resumes  have the best chance of moving forward.

Present your achievements, competencies, and education in a logical way that responds to your prospective employer’s criteria. When  crafting your social worker resume , you must consider:

• Reverse-chronological, functional, or combination/hybrid formatting
• Contact information and header presentation

ATS and readability

Reverse-chronological format, functional format, and combination/hybrid format

There are several acceptable ways to present your professional experience like a narrative. Hiring managers accept the following  resume formats :

• The reverse-chronological format lists your employment experience, achievements, and education, beginning with the most recent.
• The functional format emphasizes your skills instead of your work experience. You place the most relevant achievements or skills near the top to highlight your abilities for the position you’re pursuing.
• A hybrid format blends the reverse-chronological and functional approaches. If you’ve changed industries or have ample parallel experience, you should present the most recent relative aspect toward the top of your resume.

Within the social work industry, recruiters respond best to the reverse-chronological format because it highlights the evolution of your career through progressive acquisition of skills and professional development.

Contact info and header

Your social worker resume explains your qualifications and credentials for the job you’re seeking, but if recruiters don’t know how to contact you, nothing you write will matter. As a result, you need to write and format your contact header effectively. This section should include:

• Title of the position you’re applying for (taken directly from the job description)
• Your city and state

Notice the customized header that lists the job posting title below the name.

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are computer programs that filter out low-quality, irrelevant, and unreadable resumes. However, they’re not infallible. Sometimes they toss out relevant resumes based on a lack of keywords. Adhering to a few simple conventions, which our  resume builder  helps with, will ensure you pass the inevitable ATS filter. 

Beat the ATS with a few simple tips.

• Fonts and font sizes: ATS systems need to be able to scan your resume easily, so keep fonts simple and sizes consistent.
• Header: Adding headers makes your resume easier for the ATS to read.
• Save your resume in multiple formats and confirm that each version looks correct.
• Names: Your name must appear prominently with the associated contact info to make it beyond the ATS.
• Skills: the ATS scans for keywords, so you need to carefully read the job description to include the right terminology.
• Logical Order: A reverse-chronological order is the easiest for the ATS to scan; other formats may be misread.
• Length: Typically, the ATS will toss any resume that’s longer than one page.

How to write your social worker resume

Social workers require licensure, soft skills, and clinical abilities to perform their jobs effectively. Presenting that breadth of experience in an easy-to-read and tight  resume format  can be challenging.

Luckily, you’re familiar with tricky situations. So, assess your experience and determine your desired job competencies to help you write an effective resume.

Consider the following aspects of your social worker resume:

• A resume objective or summary

Work experience

Crafting your bullet points.

• Quantifying your impact with numbers and statistics
• Top social worker skills

Education, licenses, and specialized training

• Adding projects, interests, or hobbies
• Customizing your resume each job
• Eliminating errors

When to include a resume objective or summary in your social worker resume

Resume objectives  and  resume summaries  are optional, but they can be an eye-catching aspect of your social worker resume. If used effectively, they can be a deal-breaker that grants you an interview.

They should sell your value to the company within two to three sentences. This is the first section of the resume, so it must be compelling and informative to justify its inclusion.

• Above all, your objective should convey how your skills and abilities align with your prospective employer’s mission.
• “I hope to obtain a position to grow and utilize my education. I want to leverage my skills to help clients.”
• This objective is generalized, which isn’t helpful to any employer.
• Instead, tailor your objective to each job to which you apply.
• It should highlight your abilities and show off your specializations to prove you can make the next step in your career.
• “My current and former positions have enabled me to grow as a clinician and widen my knowledge base. I have progressive experience that qualifies me to supervise.”
• This summary is bland and provides no insight into the applicant’s experience or details about their qualifications.
• “LCSW-R with 10+ years of experience working with homeless populations, seeking opportunity with Seek and Save. I designed a job skills program to help clients develop interview skills. It helped 1,200 individuals obtain entry-level employment.”
• This summary highlights the applicant’s licensure and depth of experience, while noting a quantifiable achievement and mentioning the targeted employer by name.

Employers will notice you’ve taken the time to mention their company by name, as seen here.

You should be comprehensive, but use space wisely. Generally speaking, focus on recent jobs relative to the work you’re seeking: limit your positions to the last two to four jobs you’ve held. This provides enough space to give substantive details about your accomplishments.

Each bullet point in your social worker resume tells the story of your experience and qualifications. To make sure your bullet points are effective and easy-to-read,  choose active verbs  that are specific to social work,  use a consistent tense , and  use sentence fragments  without ending punctuation. 

Examples of bullet points include:

• This uses a generic verb and provides no detailed insight into the client population.
• There is no information to describe the scope or extent of this achievement.
• This fails to highlight particular clinical skills or describe the client population.
• This specifies exactly what the applicant did and the community they served.
• This highlights specific skills applicable to social work and quantifies their volume.
• This highlights a soft skill with an active verb and specifies the nature of the work.

Quantify your impact with numbers and statistics

Recruiters value statistics because they’re tangible proof of your performance and accomplishments. However, quantifying results in social work is difficult, and it doesn’t always reflect the humanistic nature of the practice. So, include metrics and statistics when you can, but don’t stress about including them in every bullet point. A good rule of thumb is to have 60 percent of your bullet points include metrics.

• Saw 25 clients weekly for CBT and check-ins
• Designed and implemented a revised onboarding system for new client intake with file integration in 6 weeks
•   Completed and submitted necessary documentation tracking for patient reimbursement at a 100% conversion rate

Top social worker skills to mention

Social work positions require very specific skill sets, like particular diagnoses, treatment methods, and clinical theories. Review the job description carefully to see what skills they need for the position and thus, what you should include on your resume. Use these terms throughout your social worker resume (when they’re applicable) to catch the eye of any recruiter.

Top social work skills in 2024 include:

• Soft skills: Empathy, active listening, collaboration, critical thinking
• Clinical positions: CBT, evidence-based practice, intake, assessment, treatment planning, discharge
• Management/Oversight positions: Program development, community organizing, budgeting, compliance, supervision

Here’s a solid list of additional soft skills you might include:

Listing your education reverse-chronologically is the best way for recruiters to see your most recent level of experience. Depending on your highest level of education, the section will descend from Ph.D. to MSW to BSW.

Be sure to list any licensures, continuing education certifications, or specialized training, either in the education section or in a separate licenses/certifications section.

If you still need licensure, there are an array of licenses available to those entering the social work field. While license requirements vary by state, most require a bachelo’rs degree. Candidates can earn certifications as a licensed social worker (LSW), a licensed independent social worker (LISW), a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), or a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) in most states.

Each level requires more education and training, with the LSW being the least demanding and LICSWs being the most stringent and intensive.

Notice the easy-to-read reverse-chronological style highlighting an evolving education.

Should you add projects, interests, or hobbies?

You should omit these optional sections unless you are a recent graduate or applying for an entry-level position. These sections provide color to your resume, but they’re generally considered excessive for higher-level positions. Highlighting and quantifying your professional accomplishments is far more important to recruiters.

If you choose to include  hobbies on your resume , they should exhibit your suitability for the position. Social workers should also consider including relevant volunteer experience. If you’re applying for a school social work position, describing volunteer experience with a children’s literacy program would be more suitable than listing your participation in a food pantry.

Customize your resume to each job

Generic social worker resumes sent out for multiple jobs isn’t the way to go. Job postings are highly detailed and reflect the values and mission of their respective companies. As a result, you should tailor your resume directly to the open position.

Read job postings carefully to parse out the active verbs and terminology the recruiter will expect to see. You should  check your social worker resume  to ensure it mirrors their language and speaks directly to the company you wish to join.

Eliminate errors

Typos and grammatical errors can grab attention  as much as an excellent objective statement or well-crafted bullet points. Always double-check your resume for grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors.

Ask relatives, friends, or classmates to review your social worker resume for misspellings, awkward phrasing, and punctuation errors. 

Go land your next job!

A resume that addresses your potential employer’s desired skills is your best chance to land an interview for your new social work position. While  crafting your social worker resume , be sure to:

• Strive for a logical and readable format that appeals to both recruiters and ATS
• Communicate your skills and achievements by highlighting how they directly relate to your desired position
• Quantify your performance whenever possible to show measurable achievements
• Customize your resume for each position to assure employers you are passionate about their business

When you’re ready to submit your resume to potential employers, it’s time to start learning how to write a resignation letter to plan a smooth exit from your current role and launch into your dream job.

Resume Guide for Social Workers

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

How to Write a Social Work Resume

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

Types of Resumes for Social Workers

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

Reverse-Chronological

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

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

Combination

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

Required vs. Preferred Qualifications

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

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

What Should I Include on a Social Work Resume?

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

Education and Training

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

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

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

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

Licensure and Certifications

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

Awards, Accomplishments, and Affiliations

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

Volunteer Work

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

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

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

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

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

What Is a Resume-Reading Robot?

What is ats.

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

Tips for Outsmarting an ATS

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

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

Resume Writing Tips for Social Workers

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

Tailor Your Resume

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

Save Your Resume Under a Professional Name

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

Make it Easy to Read

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

Include a Cover Letter

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

Keep it to One Page

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

Common Mistakes Social Workers Make on Their Resumes

Use this checklist to help eliminate resume errors.

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

Including Personal Information

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

Including Salary Information

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

Using Nicknames

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

Using an Unprofessional Email Address

A professional email address includes your first and last name.

First-Person Pronouns

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

Unprofessional Voicemail

A professional voicemail message is critical when employers contact you.

Social Work Resume Samples

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

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

Take the next step toward your future in social work.

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Online MSW Degree Program

How to Write a Great Social Work Resume

Originally published July 17, 2018 and updated April 10, 2023

There are many factors to consider when putting together application materials for a graduate program. From transcripts to test scores, it can be a monumental task to ensure that you have all of the materials you need to best present yourself to an application review committee. Amid all these materials, the resume can sometimes be overlooked or receive less scrutiny. 

For Florida State University College of Social Work’s online Master of Social Work (MSW) program , the resume component of the application bears substantial importance, as the review committee considers this document to be a good indicator of whether applicants will thrive in the program. For example, while describing your social work or volunteer experience is essential, experience beyond the field of social work is just as important to include. A great social work resume can highlight your background and stress your preparation for a graduate degree in social work.

Three Tips for Writing a Social Work Resume

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the hundreds of thousands of templates out there, contradictory LinkedIn posts, and all the other noise you come across in your day-to-day life. The good news is that we have been receiving social work resumes for years now and we can tell you exactly what makes a candidate stand out. 

Boiling down your skills and experience to a sheet of paper requires organization, personalization, diligent editing, and thoughtful audience consideration. Seeking work and seeking admission into a graduate program will require different social work resume objectives, but the ultimate goal is the same: to show the reader who you are and why you deserve a seat at the table.

Be Organized

The best rule of thumb for any resume is to ensure that the information you include is well organized in a logical format. Most resumes lead off with a professional objective and a list of educational credentials. The most common structures for the resume are chronological, which highlights your accomplishments in the order you achieved them, or functional, which stresses your abilities in different professional aspects and how you acquired them. Either format — and even a blend of the two — can work well, but it is best to keep the various elements clearly delineated. 

You can separate elements with bold headers, for instance, or use bullet points to help visually categorize your achievements to keep your document both organized and visually appealing. Regardless of format choice, be sure to consistently include dates of all experiences included.

Perhaps most importantly, you should ensure your resume tells your story. You can, for example, use an objective statement at the opening of your resume to include a brief sentence or two on what you personally hope to achieve in Florida State University’s online MSW degree program. You should also consider including experiences beyond the field of social work that highlight your unique abilities. The application review committee hopes that each incoming class includes a dynamic student body coming from diverse backgrounds, so any relevant skills you can showcase — even if they were acquired in divergent fields — can be beneficial to include.

Edit Well and Check for Accuracy 

Once you have composed these elements in a well-designed and -organized reflection of who you are personally and professionally, the final step is to edit. You should make sure to double-check for spelling, grammar, and tense errors throughout your resume. The review committee will look for accuracy in content and form, as accuracy is an important quality in social work. In other words, you should edit your resume as if it is a writing sample you are adding to your application and be vigilant for even the smallest of mistakes. 

Having a mentor or friend review your social work resume is highly recommended. Over time, you will also want to update your resume to ensure that it offers a current and accurate survey of your social work experience. It is wise to review your past listings for any inconsistencies with date or location so that the application review committee has the most up-to-date information on your academic and professional history. If you choose to include references in your resume, make sure to keep their contact information current as well.

How to Write Social Work Resume Objectives

In considering your path to social work, staying grounded in your personal goals is important. Social work is a vast field, and there are many social worker careers you can explore after earning a master’s degree. You want to tailor your resume to the program, but ultimately, you should be seeking a program that is truly suited to you. The objectives you choose to present allow you to articulate your priorities for this next step in your education — while also making it more likely that any program you are accepted to is a genuine match. Great social work resume objectives will likely revolve around these three action verbs: “contribute,” “provide,” and “advocate.” 

Outlining how you will contribute to the social work field is always a good start. The career objectives at the top of your resume are the opportunity to outline where exactly you want to contribute followed by how you will do it. You should also consider the purpose of your resume objectives . Hint: This is when you share more about yourself, your passions, and your specific skills. Maybe you are a psychology major and you are planning to contribute by utilizing insights from the research you conducted as an undergrad. 

Each objective should outline what you want to do and how you will do it. Universities want to bring in students who plan to make a genuine impact, and this is your opportunity to outline what impact you hope to make in the field. 

As mentioned, this is your opportunity to share what you can bring to the table. Even if you do not have wholly sharpened expertise, the purpose of this program is to properly prepare you to acquire a specific skill set. You can consider what the program teaches and how that will set you up to provide specific services , knowledge, and skills in your work as a licensed social worker . Some examples are counseling, guidance, or strategy. Again, consider who you are, the program’s offerings, and your previous experience, and with all of this in mind, craft what you, specifically, want to provide. 

In zooming out and defining social work in the broadest sense, it is a career that aims to help people. Social workers can advocate for specific groups as a whole by working for policy changes, or on an individual level, such as in family settings. Use the action verb “advocate” to share the direction you gravitate toward. 

Do you want to learn skills and strategies that will set you up for success in influencing an audience of lawmakers? Are you more interested in speaking for a child’s interests in court? Maybe both? Either way, an objective that emphasizes advocacy will help you clarify both your interests and the way you plan to make an impact.

Build Your Credentials and Connections

Though developing your social work resume can take some hard work, you can craft an expert resume for the field of social work by incorporating these suggestions and by distilling what is most important in your background that showcases your abilities and your potential into one compelling document. Florida State University’s online MSW program aims to cultivate leaders who are prepared for a variety of social worker careers but getting to know each student is valuable as well. 

The resume can be a crucial tool for the admissions committee to get to know you and envision how you might benefit from and contribute to the next incoming class. Explore how you can make a good impression with your resume and advance your social work career with FSU.

Recommended Readings

• Social Work Careers
• MSW Degree Program: What Should I Expect?
• Social Work Professional Development: What’s the Value For My Career?

• CV Examples
• CV Templates
• Cover Letter
• Job Interview

Social worker CV Example [2024 Guide & Tips]

Are you looking to write your perfect social worker CV ? Social work is a profoundly impactful field, focused on helping individuals and communities navigate through various social challenges and improve their quality of life.

Crafting a well-structured CV is vital in showcasing your qualifications, experience and achievements. Your CV is your initial opportunity to make a strong impression on potential employers so it has to highlight your dedication to making a difference in people’s lives.

In this article, we’ll provide you with a complete step-by-step guide, valuable tips and real-world examples to assist you in creating a compelling CV and securing more job interviews.

Let’s get started!

• Social worker CV example
• Download CV template (Word format)

How to format your CV

• How to write a perfect CV (a step-by-step guide)
• Personal profile statement example
• Duties to add to your CV
• Useful skills to add to your CV
• Tips on making your CV more effective

Maria Smith

I am an experienced, mature, and caring Graduate Social Worker with a firm commitment to social care. My experience is rooted in a rock-solid background of working with young and vulnerable people from all backgrounds and differing life circumstances. I have dealt with social work in both the public and private sectors, and am adaptable to any situation which comes before me. I am comfortable in both solitary and group situations, and have excellent communication skills which are useful in times of contact with external organisations. I also have excellent observational and listening skills which are highly effective when interacting with vulnerable people, as does my extensive training in “Working with Young People and Families”.

• Local Social Worker of the Year Award (Southampton, 2013)
• Graduated with a First Class degree in Sociology & Public Policy

Relevant Modules:

• Understanding Cultural Diversity
• Exploring Disabilities in Western Societies
• The Family as an Agency
• Understanding Social Issues and Social Policy
• Community Justice and the Police
• Understanding Social Inclusion and Social Policy

Main duties performed:

• Working in partnership with external organisations such as the local hospital, schools and GP surgeries to cross-check and discuss any people of concern who may need monitoring and/or extra supervision from Social Services
• Performing routine home visitations in the local communities, particularly to families with vulnerable young children, to ensure the care provided is sufficient and meets Health and Safety standards
• Help plan and facilitate discharges
• Documenting the progress of the families under my supervision and regularly updating my superiors on any changes which may call for action
• Contributing to multidisciplinary team meetings
• Handling referrals to counselling
• Working with families in crisis situations
• Working with children in care who need foster parents or homes for adoption.
• Working with the care home staff to increase the chances of the children in their care to get fostered or adopted
• Regular home visitations and scheduled appointments
• Working with the local council and other authorities such as schools and General Practitioners to monitor any people who were in difficult situations
• Reaching out to the local area to raise awareness of issues such as domestic violence and child abuse, through carefully constructed community campaigns
• Working in conjunction with the local city council to provide support and advice to families in financial, social or emotional difficulties.
• Home visits and routine check-ups on vulnerable people in the local community
• Offering support and advice in a professional and considerate manner
• Physically helping vulnerable people in their daily routines and activities
• Providing mental comfort and companionship for vulnerable people
• Keeping the progress and changing circumstances of the people in my care documented physically and electronically, with habitual overviews.

Attended various workshops such as:

• Supporting Parents-Supporting Children (2012)
• Equality and Justice Training (2012)
• Disabilities and Mental Health Training (2011)
• Keen observational and listening skills, which are vital during my regular home visitations and conversations with vulnerable people
• Excellent interpersonal skills, which are called upon frequently during liaisons with other authorities to discuss cases of interest/concern
• Natural ability to bond with young and vulnerable people, which builds a relationship of trust and disclosure
• A logical and analytical mind which harmonises with the demands of my profession (e.g. objectivity, professionalism)
• The ability to be friendly and approachable while also maintaining an investigative attitude.

My interests are rooted in the world of social care; I volunteer in the local youth club on irregular weekends to spend time with the children in my community – many of whom I am familiar with from home visits. When I’m not working, I enjoy going out on days out with my family and having fun with friends. I am also a passionate reader, and I look forward to writing a book one day in the future.

What makes this CV good and effective?

• This CV is well presented, follows a conventional format, contains only relevant information and does a great job of introducing the candidate as a strong contester for the role of a social worker.
• The personal profile statement is effective because it clearly outlines the individual’s experience, adaptability, and commitment to social care, which are all crucial qualities for a social worker. The profile also highlights the individual’s strong communication, observational and listening skills, as well as their specific training in working with young people and families.
• The candidate has incorporated relevant keywords from the job description to increase their CV’s visibility to applicant tracking systems (ATS).
• The CV is achievement-focused and everything is backed up with real-life examples, facts and figures.
• The employment section comprehensively outlines the candidate’s work experience, showcasing their extensive knowledge and experience in social care.
• The skills listed closely match the skills required for the job.

Download CV template

• Save time and effort
• Guaranteed correct CV structure
• Word document (.docx) format
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How to save your CV as a PDF document:

• Click on File > Save As > Select “PDF” from the drop-down menu.
• Utilise a Clean and Professional Layout: Begin by choosing a clean, professional template that is easy to read. Use clear headings and consistent formatting throughout your CV.
• Craft a Compelling Profile Statement: Start your CV with a powerful, concise profile statement that encapsulates your skills, experience and passion for social work. For example, “Dedicated social worker with 5+ years of experience in child welfare and a commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children.”
• Use Bullet Points for Clarity: Employ bullet points to make your CV scannable and easy to navigate, especially when listing your responsibilities and achievements in each role.
• Keep it Concise: Limit your CV to two A4 pages, focusing on the most relevant and impactful information. Omit any irrelevant personal details and outdated information.
• Make it Visually Appealing: Use minimal design elements like bold headings, columns and bullet points to enhance visual appeal while keeping the focus on content.

How to write a Social worker CV (a step-by-step guide)

Personal details.

Your CV’s personal details section is where you provide essential information about yourself. It should contain your full name, phone number, email address and home address. You may also include a link to your LinkedIn profile and portfolio website (if you have one).

• Sophie Brown
• 14 Almond Street, Birmingham, B3 1PJ
• Mob: 07890 987 654       Email: [email protected]

Personal profile

Think of the personal profile as your professional “elevator pitch.” It’s crucial because it’s your first opportunity to grab the employer’s attention. In this section, you’ll briefly mention your personal characteristics, skills and experiences. This helps the employer quickly understand who you are and what makes you a strong candidate for the job.

Social worker personal profile example:

As an experienced social worker, I have devoted over a decade to improving the lives of at-risk children, consistently achieving positive outcomes. My expertise in family counselling has led to reuniting numerous families through effective intervention strategies. I am dedicated to providing unwavering support to vulnerable populations, as evidenced by my successful management of a caseload of 30+ families, helping them overcome challenges and build brighter futures.

Achievements

The achievements section in your CV is where you list some of the impressive things you’ve achieved in your work or studies, such as awards, promotions and high grades.

• Promoted to Senior Social Worker within two years of joining the team.
• Trained and mentored junior social workers, improving their case management skills.
• Led a support group for at-risk youth in the community.

Employment and work experience

In the employment section of your CV, you should list your previous jobs and what you did in them. Start with your most recent job and work backwards. For each job, describe your main responsibilities and accomplishments, using action words to make it clear and compelling.

Main duties and responsibilities performed:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of children and families in need of support.
• Develop and implement personalised care plans in collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Provide therapeutic counselling to children and adolescents to address emotional and behavioural challenges.
• Manage a caseload of 30+ clients, ensuring their well-being and adherence to care plans.
• Facilitate support groups for parents to enhance their parenting skills and support networks.
• Participate in regular team meetings to review cases and share best practices.

Social worker duties to add to your CV

• Conducting comprehensive assessments of clients to identify their needs and challenges.
• Developing and implementing individualised care plans to address clients’ specific issues.
• Providing counselling and emotional support to young people dealing with various life challenges.
• Collaborating with other professionals, such as psychologists and medical staff, to coordinate comprehensive care.
• Offering crisis intervention and support during emergency situations.
• Conducting home visits to assess living conditions and safety for at-risk individuals.
• Assisting clients in accessing financial assistance, housing and healthcare services.
• Offering guidance and education on mental health, substance abuse and parenting skills.

Education and training

The education section of your CV should be written in reverse chronological order, meaning you start with your most recent qualification and work backwards. Include your university or school, the type of qualifications you obtained, like degrees, A-levels, GCSEs or diplomas, and the dates you attended or graduated. This section helps employers see your educational background and how well-qualified you are for the job.

Subjects studied:

• Social Work Practice
• Child and Family Welfare
• Ethics and Professionalism in Social Work
• Research Methods and Applications in Welfare and Care

Qualifications

In this section, you can list your professional qualifications and training, in addition to your formal education. Be sure to include the name of the qualification, the issuing institution or training provider, and the date of completion if applicable.

• Level 5 Diploma in Social Work – University of Social Sciences
• Safeguarding Children Training – National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
• Child Protection Training – NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
• Mental Health First Aid Certification – Mental Health First Aid England (2022)

The skills section of your CV is where you highlight the specific abilities and qualities that make you an effective social worker. It should contain a mix of technical skills, like case management and knowledge of relevant software, as well as soft skills, such as empathy, active listening and strong communication.

• Active Listening: Employed active listening techniques to establish rapport with clients and provide empathetic support.
• Crisis Intervention: Successfully de-escalated high-stress situations, ensuring the safety of clients and reducing emotional distress.
• Assessment and Evaluation: Conducted thorough client assessments, resulting in accurate needs analysis and tailored care plans.

Useful social work skills to add to your CV

• Providing Protection: Helping to protect vulnerable people from harm or abuse.
• Family Mediation: Facilitated constructive dialogues within families to resolve conflicts and improve family dynamics.
• Substance Abuse Counselling: Provided evidence-based counselling to individuals struggling with addiction, resulting in successful rehabilitation.
• Mental Health Assessment: Conducted comprehensive mental health assessments, leading to accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.
• Time Management: Managed a demanding caseload, consistently meeting deadlines and prioritizing critical cases.

Hobbies and interests (optional)

The hobbies and interests section of your CV is where you can show a bit of your personality and what you enjoy outside of work. It should contain activities or interests that reflect positively on you and can demonstrate skills or qualities relevant to social work, such as empathy, teamwork, or a commitment to helping others. For example, you might include hobbies like volunteering, participating in support groups, or being involved in community service, as they highlight your dedication to making a positive impact on people’s lives.

The references section of your CV is where you provide the names and contact information of people who can vouch for your qualifications and character. Referees can include current and former employers, teachers and supervisors. You must include their full names, job titles, the name of their organisation or institution, their phone number and email address.

Note: If you do not wish to disclose your references on your CV, you should write, “References are available upon request.”

Tips to make your CV more effective

• Tailor for the Role: Customise your CV for each job application by aligning your qualifications with the specific requirements of the role. For example, if the job emphasises child welfare, focus on your experiences and training in that area.
• Showcase Caseload Management: Demonstrate your ability to manage large caseloads effectively and maintain quality care for clients.
• Quantify Achievements: Use specific numbers and outcomes to highlight your impact. For instance, “Reduced case response time by 20%.”
• Action Verbs: Use action verbs like “implemented,” “advocated,” and “counselled” to describe your duties and accomplishments.

This is the end of our comprehensive guide on crafting the perfect social worker CV . By following the expert advice and studying the example provided, you now have the tools to create a standout CV that showcases your skills and experience and secure a job in this vital and rewarding job. Good luck with your job hunt!

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Social Worker CV Example

Cv guidance.

• CV Template
• How to Format
• Personal Statements
• Related CVs

CV Tips for Social Workers

• Highlight Your Qualifications and Specialization : Mention your degree in social work and any additional certifications or specializations, such as LCSW, LMSW, or a focus on child welfare or substance abuse counseling.
• Showcase Your Impact : Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact, such as "Implemented a new counseling approach that reduced school truancy rates by 20%" or "Advocated for policy changes that increased access to mental health services for low-income families".
• Customize Your CV to the Role : Tailor your CV to the job description, emphasizing relevant experiences and skills. If the role involves working with children, highlight your experience in child welfare or family services.
• Detail Your Knowledge of Relevant Laws and Policies : Show your understanding of laws and policies related to social work, such as child protection laws, mental health policies, or disability rights. This demonstrates your ability to navigate complex systems on behalf of your clients.
• Emphasize Soft Skills and Empathy : Social work requires a high degree of empathy, communication, and problem-solving skills. Provide examples of how you've used these skills to support your clients and achieve positive outcomes.

The Smarter, Faster Way to Write Your CV

• Directed a multidisciplinary team of 10 professionals in providing comprehensive social services to over 200 families, resulting in a 30% improvement in family stability and welfare.
• Implemented a new case management system that improved efficiency by 40%, enhancing the tracking and monitoring of client progress and outcomes.
• Developed and executed a community outreach program that connected over 500 individuals with necessary resources, reducing homelessness in the community by 15%.
• Managed a caseload of 50 high-risk adolescents, successfully reducing truancy rates by 20% and improving school performance through targeted interventions and support.
• Collaborated with local agencies to secure $100,000 in grant funding for a new mental health initiative, providing vital services to underserved populations.
• Conducted over 200 home visits annually, identifying and addressing potential risks and ensuring the safety and well-being of clients.
• Provided crisis intervention services to over 100 individuals, effectively deescalating situations and connecting clients with appropriate resources for ongoing support.
• Facilitated weekly group therapy sessions for 20+ clients, resulting in improved coping strategies and a 25% reduction in hospital readmissions.
• Developed and implemented a comprehensive case plan for each client, leading to a 30% increase in successful transitions to independent living.
• Leadership and Team Management
• Case Management
• Community Outreach
• Intervention Strategies
• Collaboration with Local Agencies
• Home Visit and Risk Assessment
• Crisis Intervention
• Group Therapy Facilitation
• Case Plan Development
• Resource Allocation and Grant Acquisition

Social Worker CV Template

• Collaborated with [teams/agencies] to [achieve result, e.g., reduce homelessness, improve child welfare], demonstrating strong [soft skill, e.g., teamwork, leadership].
• Managed [social work function, e.g., case management, group therapy sessions], optimizing [process or task, e.g., client intake, treatment planning] to enhance [outcome, e.g., client recovery, community engagement].
• Implemented [program or initiative, e.g., substance abuse prevention, mental health awareness campaign], resulting in [quantifiable benefit, e.g., 20% decrease in community substance abuse, improved mental health literacy].
• Played a pivotal role in [project or initiative, e.g., community outreach, crisis intervention], which led to [measurable impact, e.g., increased access to social services, reduction in crisis incidents].
• Conducted [type of assessment, e.g., needs assessment, risk evaluation], utilizing [assessment tools/methods] to inform [action plan/strategy, e.g., individual treatment plans, community development strategies].
• Instrumental in [task or responsibility, e.g., client advocacy, policy development], ensuring [standard or goal, e.g., client rights, social justice] in all [context, e.g., individual cases, community programs].
• Major: Name of Major
• Minor: Name of Minor

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PhD in Social Work Application Information

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Ready to take the next step toward becoming a social work scholar, educator and policy expert? 

Our PhD students are more than social work researchers; we're social justice scholars, educators and policy experts whose work responds to today's most pressing community needs.

Request Information

Applicant Requirements

To apply to the GSSW doctoral program, you must have  one  of the following:

• a master's degree conferred by a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
• a master's degree in one of the social sciences and demonstrated evidence of substantial professional experience in the social work field

In addition, you must have:

• a clear interest in developing advanced theory, policy and research skills in a substantive area relevant to the field of social work
• a superior academic record in all previous work
• the maturity, intellectual ability and readiness for advanced study

NOTE: the GRE is no longer required for admission into the PhD program. 

Two years of post-master's practice experience is strongly preferred, but not mandatory.

It is important to have proficiency in descriptive and inferential statistics. This knowledge is necessary for several of the required doctoral courses. An introductory course in statistical analysis and inference is available in the first quarter of study if needed.

PhD Application Deadlines

The application for the fall 2025 PhD in Social Work Program will be available in August 2024.

PhD Application Instructions

You may submit unofficial transcripts for an initial review of your application. If admitted, you must provide official transcripts from all institutions attended before GSSW orientation day.

Many schools issue transcripts electronically, either through their own web services or through vendors. If this option is available through the institutions you attended, request that your transcript(s) be sent to  [email protected] .

If your transcripts are being sent by mail, use the following address:

Office of Admission Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver 2148 South High Street Denver, CO 80208-7100

Include with your application a PDF of your resume that includes the following information:

• Name, mailing address and other current contact information
• Areas of special interest
• Education: institution(s), the dates you attended, your degrees (majors and minors). Begin with your most recent degree.
• Continuing Education: List the continuing education experience that you have.
• Paid Employment History: List your paid work experiences in chronological order, beginning with the most recent. For each position held, please provide the name of employer, location, beginning and ending dates, and a brief job description.
• Volunteer Experiences: List your volunteer social work or human services experiences in chronological order, beginning with the most recent. Please provide the name of each agency or organization, its location, beginning and ending dates, and a brief description of your responsibilities and activities.
• Honors and Awards: Identify any academic honors or awards that you received.
• Professional Affiliations/Licensure: List any professional associations of which you are a member and any advanced certification(s) you received.
• Research and Evaluation Experiences: List your research and evaluation experiences, including a description of your position, beginning and ending dates, and responsibilities.
• Teaching Experiences: List all courses you taught; include the course title, level, beginning and ending dates, a brief course description and the educational institution at which it was taught.
• Paper Presentations at Conferences: List the titles of papers you presented at national, state or other conferences over the last five years; include the date, conference sponsor and any co-authors or co-presenters.
• Publications: List publications on which you are listed as an author, including journal articles, books, book chapters, technical reports, magazine or newsletter articles, contract or grant applications and program manuals. Please follow the style guidelines in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (Sixth Edition).

You are required to submit three letters of recommendation, preferably from academic, research or professional supervisors/colleagues.

The PhD Admission Committee considers your Statement of Professional and Educational Intent to be a significant part of your application. Respond openly and honestly to each section. The average statement length is seven pages. Double space your statement and put your name in the upper right corner of each page. The statement must be written solely by you without the use of an editor.

Your statement should include the following elements:

• Discuss your qualifications and readiness for pursuing doctoral studies in social work.
• Describe the area(s) of knowledge around which you wish to concentrate your study and research.
• Explain the social justice importance of your area of interest. In other words, how do power, privilege and oppression contribute to dynamics in your area of interest?
• How does your personal, professional, or practice experience inform the area in which you plan to conduct research?
• Describe any cultural, economic, or social challenges and opportunities that influence your lens and perspective in research.
• Describe the professional or academic position you plan to pursue after your PhD and why you have chosen that career goal.
• Explain why you feel this program would be a good match for you.
• Identify any projects at GSSW, or at the University of Denver, in which you have an interest.
• Discuss any other factors you feel are important in our evaluation of your application.

You can submit your $65 nonrefundable application fee in the online application. The fee can be paid using any major credit card or check.

You must submit an online application to be considered for our PhD program. If you are interested in joining the fall 2023 PhD cohort, the application is available.

A completed online application includes:

International Student Application Requirements

We welcome applications from international students and value the diverse cultural perspectives you bring to our community.

If your native language is not English, you must demonstrate your English proficiency by attaching the materials listed below to your PhD application:

• TOEFL score of 95
• IELTS score of 8
• C1 Advanced score of 200
• Copy of passport
• Financial verification form  with a bank letter or other official verification showing how your tuition and living expenses will be financed.

Learn more about our international student community .

I attended the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work for my MSW because of its commitment to social justice in educating future social work practitioners. The rigorous curriculum, support of faculty and preparation for practice were the reasons I returned to complete my doctoral education. Darren Whitfield, MSW ’08, PhD ’16, Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and School of Medicine Read More

Social Work CV Examples and Templates for 2022

Start creating your CV in minutes by using our 21 customizable templates or view one of our handpicked Social Work examples.

Join over 260,000 professionals using our Social Work examples with VisualCV. Sign up to choose your template, import example content, and customize your content to stand out in your next job search.

How do I write a CV for social work?

To write a Social Work CV, follow these steps:

• Select the right social work CV template. Pick one that allows you to create a one page CV.
• On top of your CV, add your current job title, contact details and location.
• Next, write a short social work summary explaining your skills and past social work experience.
• List your social work experience in a reverse chronological order. Make sure to list your social work duties in relation to specific populations to help a hiring manager understand your work better.
• List your top skills under a skill section on your CV.
• Add any certifications you have to your CV.

How do I write social work experience on my CV?

Under your work experience section, add another entry for social work along with your job title and then list duties you performed in a bulleted list.

Social Work CV summary and profile

Ready to start with your Social Worker Curriculum Vitae? See our hand picked CV Examples above and view our live Social Worker CV Samples from our free CV builder .

Social Work CV Examples - Objective

Social work is the profession with concerns of individuals, families, groups, and communities in an effort to enhance social functioning and overall well-being.

There are two different objectives to a social work cv or social worker cv depending on the job you are applying to.

Firstly, social work is broken down into either micro-work jobs : Working directly with individuals, families or small groups and macro-work jobs : Working with communities, and within social policy, to create change on a larger scale. You will want to focus your cv on specific areas depending on the job you are applying for.

Micro-work cv objectives will be to show your experience and ability to produce change in individuals. This will mean you should focus on skills, experience, and training in areas such as listening, counseling, advisory, values, care, and psychology.

Macro-work cv objectives will be to show your experience and change on a large scale. This means you will focus on a different skill set which will be reading, writing, inspiring, public speaking, ethics, political frameworks and policy work.

Below we cover some more specific fields of social work and any tips for each type of cv.

Social Work CV Formats

• Social Work Assistant CV Tips

Social work assistants give advice, guidance, and support to help people with their physical, emotional and social needs.

When formatting your cv for this position you should always focus on how your unique experiences, training, and education can assist other people with their life or situation. It’s important to focus on not just education or qualification but your ability to work with others, your contributions to society (always include any aid, volunteer or aged care experience) and community support (group membership or extracurricular activities in the community).

• Social Work Academic CV Tips

Social work academics can be teachers, researchers, professors, or a combination of all three. More often than not positions in this field will require extensive qualifications, so when formatting your cv make sure to include all necessary qualifications and education. It’s important to note that you should adapt your cv for each position.

Teachers, for example, will require reading, writing and public speaking skills and most likely a degree in teaching and social studies. Research positions, on the other hand, will require more focus on reading, writing and research with masters level education or greater. A professor will most likely require both these skills and published work in the field.

It’s also important to include and focus on any aid, volunteer and community work you may do in your spare time as recruiters will be looking for a well-rounded candidate that cares about the community and others in general.

• Social Work Director CV Tips

As with any director position, social work directors are responsible for organizing a team of social workers or a large group of people involved in working with communities, minorities or other groups to create change on a larger scale. Generally, this position will require a master's degree in social work or similar and managerial experience.

Social work director cvs should be focused and formatted according to qualifications, education and managerial experience. As this position is responsible for managing people who effect change, a large focus of the cv should be on the size of teams managed and projects completed in other roles.

If you have ever held a leadership position in any situation be sure to include this on your cv. Any aid, volunteer, community participation, board positions or committee memberships should be included on your cv as these will be seen as beneficial to recruiters.

• Social Work Graduate CV Tips

Any graduate position should focus solely on qualifications and education, as you will likely not have much job experience in this position. Many recruiters will look to extracurricular, aid, community and volunteer experience to make the decision between similar applicants so make sure you spend plenty of time formatting this section.

Listing any reference to extra community involvement you can think of will help improve out your cv. Most recruiters will be looking for compassionate, well rounded members of the community for these positions so make sure your cv or resume reflects this.

• Social Work Intern CV Tips

Social work interns are temporary positions in a community, government or non-profit corporation whose work affects change in individuals, families or large groups. Social work interns have neither qualifications nor education, so it’s important to focus on your previous work history, community involvement, aid work, volunteer work and aged care.

Extracurricular activities and any team, group or community memberships should be listed on your cv as recruiters will mainly be looking for signs of your ability to help others. Secondary languages can also be a huge boost to your cv as your work may involve minority groups within your country.

Social Work CV Examples

Please find our Social Work CV Examples above. If you are after more examples we have a directory of over 200+ real CV examples sorted by position and title.

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Social worker CV example

When searching for social worker job, your CV acts as your first impression – so it’s vital to stand out, and attract recruiters’ attention.

A strong CV is a combination of a clear, professional structure and engaging content, emphasising your sector specific skills.

This comprehensive guide, containing a social worker CV example, will support you in producing your own eye-catching CV, assisting you in securing an interview.

Guide contents

• Structuring and formatting your CV
• Writing your CV profile
• Detailing work experience
• Your education
• Vital skills for a social worker CV

CV templates 

The above example of an experienced social worker CV, showcases this candidate’s career history and how they have progressed within their career.

This guide will take you through the process of creating a CV that enables recruiters to naturally flow through your experience and how to highlight your suitability for social work.

Social worker CV structure & format

A well-defined structure will pinpoint key elements of your industry specific skills and experience, demonstrating your relevancy to recruiters.

Keeping to a clear, concise and professional looking CV will facilitate ease of reading, compelling recruiters to read further into your experience.

The below infographic demonstrates how to correctly format your CV and what sections to include to construct a visually pleasing CV, that makes your experience stand out from the competition.

Formatting Tips

• Avoid over-complicating your CV with a busy and crowded design – and instead adopt a professional, basic and strong structure that is easy to navigate
• Bold headers, distinct sections and bullet points should be used to break up text – making it easy to read
• An ideal CV length is 2 sides of A4, allowing enough space to document your significance for social work without it becoming boring
• Avoid using imagery such as company logos or headshots that distract recruiters’ attention -keeping to a clear font and subdued colour pallet

Structuring your CV

Break up large blocks of information within your CV by using distinctive sections, enabling recruiters to easily navigate your experience and quickly identify your suitability for roles.

Work with the below structure when producing your CV:

• Contact details – Keep your contact details accessible, allowing recruiters to easily reach you
• Profile – Commence your CV will a succinct introductory paragraph, documenting your core skills , experience and qualifications, highlighting your relevancy to the social work industry
• Work experience / Career history – Working backwards through your career history
• Education – Detailing any courses or qualifications especially those imperative for social work
• Interests and hobbies – An additional section, that can be used to support your application

I will now walk you through what to include within each of these sections.

CV contact details

Ensure your contact details are easy to access, by keeping these to the top of your CV, this section should be comprised of essential information only.

• Phone number ( ideally a mobile number)
• Email address
• Location (the city you reside is sufficient)
• Provide a link to your LinkedIn profile if applicable

Avoid adding extra information such as your date of birth, marital status or profile pictures which waste space and don’t add any additional value to your CV.

Top Tip – stick to a professional email address, don’t use an old childish addresses before submitting your application.

Social work CV profile

Commence your CV with the most imperative information, starting with a short introductory paragraph that is comprised of your most relevant experience, qualifications or skills.

Give recruiters an insight into your sector specific experience, enticing them to read further into your CV.

Your profile should engage recruiters at the top of the page, like a blurb to a book documenting key elements of your experience.

Use these tips below when creating your profile:

• Research the social work sector before putting together your CV, making it custom fit and tailored to the industry
• Be unique in your descriptions, by using key words from your industry research, avoiding clichés or over-used statements such as “I am a team player” or “I am hardworking”
• Keep your profile concise, summarising your experience in 5-10 lines, you’ll be able to elaborate elsewhere in your CV

What to include in your CV profile?

• Previous companies worked for – Whether you work for a local council, a non-for-profit organisation or an outreach company for deprived families
• Level of your experience – Whether you are recently qualified, are experienced in your social work career or have management experience
• Qualifications – Record courses such as NVQs in Health and Social Care or degrees in social work
• Core social worker skills – Document any hard and soft skills required for social work such as compassion and awareness of legislation or policies

CV profile tip:  If you worry that your spelling and grammar might not be correct, try using our quick-and-easy CV Builder  to eliminate the risk of making mistakes.

Core skills section

Underneath your CV profile , portray your marketable skills in two or three columns of bullet points, allowing recruiters to spot your applicable strengths at first glance without having to dig through your CV.

Use your sector specific research to compile the list or use the vital skills section below for guidance.

Work experience/Career history

Document your career history in reverse chronological order, reserving more room for your most relevant or recent positions.

As you move backwards through your career history, look to provide only a brief overview in your role descriptions.

Structuring your roles

Provide a clear picture of your previous positions to recruiters, giving them an overview of the role you assumed and the impact you had within each position.

When compiling your role descriptions, stick to the below structure.

Give recruiters an insight into each of your positions including the role you undertook, the company you worked within and the department you were part of.

“Working as a social worker for a local council, supporting families creating individual care plans, promoting independent living and choice.”

Key responsibilities

Bullet point your main duties, including additional responsibilities taken on or project involvement.

• Reviewing and writing up assessments for each family under my care
• Making decisions or recommendations on support plans

Key achievements

Highlight the value you had within each position by documenting your  achievements , incorporating any relevant facts and figures.

• Organised a fundraising appeal that raised £25,000 for vulnerable families

Record any qualifications or courses acquired particularly those most pertinent to social work positions.

Add qualifications such as NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or degrees or HNDs in social work, consider adding further social work requirements such as being DBS checked.

If you’ve room look to add supplementary qualifications such as GCSE’s, A-levels, additional degrees and vocational qualifications.

Interests and hobbies

This is an optional section and should only be included if your hobbies and interests add further value to your CV, allowing you to boost your application – especially if you have limited work experience.

Reflect on hobbies that display soft skills required within the social work field such as compassion, people skills, empathy and active listening.

Hobbies such as animal care, supporting in children’s groups or volunteering for charitable cause can all display the qualities needed in the industry.

Essential skills for social worker CV

Incorporate sector specific skills within your CV, displaying your relevancy for social work positions including strengths such as:

Understanding of Policies – working in parallel to policies with in your field

Assessment – being knowledgeable about the different options available to patients and families

Intervention – recognising any potential problems and supporting with the evaluation of any support plans

Understanding social behaviours – an awareness of social study and how this potential affects patient and families behaviour

Research – gathering information to enhance your areas of expertise and supporting continual development in line with best practise

Writing your social work CV

Producing a CV that stands out from the competition is a mixture of a visually pleasing structure that emphasises your marketable skills and compelling content.

Stick to a professional layout , highlighting your relevancy for social work at first glance by pinpointing your vital industry skills.

Use this guide to create your own engaging CV that will help you land your dream career.

Best of luck in your next application!

• • 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.

Is your resume good enough?

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

The top sections on a social worker resume:

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

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

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

How to write your social worker resume experience

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

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

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

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

What doesn’t work in this example:

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

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

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

What works in this example:

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

How to quantify the impact on your resume

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

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

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

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

How do I write a social worker resume with no experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best hard skills for your social worker resume

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

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

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

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

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

Best soft skills for your social worker resume

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

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

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

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

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

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

Your education section should include :

• Name of institution
• Name of degree
• Years attended

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best certifications for your social worker resume

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

How to write your social worker resume summary or objective

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional sections for a social worker resume

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

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

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

Key takeaways for writing a great social worker resume

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

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

Social Worker resume examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking to build your own Social Worker resume?

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The Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How of a CV for Social Workers

by Jennifer Luna

Curriculum Vitae

by Jennifer Luna, MSSW

     Have you ever wondered when it would be appropriate to use a CV (curriculum vitae or vita) vs. a résumé? Although most social workers use a résumé to apply for jobs, there are many professional opportunities that arise for us in which a CV may be in order. As you grow in your career, a CV is the next logical step to demonstrate your expertise and knowledge.

    The main differences between a CV and a résumé are the audience, length, and format. A résumé is a brief summary of your knowledge, skills, and experience in one or two pages. A CV is a detailed document that can be several pages long and lists everything you have done throughout your career. The CV is intended as a career management tool, which records your career history, as opposed to a résumé, which is succinct and targeted.

    Each CV is a unique document. Although there are a few rules of thumb regarding the content of your CV, there are no set rules about the format, especially the order of things. Develop your vita purposefully by combining elements of content and format to effectively reflect your unique background and career goal.

Your CV’s Purpose and Audience

Applying to Doctoral Program or Academic Job Search

    For applying to a doctoral program or teaching position, it is important to first assess which type of university you are applying to, a teaching program or research-based program. List your previous experience in both of these areas, teaching and research. As you are describing teaching and research experience, use common themes to support your expertise by linking your research, teaching, publications, and presentations together. List the names of faculty and colleagues you have collaborated with and the context in which you worked together.  Demonstrate a clear research and teaching trajectory by expressing how you’ve sought to enhance your skills as you matriculated throughout your career or academic program.

    In the academic job market, a high-quality vita plays a critical role in helping you stand out as a strong candidate. As part of an academic job search, your vita is the first introduction to the hiring committee. Your vita must reflect the extent of your education, professional experience, and ability to acquire funding as it pertains to the position for which you are applying.

For Field Placement Supervisor/Instructor

    If applying for adjunct positions or as a field instructor, use your CV to emphasize your expertise in the field and in teaching. Highlight your field instructor experience in your teaching section. Also, highlight your service to the profession or university to demonstrate your commitment to the field of social work and social work education.

Applying for Funding

    If seeking funding, demonstrate your expertise in the areas you are seeking funding in and ability to conduct quality research or programming to meet the needs of the funder. With this in mind, don’t forget to emphasize grants, research, and publications to support your expertise. List the amounts of grants that have previously been funded and the type of grant (federal, state, foundation). This will give the reader a good idea of your expertise in securing additional funding for your projects.

Public Relations

    This type of CV may be used as an introduction to a conference planning committee, for a board or leadership position, or to emphasize your knowledge or experience in a specific field of practice. The primary purpose is to highlight your record of credibility and expertise to various audiences.  

General Guidelines

    Regardless of the purpose of your vita, follow these guidelines to make your CV well-designed, simple to navigate, and easy to read:

• Use 1-inch margins for a long CV and no less than .75-inch margins for a short version.
• Use Times New Roman font size 12 point for long vitae and no less than 10 point for a short version.
• Include your last name and page number on the upper right-hand corner of every page, except the first page.
• Be consistent with content, format, and punctuation for each entry.
• Use reverse chronological order, and make sure that titles, locations, and dates are listed in the same order for each entry.
• Use consistent formatting techniques, such as bolding or underlining (but not both at the same time), to highlight important pieces of information, including section titles. Use bold, italics, caps, and underline sparingly.  

Standard Section Headers

    Assemble standard headers in various orders depending on the purpose of your CV; be strategic and tailor the headings depending on the position. If you are applying to a teaching university, you may choose to list teaching interests before research, or if you are applying for funding, highlight grants that you have acquired. Use the following as guidelines.

Professional Heading

Research Interest

Teaching Interest

Research Experience

Teaching Experience

Publications

Presentations

Scholarships and Awards

Clinical/Practice Experience

University Service

Service to the Profession

Community Service

Professional Associations

Other credentials

For Field Placement Supervisor/Instructor    

Research Interest or Experience (if Applicable)

Area of Expertise or Professional Summary

Other credentials         

    Your education will always be the first section on your CV. List each degree in reverse chronological order along with the program title, institution, city, state, and year. If you are a current student, include your expected date of graduation. If you are a doctoral student or seeking a faculty position, include your dissertation title and committee chair.

Teaching Interests and Research Interests

    This section speaks directly to the immediate interests of the hiring committee and is most commonly used for academic positions or funding. Hiring committees will look at this section in terms of filling a specific need within their program and/or a good fit with the rest of the faculty.

    Use separate sections for each of these titles. For teaching interest, list every course area in which you have taught, assisted, and developed a knowledge base or have an interest. Don’t use course titles or numbers; rather, use language that parallels Council on Social Work Education accreditation standards. For the research interests, list these by subject areas. Both teaching and research interests should align with your education, experience, presentations, and scholarly work. If you list teaching interests and/or research interests, you should follow these sections with the experience that backs your interests up.

    List each teaching experience in reverse chronological order with the title of the position held (instructor, adjunct, teaching assistant, assistant instructor), the course title, the name of the institution, location, and date. If you were a teaching assistant, list the name of the professor.

    If you have taught several classes at the same university, only list the name of the university one time along with the location. Then list the course information as listed above.

    As you enter each teaching job, highlight the skills acquired by each experience, for example: “Developed new course on Social Work Ethics” or “Taught entry level social work course to 75 undergraduate students.” Do not duplicate tasks. For example, you would not want to list “Graded papers and exams” each time. When you duplicate tasks, it may appear that you are “padding” your CV. Remember, you want to demonstrate that you gained new skills with each experience.

    List each research experience in reverse chronological order with the title of the position held (research assistant, researcher, graduate research assistant, primary investigator, co-investigator), the title of the research project, the name of the institution, location, and date. If you were a research assistant or co-investigator, list the name and title of the researcher you worked for.

    Along with each research experience, highlight the skills acquired, for example: “Developed survey instrument for quantitative research study” or “Identified common themes in qualitative data analysis.” As you enter each research experience, demonstrate knowledge of data analysis tools, research methods, and ability to build collaborations and funding attached to each project. As with the teaching experience, do not duplicate tasks.

Practice or Clinical Experience

    This section is very similar to your résumé. Include the name of each organization, your title, city, state, and date for each experience, and list them in reverse chronological order. Begin each bullet with a verb and describe your principal tasks, skills, and accomplishments and knowledge areas.

    If you held multiple positions at a single agency, only list the agency name once, with position titles and dates next to it. If you were promoted, create a bullet statement indicating “Promoted from case manager to clinical director within 1 year.” You may also list field placements and internships in this section, along with the word “intern” in the title.

    This section can include a wide array of printed and written materials, including op-eds, journal articles, technical or research reports, book reviews, and book chapters. You should list all published and unpublished manuscripts using the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA). If you do not own the manual, the Purdue Owl (https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_style_introduction.html) is a great resource. For each publication, include DOIs when available, even when referring to the print documents. If you have multiple types of publications, use subheadings to draw attention to your work. For example, list: Publications, Book Chapters, Journal Articles, Book Reviews, Reports. If a manuscript is accepted but not yet published, list it under publications and state that it is in press or forthcoming. For unfinished manuscripts, use a “Works in Progress” subsection, but do not list more than two or three, as you don’t want to be perceived as having too many unfinished projects.

    This section can list all types of presentations, trainings, workshops, seminars, panel discussions, and guest lectures. As with publications, use APA format for these entries.

    Use subheadings strategically to organize your presentations. For example, if reaching a broad geographical audience, you should use subheadings such as local, state, national, and international. If emphasizing the style of presentations, use subheadings such as peer reviewed, invited, poster sessions, or trainings. If a conference is cancelled, add “(conference cancelled)” at the end of the listing. If the conference is moved online, use the same format as an in-person conference, including the original location. Additionally, if the conference occurs but you and any co-presenters are not able to attend, you are still able to list it, but add “(poster/paper session cancelled)” after the title of your session.

    List all grant projects, including title of the project, name of institution, city, state, date, and amount funded. If the grant was not funded, it is important to list the grant to emphasize the fact that you know the application process for various types of grants. For each grant, list the specific skills utilized to acquire or manage the grant project, for example, “Created budget for RO1 funded grant” or “Create timelines, meet deadlines, and manage multiple projects according to grant foundation guidelines.”

    In this section, include all academic honors, awards, and fellowships, along with any other accolades that support your expertise and leadership. The name of the award, sponsoring institution, and date should be included in this section. If the award is not self-explanatory, add a brief descriptive phrase to help the reader understand the significance of each entry. This section can also be combined with scholarships, fellowships, and/or affiliations if only one or two in each section.

Community, Professional and University Service

    In this section, briefly list all community and professional service (using subheadings) to include elected and appointed leadership, board positions, consulting, guest media appearances, and task force appointments. Depending on the purpose of your CV, you may reorganize these to speak to your audience. If you are applying for a teaching or field instructor position, list university service first, including university committees, task forces, and any field liaison assignments, to emphasize your connection with academia. If using the CV for public relations, you should highlight service to the profession to emphasize your credibility within your respective field of practice. For each entry, list your role, the sponsoring organization, city, state, and dates of service.

    With a strong CV, you will communicate your value and expertise to hiring committees for academic and teaching positions, funders, and public relations contacts. Remember, a CV gives you the freedom of length to demonstrate your career story. Make it interesting, well written, logical, and compelling, and you are sure to win an interview!

 Jennifer Luna, MSSW, writes about social work career development. Jennifer is a social worker, career coach, keynote speaker, and trainer. She serves as Director of the DiNitto Center for Career Services at the University of Texas at Austin, Steve Hicks School of Social Work. Jennifer utilizes a collaborative yet strategic coaching approach to assist social workers in identifying their strongest skills, areas of knowledge, key strengths, and leadership characteristics.

All material published on this website Copyright 1994-2023 White Hat Communications. All rights reserved. Please contact the publisher for permission to reproduce or reprint any materials on this site. Opinions expressed on this site are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Franken Résumé »

Franken Résumé Guide »

Where to Start

It is a good idea to start by assessing your strengths/skills, experiences , and professional goal(s) , in relation to the desired qualifications of the position that you are seeking. Moreover, consider your audience as you build your résumé.

Be sure to create a specialized résumé for each job. It can be useful to prepare a résumé for your own use that includes all of your experiences; this can then be used to create your specialized résumés.

Also, be mindful that the job search does not end or begin with the résumé but:

• It should be polished - absolutely no grammatical/spelling errors.
• Think of it as a "snap-shot" of your experiences - it does not have to include everything you've done.
• Résumés should highlight outcomes rather than tasks. It is much more than a list of job duties.
• Make sure to use terminology that is pertinent to your field of interest.

Résumé and Curricula Vitae

A curricula vitae is used by those seeking positions in academia. It is typically quite long, as it emphasizes one's experiences in teaching, research, grant awards, publications and presentations.

Chronological Format

A chronological format is the traditional format that most people think of when they imagine what a résumé looks like. It is designed in reverse chronological order, meaning you start with your most recent experiences and work your way back. For instance, you begin with your most recent job and end with your oldest job.

Typical headings include: Education, Professional Experience, Volunteer Experience, Research Experience, Professional Development, Professional Affiliations, and Awards and Honors. You do not need to use every heading; instead, fit the headings to your experiences. Under each heading, highlight your outcomes and accomplishments rather than listing your job description or duties.

Should I use a template?

Typically, it is not useful to use a template because:

• It does not allow you flexibility with your headings and content (e.g. highlighting your diverse set of social work skills, which differ from traditional experiences and strengths)
• It usually wastes too much space on the page with large margins and line spacing.

It can also be helpful to review other résumés to get an idea of what you would like your résumé to include. Please refer to our résumé example as a guide.

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Please visit our commencement page to watch the 2024 ceremony and view the Class of 2024 Name Book

Fall 2024 On-Campus MSW Application FINAL Deadline: July 16, 2024

MSW Graduate is a Warrior for Community Change

Since she was 15 years old, Mayra Zaragoza, MSW ’24, has been helping youth find connection and a sense of belonging. Born and raised in the North San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, where gang life was prevalent within her community and in her own family, she is now a graduate of the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work .

Zaragoza decided early on that the path of so many of her peers and family members was not the life she wanted. Instead, with a wisdom that few adolescents possess, she turned her focus on how she could create change for her community.  

At the age of 12, one of her cousins, who was more like a brother, was incarcerated. An active gang member who always dissuaded her from becoming involved, his loss to the incarceration system, where he still remains today, impacted her greatly. Zaragoza was determined to become a person that could help others in her community from falling into the same destructive pattern — to be someone that could have changed the trajectory of her cousin’s life.

She started participating in youth programs, including one at her church. 

“What I noticed was that not a lot of them were really focused on helping young people explore other ways to connect to themselves, apart from spiritually,” Zaragoza said. “There was still something missing there. It didn't feel fully connected.”

So, in 2007, at only 16, Zaragoza began Young Warriors , a mentoring program for youth that focuses on healing for self-empowerment. When she started the program, she was just gathering peers on a weekly basis as an alternative to other support groups. She had no idea that mentorship would be key to its evolution.  

She created the meetings as a space for peers to talk about things going on at home, create art together and explore where they might fit in the world. Their motto: Every youth is a warrior of their own struggle.

“If we didn't fit in with the academic or the sports folks, or the gangs or the drugs, we didn't know where we belonged,” Zaragoza said. 

The power of mentorship

As a teen, Zaragoza participated in a college preparatory program where she met her first two mentors, Fernando Rejon, executive director of the Urban Peace Institute and Lucia Torres, executive director of Las Fotos Project, who learned how committed Zaragoza was to creating new opportunities for youth in her community. Rejon and Torres introduced her to Luis J. Rodriguez, co-founder of Tia Chuchas Cultural Centro and author of “Always Running: La Vida Loca, Gang Days in L.A.,” a 1993 autobiographical book in which Rodriguez recounts his days as a member of a street gang in Los Angeles. Zaragoza was a fan, and Rodriguez’s mentorship helped her to better understand the culture of gangs and outreach, and reshape what Young Warriors could offer to the community.

Zaragoza led Young Warriors for 15 years, from 2007 until 2022. She assisted community youth with college applications and navigating through higher education. However, while she was helping her peers to change their lives through education, Zaragoza was hesitant to apply herself. She struggled with a fear of failure and had no role models in her family whom she could turn to for advice.

Thankfully, her mentees stepped in, challenging her, urging her to not let the opportunity pass her by. She finally gave them her word that she would apply, and became the first in her family to attend college.

During her undergraduate studies, Zaragoza continued her work with youth through Young Warriors, helping them build social emotional confidence and self-esteem. 

“I help young people understand that no one is going to come and save you,” Zaragoza explained. “You have to be the ones who make those changes. If you want to be more confident, you have to be around people that are confident. If you want to be the cycle breaker in your family, you have to be willing and courageous enough to be different.”

A winding road to USC

Zaragoza was first introduced to the idea of attending USC through Robert Hernandez , assistant teaching professor at USC Social Work. 

“I was 18 years old and Robert told me I belonged at USC,” Zaragoza said. “That was the first time someone told me I belonged in such a prestigious school and deep down, I believed it.” 

Hernandez, an expert in vulnerable youth populations, learned about the work Zaragoza was doing with Young Warriors through Rodriguez. According to Zaragoza, Hernandez was instrumental in mentoring her and the youth in Young Warriors to understand how environmental injustice plays a role in the formation of gangs.

“Mainly, how we end up falling on those tracks, not because it’s something that we want to do but rather because it’s what we have access to in our communities,” Zaragoza said. 

Hernandez continued to urge Zaragoza to consider a graduate degree in social work from USC. Initially, she was resistant to pursuing social work because it carries a stigma within her community. But the more she worked with Hernandez, she began to see that she needed to fully understand the systems that held her community back before she could actively transform them. She realized that social work had chosen her.  

After a decade of encouragement from Hernandez, she finally decided she was ready for USC. In 2021, Zaragoza began the Master of Social Work program.

“Mayra is a champion,” Hernandez said. “She is the definition of resilience. She models what a leader is, not forgetting about her community, challenging herself by placing herself out of her comfort zone to be what Ghandi instructs, ‘the change she would like to see in this world.’”

Zaragoza spent her MSW-required practicum placement with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (LA DCFS). She qualified for the federally-funded LA DCFS stipend program , which provided funding toward her USC tuition and a staff position for a minimum of one year after receiving her degree.  

“To properly know how to best guide people in the systems involved, I really wanted to understand that world of DCFS,” Zaragoza said. “No system is perfect, all systems need work, but they're there for a reason. They have a critical function.”

Zaragoza feels she can now mentor young people to understand why support systems are in place, and how important it is for these systems to be involved in ensuring the overall safety of children and adolescents. 

Combining all of her past experience with her new position at LA DCFS, Zaragoza is now focused on how to improve the systems that are in place to help vulnerable youth. She wants to ensure people understand that the only way to break unhealthy and unsafe cycles is at the community level.

“Obtaining her MSW from the USC School of Social Work brings her a step closer in realizing her dreams of pursuing youth justice where all youth have a chance to flourish,” Hernandez said.

After completing her next year with LA DCFS, Zaragoza hopes to parlay her experience into joining the Los Angeles County Department of Youth Development (DYD), established in 2022, as a development program manager. She has also set her sights on continuing her education with a Doctor of Social Work from USC and perhaps, one day, open a private practice. But everything always circles back to improving the community, finding ways to lift people up and transform the environments they live in and which influence their decisions.  

“Our communities are a reflection of ourselves,” Zaragoza said. “If we want to care more for ourselves, then we have to find it in nature and in other ways that allow us to see the beauty that we all carry inside.”

To reference the work of our faculty online, we ask that you directly quote their work where possible and attribute it to "FACULTY NAME, a professor in the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work” (LINK: https://dworakpeck.usc.edu)

School of Social Work College of Social Science

New msu study reveals disproportionate incarceration rates of lgbtq+ youth in juvenile justice system.

May 14, 2024 - Brandon Drain

Despite representing only 10.5 percent of the U.S. population, the LGBTQ+ community makes up 28 percent of youth incarcerations in the juvenile justice system, according to researchers.

A recent Michigan State University-led study has found a strong correlation between the high incarceration rates of LGBTQ+ youth, and the myriad of inter-institutional and inter-systemic factors that constitute the forms of structural vulnerabilities they face as a group.

Their study found that queer and trans youth had a 90 percent higher probability of being incarcerated for prostitution and related charges compared to their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. In addition, queer and trans youth that were detained more than once in the past year had a 500 percent higher probability of being incarcerated for these charges compared to straight and cisgender youth.

For LGBTQ+ youth, this structural vulnerability often stems from their experiences of homelessness, family rejection and child welfare involvement, which intensifies their risk of encountering law enforcement and/or the juvenile justice system compared to their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. The out-of-home situations many of these youth find themselves in prompts their reliance on alternative means of meeting needs, including survival sex.

Unlike sexual exploitation and sex trafficking, survival sex does not necessarily imply exploitation. It encompasses an exchange of a sexual act for anything of value -- like money, food, clothes, or shelter. The group uses this term as it acknowledges the agency of youth in the decisions to engage in survival sex -- which aligns with a trauma-informed framework.

While in custody in juvenile detention facilities, queer and trans are at a heighten risk of experiencing violence, which often goes unnoticed or unacknowledged by staff. When facilities do respond to the abuse, they often place LGBTQ+ youth in protective isolation -- which exacerbates their experiences of criminalization and social isolation.

The research group suggests that the sparse data in Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) in the juvenile justice system has been a detrimental factor in protecting LGBTQ+ youth. “This type of data is not typically collected and given that almost every state/county juvenile legal system has its own set of standard practices, it is difficult to coordinate a uniform means of collecting this kind of data,” said Kynn. “But without SOGIE data, there is no ‘evidence’ to demonstrate the desperate need for practices, services, and supports that are tailored to LGBTQ+ youth.”

In addition to more comprehensive data collection by states, the research team also suggests the need for systemic reform at every level of the criminal legal, child welfare and juvenile justice systems. This is to ensure “LGBTQ+ youths’ protection from discrimination when attempting to access supportive services like housing, interacting with law enforcement, encountering the child welfare system, undergoing court and when incarcerated in juvenile facilities,” said Boyke.

“We hope that our paper demonstrates the need to incorporate structural competency into training and technical assistance, which can illustrate how the current system ignores the needs of these youth while perpetuating myths about the criminality of this population,” said Kynn. “Policies must similarly change to ensure that there is adequate sexual orientation and gender identity data collection to promote accountability and transparency.”

FAQs on Volunteering and Career Growth

What Work Skills Can I Learn By Volunteering?

The possibilities are endless. Volunteer opportunities can help you learn skills such as budgeting, food service, working on a computer and more. You can also learn soft skills , or skills that can be transferred to many jobs such as leadership, networking and problem solving.

You can learn various skill sets depending on where you volunteer. For example, if you volunteer at a thrift store, you may learn customer service, organization, and cashier skills. You may also pick up communication and teamwork skills as you work with other people. More in-demand job skills you can learn by volunteering include:

• Public speaking
• Clerical tasks
• Fundraising
• Time management
• Multitasking

Where Should I Volunteer?

If you want your volunteer work to directly enhance your career, it’s a good idea to find a placement where you can learn or improve specific job skills. For example, if you want to gain skills for a career in education, explore opportunities in schools, youth community centers or tutoring organizations. You may be able get experience while working closely with an educator and possibly find a mentor . Visit the U.S. Department of Education for volunteer opportunities in education. If you’re interested in a career in event planning, many nonprofit organizations and event venues need volunteers in all areas. National nonprofits such as the American Cancer Society and the Alzheimer’s Association host events year-round where volunteers are needed.

Can Volunteer Work Fill Employment Gaps on a Resume?

Yes. Volunteer work is a great activity to add to your resume during the times you were unemployed. It shows a potential employer that you kept busy and had a real desire to contribute. If you can show that you were productive and learned work skills, it gives an employer a broader view of what you may bring to their company or organization. Even if your volunteer work does not directly relate to your career, it still can help, not only on your resume, but in your community!

Can Volunteering Actually Get Me a Job?

It is possible, but not guaranteed. Volunteering can help you meet community members and neighbors who may have contacts in your career area. Share your career goals with people who have similar interests or are employed in your field. You can also share your career goals with the staff at your volunteer location, if it’s a place you’d like to work. The staff may keep you in mind for future job openings, paid internships, or even apprenticeships if available.

Volunteering can not only help you give back to your community, but it can have a positive impact on your career. Here are a few resources for virtual and on-site listings to get started!

• Volunteermatch
• Points of Light
• Volunteer.gov

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

Social Security’s Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the service and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

Through the Ticket Program, a service provider such as an Employment Network (EN) , can help determine where you may need additional skills and documented experiences. They can help you choose volunteer roles that can build your resume.

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, call our TTY at 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

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Graduate Profile: Francesca Rubinson, MDiv '24

How I've Changed  

In my time at HDS, I have grown and changed through my work as an interfaith chaplain. I learned many skills for spiritual care in the context of the hospital, university, and social justice movement settings. I have also deepened my knowledge of Jewish texts and history, with the chance to do so in a uniquely pluralistic environment. I have learned so much from my peers with different backgrounds and identities and am grateful for those wonderful friendships! 

Memorable Moment 

I will always remember watching an awesome drag performance at the 2024 HDS Solidarity Ball! It was a much-needed moment of joy and silliness. 

Favorite Class or Professor 

It's hard to choose, but I probably have to say "Birds in Religion and Mythology" with Professor Kimberley Patton, which invited me to think about topics I don't usually study. 

Message of Thanks  

I would like to thank my family, housemates, friends, and partner for all of their love and support! Special thanks to my HDS advisors (formally and informally): professors Ann Braude, Annette Yoshiko Reed, Shaul Magid, Kerry Maloney, and Margaret Okada-Scheck. 

What I Hope to Be Remembered By 

I hope to be remembered for co-founding the student organization Feminists Making Midrash and helping to grow HDS Jews for Liberation into a thriving alternative Jewish space on campus. I hope my fellow students will remember sharing cider, tea, and snacks with me in the Commons. I also hope that Harvard will divest from war and occupation in Israel/Palestine. 

Future Plans 

I plan to continue building creative, inclusive, and justice-oriented Jewish communities! 

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