social worker resume template 2021

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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.

Professional Social Worker Resume Example + Expert Guide for 2024

• 30% higher chance of getting a job‡
• 42% higher response rate from recruiters‡

Our customers have been hired at: * Foot Note

Social workers work with people from all walks of life and backgrounds, including children, the elderly, individuals with disabilities, and those living in poverty. Social workers provide support, counseling and resources to those in need, helping them navigate through difficult situations such as abuse, mental health issues and financial struggles. They also play a crucial role in advocating for their clients and connecting them with various services and resources to improve their quality of life.

You have to write a great resume if you want to nab your dream job and we’re here to help with our expert guide for crafting an effective and impactful social worker resume. Our social worker resume example and pro tips will help you make the most of your great communication skills, adaptability and knowledge of social policies and systems so you stand above the competition.

Start by editing this sample resume for a social worker or explore our library of customizable resume templates to find the best social worker resume template for you.

More Resume examples for the next step in your social services career

• Case Worker Resume
• Humanitarian Aid Worker Resume
• Human Service Worker Resume
• Job Coach Resume
• Community Health Worker Resume
• Drug And Alcohol Counselor Resume
• Community Outreach Specialist Resume
• Medical Social Worker Resume
• Community Development Worker Resume
• Disability Support Worker Resume
• Rehab Aide Resume
• Child Protection Social Worker Resume
• Domestic Violence Counselor Resume
• Behavioral Therapist Resume
• Case Manager Resume
• Juvenile Probation Officer Resume
• Life Coach Resume
• Community Service Coordinator Resume
• Counselor Resume
• Volunteer Resume
• Behavior Technician Resume

Social worker resume example (text version)

Rosie Chang

Los Angeles, CA 90001 (555) 555-5555 [email protected]

Career Objective

Dynamic social worker assistant with a resourceful and collaborative approach to supporting individuals and communities. Demonstrated ability to engage clients, identify strengths and implement goal-oriented interventions. Skilled in client assessment, crisis management and conflict resolution. Eager to contribute to a team-driven environment that promotes social justice and positive social change. Seeking a social worker position that leverages my passion for advocacy and commitment to social work principles.

• Home evaluations
• Social assessment
• Technology proficiency
• Case management
• Cultural competence
• Empathy and active listening
• Problem-solving
• Collaboration

Professional Skills

Client Advocacy and Support

• Provided empathetic and client-centered support to over 50 individuals facing mental health challenges.
• Assisted in securing resources and benefits for clients, resulting in a 20% increase in access to essential services.
• Maintained detailed case notes, ensuring 95% accuracy and timely documentation.

Crisis Intervention

• Responded effectively to crises and worked under the supervision of a licensed social worker, offering immediate support to clients in distress.
• Implemented crisis management strategies, reducing emergency room visits by 15% among assigned caseload.
• Collaborated with local law enforcement to develop a community-based crisis response plan.

Data Management and Reporting

• Developed and maintained an organized and efficient case management system, ensuring data accuracy.
• Prepared monthly reports on caseload activities and outcomes, meeting or exceeding deadlines consistently.
• Implemented a streamlined data entry process, reducing error rates by 15%.

Work History

• June 2019 – Current Urban Quality Living – Los Angeles, CA Social Worker Assistant
• January 2019 – May 2019 Horizon Health – Los Angeles, CA Social Worker Intern
• June 2023 California State University – Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA Master of Social Work Social Work
• June 2019 California State University – Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA Bachelor of Arts Social Work

Certifications and Licenses

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) – (2024) Certified Social Worker (CSW) – (2021)

5 essentials of a top social worker resume

Contact details.

Add your contact information to the top of your resume so hiring managers can contact you. As our social worker resume sample shows, you should include your full name, city, state and ZIP code, phone number and professional email address. Optional: add your LinkedIn profile and professional website if you have them.

Professional summary

To be effective, your social worker resume summary should include your key qualifications, direct experience, job-relevant skills and accomplishments demonstrating your ability to perform the job. Your summary should be concise and focus on your most relevant and impressive qualifications. Include details about social causes, certifications, or awards to help you stand out as the strongest candidate. If you are applying for your first job in the field, choose a resume objective instead because it focuses more on what you hope to achieve in your career.

Here’s an example of a great social worker resume summary:

“Highly motivated and empathetic social worker with over five years of experience in providing support and resources to individuals and families in need. Skilled in conducting assessments, developing treatment plans and connecting clients with community resources. A strong advocate for social justice and passionate about empowering and improving the lives of vulnerable populations. Proven ability to build strong relationships with clients and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. Seeking a challenging role where I can utilize my skills and experience to positively impact the community.”

Create a skills section on your resume to display your job-relevent hard and soft skills in a bulleted list so hiring managers can review them at a glance. As our sample social worker sample resume shows, it’s best to include both hard and soft skills, such as problem-solving, crisis intervention and cultural competence.

Work history

Whether this is your first job or you’ve been at it for decades, your social worker resume must include a section to display your job history. Starting with the most recent, list your current and previous employers and provide company names, locations and the dates you worked for them. Instead of listing your job responsibilities, make your resume shine by highlighting your measurable achievements for the job. If you’re writing a social worker resume with no experience, then showcase your clinical work, academic thesis, presentations and volunteer experience. 

Your achievements as a social worker might look like this:

• Increased client satisfaction by 25% through innovative communication techniques.
• Secured $50,000 in funding for a non-profit organization through grant writing and fundraising efforts.
• Developed and led a community outreach program that positively impacted the lives of 100 at-risk youth, resulting in a 40% decrease in juvenile crime rates in the targeted area.

Always include an education section in your social worker resume. It should show the names of the schools you attended and the years that you graduated, from the most recent down.

The educational requirements for a social worker job typically include a bachelor’s or master’s degree in social work (BSW/MSW) from an accredited university. Many employers also require a state-issued license or certification, which involves completing a certain number of supervised clinical hours and passing an exam.

See why My Perfect Resume is a 5-star resume builder

Action words for a top-tier social worker resume.

Use action words and numbers to make your descriptions compelling.

Here’s a short list of perfect action words for a social worker resume:

• Collaborate

Want more ideas? Check out our library of 800+ resume examples !

Top skills for a social worker resume

Review the job description closely and match the required hard and soft skills to your own.

Social worker skills for a resume might include:

• Interpersonal skills
• Crisis management
• Trauma-informed care
• Flexibility
• Active listening

Our Resume Builder has all the tools you need to create a professional resume in minutes! 

Certifications for a social worker resume

Certifications are important on a social worker resume because they demonstrate your knowledge, skills and expertise. Certifications can make you a competitive job candidate because they show potential employers that you are committed to professional development and ongoing learning, which is vital to a successful career as a social worker. 

Some certifications for social workers include:

• Certified Social Worker (CSW)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)
• Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-CYFSW)
• Certified Clinical Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Social Worker (C-CATODSW)
• Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)
• Certified Social Work Manager (CSWM)
• Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (CHP-SW)
• Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)
• Advanced Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (ACHP-SW)

Pair your resume with a matching cover letter

Social worker resume faq, how can i tailor my resume for a specific social work job or organization.

Tailoring a resume for a specific social work job or organization involves highlighting the skills, experiences and qualifications that align with the job requirements and the organization’s values and mission. To do this, review the job description closely and research the organization’s goals, priorities and culture. Incorporate keywords in your social worker resume that match the job description.

What are some tips for creating an excellent resume for a social worker job?

No two social worker resumes are the same, but always remember to: 

• Review a social worker resume sample or two to get an idea of how to write a professional social worker resume.
• Choose a resume format that aligns with your experience and goals. 
• Be brief and use bullet points to highlight your qualifications so that potential employers can find them quickly.
• Format your resume with one-inch margins on all sides.
• Use appropriate fonts , such as Arial or Helvetica in 11-12 points on the body and 14-16 points on headers.
• Proofread your resume thoroughly.

What is a social worker resume objective?

A social worker resume objective is a statement of a job candidate’s career goals. It emphasizes the skills and experience that make them a good fit for a job as a social worker. 

Here’s an example of an effective resume objective for a social worker: 

“I’d like to utilize my education, experience and passion for helping others to make a positive impact in the lives of individuals and families as a social worker. I am dedicated to promoting social justice and providing support and resources to those in need, while also continuously learning and growing in my profession.”

How do I write a social worker resume with no experience?

If you do not have experience as a social worker, you can still write a powerful social worker resume by highlighting your transferable skills, like verbal communication, compassion and adaptability, and relevant education or volunteer experience. Your social worker resume summary should focus on your passion for helping others and your desire to make a positive impact in the field of social work. 

Next, focus on any relevant coursework, clinical experience, or fieldwork completed during your education such as counseling, fundraising or social advocacy. If you have volunteered, interned, or performed community service, then emphasize those experiences and highlight what you accomplished for each. Create a section to display the relevant certifications or training you have completed or are undergoing

Do’s and don’ts for building a social worker resume

• Use measurable achievements to describe your technical project management abilities and experience. For example, “Developed and implemented a job readiness program for 20 unemployed individuals, resulting in 80% of participants securing employment within 6 months.”
• Use action words such as mediate, monitor and evaluate to make your social worker resume stand out.
• Tailor your resume to your target job.
• Use keywords from the job description throughout your social worker resume.
• Format your social worker resume so that it is easy to read by ATS software and human eyes.
• Lie about your social worker experience and skills.
• Boast about your qualifications. Instead, display previous work achievements. Instead, highlight specific achievements like, “Coordinated and led a team of volunteers to provide monthly food assistance to 50 homeless individuals.”
• Include irrelevant personal information such as your ethnicity and age.
• Add skills and experience that do not pertain to being a social worker.
• Forget to proofread. Even the best social worker resume with errors may be disregarded.

Top 4 tips for acing a social worker interview

Research the company..

It’s vital to take the time to learn about the institution or company’s history, goals, values and people before the interview . Doing so conveys interest, passion and commitment — traits that can set you above the competition. 

Some things to consider when researching an organization:

• Mission and values: Look for an organization that aligns with your own values and beliefs. This will ensure that you are working towards a common goal and will allow you to feel passionate about the work you are doing.
• Supportive work environment: A supportive work environment is crucial for the well-being of social workers. Look for an organization that has a positive and inclusive culture, where colleagues support and respect each other.
• Resources and training: As a social worker, it is important to have access to resources and training opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge. Look for an organization that invests in the professional development of its employees.
• Client-centered approach: The organization’s approach to working with clients should align with your own values and practice. Look for an organization that puts the needs and well-being of clients first.
• Diversity and inclusion: A good organization recognizes and values diversity and inclusion. Look for an organization that celebrates diversity and has policies in place to ensure an inclusive work environment.
• Ethical standards: Social workers are bound by a code of ethics and it is important to work for an organization that upholds these ethical standards. Look for an organization that has clear policies and procedures in place to ensure ethical practice.

Practice your answers to potential questions.

Practice really does make perfect. To practice for your interview, start by reviewing the most common interview questions, such as: “ Why did you choose this career? ” and some possible behavioral questions such as “ Describe a time when you anticipated potential problems and developed preventive measures. ”

Make sure to also prepare for job-specific questions, such as:

• Can you tell us about your previous experience working as a social worker?
• How do you handle challenging situations with clients?
• Can you describe a successful case or project you have worked on as a social worker?
• How do you stay current with changes and advancements in the social work field?
• Have you worked with diverse populations before? If so, can you give an example?
• How do you prioritize and manage your workload in a fast-paced environment?
• Can you describe your experience collaborating with other professionals, such as healthcare providers or law enforcement?
• How do you ensure client confidentiality and maintain ethical standards?

Write down two or three possible answers for each question, then practice answering them with a friend. 

Ask questions during your interview.

After the hiring manager and potential colleagues question you, they will likely ask if you have questions for them. Always have at least three ready for each person you speak with. Doing so shows that you’re interested and have been paying close attention.

Some questions you might ask a hiring manager in a social worker job interview are: 

• What are the primary responsibilities of this social work position?
• Can you tell me about the population and community this organization primarily serves?
• What are the current challenges or issues facing this community and how does this position address them?
• What type of support and resources are available for the social workers on your team?
• Can you provide examples of how this organization values and promotes diversity and inclusivity in its social work practices?

Gather references ahead of time.

Having professional references ready during your interview is a good idea if the hiring manager offers you the job. Bring a list of 2-3 former colleagues and a former manager willing to speak positively about your abilities to excel as a social worker.

Cover letter examples for the next step in your social services career

• Case Manager Cover Letter
• Drug And Alcohol Counselor Cover Letter
• Group Leader Cover Letter

CV examples for the next step in your social services career

• Child Protection Social Worker CV
• Community Manager CV
• Counsellor CV
• Domestic Worker CV
• Life Coach CV
• Probation Officer CV
• Program Officer CV
• Social Worker CV
• Youth Worker CV

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Social Worker Resume Example

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Nilda Melissa Diaz, CPRW

Career advice expert.

Nilda Melissa is a Certified Professional Resume Writer who has written for The Washington Post and Latina Style Magazine. She has a master's in Journalism from Columbia University and is a member of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists.

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‡ Results derived from a study responded by 1000 participants of which 287 created a resume online.

*The names and logos of the companies referred to above are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with MyPerfectResume.

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

9 Social Worker Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

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

All resume examples in this guide

Social Work Student

Social Work Intern

Entry-Level Social Worker

Associate Social Worker

School Social Worker

Clinical Social Worker

Nursing Home Social Worker

Medical Social Worker Ii

Social Worker | Case Management | Client Advocacy resume example

Resume Guide

Social worker Resume Example

Resume Format

Resume Experience Section

Hard Skills and Soft Skills

Certificates for Social Worker Resumes

Resume Summary Tips

Additional Resume Sections

Key Takeaways

By Experience

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

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

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

In this guide, you’ll learn:

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

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

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

Social worker  resume example

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

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

How to format a social worker  resume

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

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

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

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

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The top sections on a social worker resume:

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

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

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

How to write your social worker resume experience

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

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

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

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

What doesn’t work in this example:

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

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

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

What works in this example:

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

How to quantify the impact on your resume

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

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

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

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

How do I write a social worker resume with no experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best hard skills for your social worker resume

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

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

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

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

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

Best soft skills for your social worker resume

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

How to list your certifications and education on your resume

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

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

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

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

Your education section should include :

• Name of institution
• Name of degree
• Years attended

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best certifications for your social worker resume

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

How to write your social worker resume summary or objective

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional sections for a social worker resume

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

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

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

Key takeaways for writing a great social worker resume

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

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

Social Worker resume examples

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking to build your own Social Worker resume?

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• Resume Examples

Social Work Resume: Examples for a Social Worker (20+ Tips)

Our customers have been hired by:

Are you on a mission to create a Social Work Resume that captures your dedication to improving lives? We're here to help you build a social work resume that stands out like a superhero saving the day. 

We'll walk you through the steps to showcase your unique skills and experiences in a way that will make hiring managers take notice. So, let's put pen to paper and start making a difference!

This guide will show you:

• A social work resume example better than 9 out of 10 others.
• How to write a social worker resume that gets more interviews.
• Tips and examples of how to put skills and achievements on a social work resume.
• How to describe your experience on a resume for a social worker to get any job you want.

Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. It’s fast and easy to use. Plus, you’ll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here .

Sample resume made with our builder— See more resume examples here .

Looking for a different kind of resume writing advice? Switch to one of our other guides:

• Caregiver Resume
• Nursing Student Resume
• Life Coach Resume
• Peace Corps Resume  
• Academic Advisor Resume
• Mental Health Counselor Resume
• Coaching Resume
• Nonprofit Resume
• Volunteer Coordinator Resume
• All Resume Examples

Now, here's how to write a social work resume:

Social Work Resume Example

Patricia Mayfield

Social Worker

123-456-7890

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/patricia.mayfield

Compassionate and dedicated Social Worker with over 5 years of experience providing high-quality care. Want to leverage knowledge and passion for helping others in a Social Worker position at Unity Support Agency, to provide direct services to clients, including counseling and therapy, and develop programs to address community issues. Reduced the rehospitalization rate by 10% at Compass Care Social Services by implementing a comprehensive follow-up program.

Compass Care Social Services, Bowling Green, KY

January 2016–Present

Key Qualifications & Responsibilities

• Developed and implemented treatment plans in collaboration with clients and other professionals, addressing mental, emotional, behavioral, and social issues.
• Conducted comprehensive assessments to determine clients' needs and best course of action.
• Coordinated with healthcare providers, courts, and employers to ensure clients receive necessary services.
• Collaborated with psychologists to evaluate each case.

Key Achievement:

• Successfully reduced the rehospitalization rate by 10% by implementing a comprehensive follow-up program.

Empowerment Outreach Center, Bowling Green, KY

June 2012–December 2015

• Provided crisis intervention and conflict resolution to clients experiencing emotional, psychological, and physical distress.
• Delivered counseling and therapy services to individuals, families, and groups.
• Built a profile of each client to identify possible issues and track progress.
• Initiated a community outreach program that increased service utilization by 15%.

Bachelor of Social Work

Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY

August 2008–May 2012

Relevant Extracurricular Activities

• Member of the College Social Work Society.
• Volunteered at the local homeless shelter, offering counseling services and job training resources.

Academic Achievements

• Graduated with Honors (GPA 3.9).
• Awarded a full scholarship for achieving the highest GPA in class.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong understanding of social services policies and procedures
• Proficient in MS Office and social services software
• Excellent problem-solving abilities
• Emotional intelligence and resilience
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities

Certifications

• Certified Social Worker (CSW), Kentucky Board of Social Work, 2012
• First Aid, American Red Cross, 2015
• 2012, Volunteer of the Year Award, Local Homeless Shelter.

Memberships

Member of the National Association of Social Workers since 2012

• Led a team in organizing a fundraising event that raised over $5k for underprivileged children.
• Conducted group training sessions on trauma-informed practice for new social workers.
• English—Native
• Spanish—Intermediate
• Volunteering at local animal shelters.
• Advocating for mental health awareness through community seminars and workshops.

Use the Best Format for a Social Work Resume

Imagine you’re the hiring manager.  If you see a sloppy social work resume with poor formatting, what do you do? Probably ditch it like an unhealthy belief.

Don’t let that happen to you.  Start with the reverse-chronological resume format . It puts a halo effect around your recent accomplishments.

Add white space, the best resume fonts , and clear headings to make it easy for employers.

Last, save human services resumes as PDFs. Modern PDFs are machine-readable. They’re also stable no matter what computer they wind up on. Just make sure the job ad doesn’t nix them.

Pro Tip: Moving to social work jobs from another career? Use the combination resume format . It integrates transferable experience into your social worker resume.

If you don’t want to bias yourself toward the reverse-chronological social work resume format, see our guide: 3 Resume Formats: How to Choose the Best One [Examples]

Add a Social Worker Resume Objective or Resume Summary

Meet Kierra, the clinic director. She’s hiring for a social worker job with high pay, flexible hours, and profit sharing.

You really want to work for Kierra.  But she’s seen enough social work resumes to cause PTSD. Her guilty secret? She doesn’t read them all. She skims, then reads the ones she likes.

How do you get in her “good candidates” pile? With a social worker resume objective statement or resume summary. Use a resume objective  if your experience is still taking baby steps. It’ll show your passion. Use a resume summary  if you’ve got experience like Tiziana Dearing and you want to show it off.

Load either one with measurable achievements. These two senior social worker resumes examples show the right and wrong approach. Where’s the abnormality in the first of our senior social workers resume samples?

That's not incompetent, but it won’t release a flood of interviews. Instead, emulate our next human services resumes example:

Social Worker Resume Summary

Breakthrough. That’s in the Tom Walsh zone. The measurable achievements make it work.

Is your experience less powerful than that? Try a social worker resume objective. Back in the days of metrazol therapy, that meant showing you really wanted the job. That’s what the next of our social worker resume objectives does:

Passion counts for a lot. But what if the other applicants have it—plus experience?

Catastrophe.

Don’t worry. A few measurable accomplishments can work like the Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-in. Examine the next of our entry-level social workers resume examples:

Social Worker Resume Objective

That'll make the hiring manager drop her copy of Saving Normal .

But what if you have no experience to put on a case worker resume? I’ll show that next.

Pro Tip: It’s challenging to write a resume introduction . So—write it last, then cherry-pick material from your resume.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a  professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, our easy resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

Describe Your Social Worker Experience

Remember Kierra, the clinic director? She’s got a debilitating headache. Why? Most of the case worker resumes on her desk don’t have enough experience. The rest are so busy she can’t read them.

Then she comes to yours.

She smiles. What did you do right? You knew how to list experience on a resume for social workers. She thinks you’re the best thing since the NAACP.

Start with your most recent job. Add 3-5 resume bullets .

Imitate the first of our professional social work resume examples below.

Social Worker Job Description for a Resume 

Jane Addams would be proud. Your professional resume for social work jobs convinced the manager you’ll get the job done.

But make deep cuts to those achievements, and:

I have a duty to warn you—that social work resume example will fail.

And if you have no experience at social work jobs? See these entry-level social worker resume examples. You have more experience for a social services resume than you think.

Have you ever:

• Done an internship ?
• Volunteered?
• Done fill-in fee-for-service work at clinics?
• Assisted other social workers?

Adding those things will make your resume for entry-level social work jobs stand out like Maurice Daniels wrote it.

The next two entry-level social worker resume samples show how. The first of these entry-level social workers resume examples borders on negligence.

Eek. The clinic manager thinks you like eugenics.

So—add details to get this social work resume example:

Resume for a Social Worker with No Experience

That’s no trick of the light. That human services resume proves you’re Cathryn Potter in the rough.

Pro Tip: People believe you can do what you’ve already done. The goal of your social work resume experience section? To show you’ve already done the duties in the job you’re targeting.

Writing a resume for entry-level social work jobs? See our volunteer resume sample: How to List Volunteer Work on Your Resume

Don’t make the clinic manager zone out. Engage her with action words. See our guide: 240 Resume Action Words & Power Words to Make Your Resume Shine

Mention Your Education

Education matters on a resume for social work.  Don’t do it like everybody else.  If you do, the hiring manager’s defense mechanisms will shut you out. How can you get her attention instead?

Start with:

• School Name and Location
• Years in School

Then add achievements that fit the job like a successful treatment plan.

The next social work resume examples do it right. They’re for a job that needs a clinical social worker with skills in child development and youth care experience.

Social Worker Education on a Resume (Example)

That’s guaranteed to change the narrative. Not so with the next of our social work resume examples:

Ouch. That applicant could believe in bloodletting for all we know.

Pro Tip: Does GPA belong on a social worker resume? Only if it’s high or recent. If not, use the space for another social work accomplishment.

Make your social work resume education section sing like a foundation grant. See our guide: How to Put Your Education on a Resume [Tips & Examples]

Put Skills on a Resume for a Social Worker

“She’s got the skills we need. Let’s hire her.”  What if you could make the hiring manager say that?  The good news? It’s not brain surgery. Just (1) pick the right social work resume skills and (2) prove them.

First, read the job description closely. It’s got the perfect social work skills list. Then, put achievements in your bullet points that show you’ve got those skills. You’ll turn heads like the ACLU.

The professional social work resume examples below show how.

Pretend Kierra put these skills in the job description:

Required Social Worker Skills: (1) Counseling, (2) Crisis Intervention, (3) Assessments.

Add them to your case worker resume skills list. Include a couple extra so you’re not gaslighting.

Then do this:

• Regular  (1)  counselor for 17 youth clients in an adoption and foster care home.
• Provided 24-hour  (2)  crisis intervention service on a rotating, on-call basis.
• Completed 10  (3)  assessments and developed 10 treatment plans

Do that, and you’ll need a life coach to manage all your job interviews.

The social work skills list for resumes below will start you on the right foot.

Social Worker Skills for a Resume

• Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
• Active Listening
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Intervention
• Critical Thinking
• Psychopathology
• Organization
• Policy Awareness
• Human Behavior
• Perceptiveness
• Crisis Intervention
• Active Learning
• Developing Treatment Plans

That’s not a comprehensive social work skills list. Add to it from online social services job descriptions and licensed clinical social worker job descriptions.

Pro Tip: Is your professional social services resume not working? Maybe it’s your networking skills. I spoke with a healthcare worker who used networking to get a $100K job and it was life changing.

Really nail your social worker resume skills section. See our guide: +30 Best Examples of What Skills to Put on a Resume (Proven Tips)

Show Licenses and Certifications on Your Resume

“Wow, she’s highly qualified.”  You worked hard for that social worker license. Don’t repress it.

• At the top of your social work resume, near your name
• At the beginning of your resume summary
• In a special “License” section

Then it won’t matter if the manager skims your resume for social work jobs. She’ll still know you’re qualified. Put your license section right under your summary.

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Got more certifications? Great! But don’t bury your valuable license under them. Put them in a “certifications” section below your education.

• Mandt Certification, RCT Level
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Pro Tip: Got your MSW but can’t find MSW jobs? Don’t be afraid to gear your social work resume toward BSW positions. Work your way up from there.

Want the certifications on your social worker resume to stand out like the Mental Health Parity Act? See our guide: How to List Certifications on a Resume: Guide

Add These Things and Wow the Hiring Manager

The hiring manager is impressed.  Not only did you show the perfect experience and education—you also showed you’re great to work with. How can you do that on a case worker resume?

With "other" resume sections that make most applicants struggle. Watch that play out in two sample social work resume sections.

Social Worker Other Resume Sections

Those things are pretty cool. But do they show you’re a great social worker?

So—add extra sections to your resume for social work jobs:

You’ve made serious progress. Your professional social work resume would impress Michelle Obama.

Even a NASW membership looks great on a resume for social worker jobs.

Pro Tip: Never turn down an interview request, even if you don’t want the job. At the very least it’s good networking. They might even hire you for a better job down the road.

Not sure how to show your human capital on your social worker resume? See our guide: +20 Best Examples of Hobbies & Interests To Put on a Resume (5 Tips)

Write a Social Work Cover Letter

Do you need to send a cover letter for a social worker resume?  Yes.  Don’t let anyone convince you not to.

It’s true—60% of hiring managers won’t read social work cover letters. But the other 40% insist on them. Don’t send a “here’s my social work resume” cover letter. That’s generic.

• You understand the needs shown in the social services job description.
• You’ve got the qualifications to fill those needs.

Do that, and you’ll get respect like the Peace Corps. This short social worker cover letter example gets it right:

I’ve wanted to work for Halloran Center and Services since I learned about your focus on compassionate intervention and empowerment on the path to reaching client goals.

At CCMH, I created 27 successful treatment plans, then coached those clients to an 85% success rate within 9 months of intake. Empowerment was central to the 32 interventions I performed, with...

Always end a cover letter with an offer. Try, “I’d value the opportunity to share how I can help the Halloran Center’s clients reach their goals."

Pro Tip: Corporate jobs pay a lot more than non-profit positions. Don’t feel pressured to work for a corporation, but know your options.

Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.  Here's what it may look like:

See more cover letter templates and start writing.

Want to set your social services cover letter up for success? See our guide: How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter in 8 Steps and our dedicated guide: Social Work Cover Letter Examples with Guide

Do This Before You Add Contact Info to a Resume

Do you really know how to add contact info to a social work resume?

• Updated Phone Number
• Professional Email Address

Hana Knauer, LCSW, [email protected], 812-459-5707

For a "professional email address," use [email protected]. Don’t use [email protected].

But—check your social media accounts for trap doors that could get you fired.

Need help? See our guide on how to check your online presence before employers do. The best social worker resume in the world can’t help if you did something dumb on Facebook seven years ago.

Pro Tip: Should social workers use LinkedIn ? Yes. At the very least, you can look for connections at organizations you’d like to work for.

Want your caseworker resume sparkle? See our guide: How to Make a Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide (+30 Examples)  

Do you have questions on how to write a great resume for a human services worker? Not sure how to describe your skills or achievements? Give us a shout in the comments! We’d be happy to reply.

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

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Social Work Resume: Examples, Templates & Tips

Passionate about making a difference in the lives of others? Highlight your skills and accomplishments on your social work resume to secure your next position in the field.

by Karla Vilmenay | Career Advice Expert

Last Updated: April 03, 2024

Table of contents

Popular social work resumes

How to write a resume for a social work job, social work resume examples by experience level, write a social work cover letter, facts about the social work career field, key takeaways for your social work resume, commonly asked question about resume writing.

Creating a standout resume is your first step toward achieving your goals in the world of social work. It’s more than just a document; it’s your opportunity to convey your dedication, empathy and skills to potential employers. 

In this guide, we’ll delve into resume writing, from choosing the right format to highlighting relevant experiences and accomplishments. With tailored advice and actionable tips, you’ll be equipped to craft a compelling resume that not only captures attention but also sets you apart as a top candidate in the competitive field of social work.

This guide will offer you with:

• Effective social work resume samples.
• Tips for crafting a resume that stands out in the social work field.
• Advice for social workers at different career levels.
• The importance of cover letters for social workers.
• Key points to enhance your resume.

Need assistance with your social work resume? Our Resume Builder is here to help. Choose a design suited for the social work field and receive personalized advice for every section, including customizable text suggestions.

Before diving into writing, it’s important to understand what makes a stellar social work resume.

The key is to showcase your social work skills and experiences in a clear and concise format that’s accessible to everyone. Here are three resumes tailored for various social work careers, each serving as a compelling example of an effective resume:

Social worker resume example

Volunteer resume example, case manager resume example.

Ready to elevate your career in social work? Start by making a resume that captures recruiters’ attention.

Let’s kick things off with a resume outline , which should have:

• Your contact information, ensuring it’s prominently displayed.
• A compelling profile that showcases your unique strengths.
• Skill sections that emphasize your expertise in key areas.
• Your employment history, beginning with your latest role.
• Your educational background, including institutions attended and degrees earned .
• Additional sections to infuse your resume with personality and depth.

Okay, ready to go through each part one by one? Let’s break it down clearly to make the process easy to follow.

Put your contact info at the top of the page

Imagine your resume as a lifeline for your social work career. Like distributing business cards at networking events, make it effortless for potential employers to reach you by prominently displaying your contact information at the top of your resume.

Make sure your resume header has these:

• Your full name
• Your phone number
• A professional email address
• The city and state you live in

Here’s a piece of advice — keep your resume header clean and straightforward. Skip the fancy fonts and vibrant designs. While letting a bit of your personality shine through is okay, remember that the main emphasis should be on your professional accomplishments.

Now, let’s start writing your summary.

Write a captivating summary

Crafting an impactful resume profile in social work is your chance to make a lasting impression right off the bat. This section shows your expertise, passion and commitment to making a difference. Depending on your experience level and career goals, you can choose between a professional summary or a resume objective .

For seasoned social workers, a professional summary is key. Use this space to concisely highlight your extensive skills and experiences, demonstrating your ability to excel in various social work settings.

If you’re new to the field or transitioning into a different area of social work, a resume objective is your go-to. Here, you can articulate your career aspirations and how you intend to contribute meaningfully to the organization, showcasing your enthusiasm and dedication.

Your aim is to prove your compatibility with the role and organization, much like the essential bond between individuals in need and the support provided by social workers.

To ace this section, research the company’s culture and mission statement. Tailor your resume to align with their values, emphasizing accomplishments and skills that resonate with their vision.

  By doing so, you’ll demonstrate your understanding of their needs and readiness to impact their organization positively.

Tailor your summary or objective to suit each social work position you pursue. Recognize that every role in social work is unique, with distinct requirements and expectations. By customizing your resume for each job opportunity, you can highlight the skills and experiences explicitly mentioned in the job listing. This approach not only increases your chances of catching the recruiter’s eye but also ensures that your resume aligns with the criteria set by applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Professional summary example for a social work resume:

Dynamic and empathetic social worker with over 10 years of experience in child welfare and mental health. Proven track record of empowering individuals and families to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. Skilled in conducting assessments, developing personalized intervention plans and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Committed to advocating for social justice and promoting equity in all aspects of service delivery.

Sample resume objective for a social work resume:

Dedicated and compassionate social work graduate seeking an entry-level position to apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills in a dynamic professional setting. Eager to contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities by providing support, advocacy and resources. Committed to ongoing learning and professional development to enhance effectiveness in delivering comprehensive social services. Seeking an opportunity to collaborate with a diverse team and make a positive impact on the lives of vulnerable populations.

Highlight your key skills

In social work, you tackle various tasks that require different abilities, from assessments to teamwork. It’s essential to showcase you have these skills and more on your resume.

Your hard skills , like assessments and understanding complex systems, are crucial. Equally important are your soft skills , such as communicating with clients and collaborating with colleagues.

Remember, it’s not just about hard skills or soft skills alone — it’s the combination of both that makes you a standout social work candidate.

In social work, success relies on a similar balance between technical skills and computer skills . If you can work well with the software common in your field, don’t forget to mention it! 

Skills for a social work resume

Detail your work history.

In social work, your career is marked by transformative interventions, meaningful connections and impactful advocacy. Whether you’re facilitating therapy sessions, conducting community assessments or navigating complex client cases, your contributions are invaluable.

When it comes to showcasing your work experience , you need to ensure it stands out.

Here’s how to make your career history shine:

• Focus on the outcomes, not just the tasks. Highlight measurable achievements to elevate your career trajectory. For instance, highlight the number of clients you’ve successfully supported or the positive changes you’ve facilitated in their lives rather than just listing routine social work responsibilities.
• Demonstrate your professional progression. Present your positions in reverse-chronological order, starting with your latest role, to illustrate your advancement and growth in the social work career.
• Use dynamic verbs to describe your work. Elevate your experiences by selecting dynamic verbs like “advocated,” “facilitated” and “empowered” to infuse your resume with energy and emphasize tangible results, aligning perfectly with the impactful nature of social work.

Social work experience entry example: Social Work Case Manager Community Services Center | Springfield, MA | January 2021 – April 2024

• Led interdisciplinary collaboration efforts, improving client outcomes and increasing satisfaction rates by 15%.
• Developed and implemented innovative intervention strategies, leading to a 25% reduction in client recidivism rates.
• Established and maintained comprehensive case documentation procedures, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards.

Discuss your educational background

Your academic journey is a cornerstone in your career as a social worker, particularly if you’ve recently completed your degree in social work.

Do you recall those countless hours spent studying theories and engaging in fieldwork experiences? They’re about to pay off significantly. Your education section is a testament to your understanding of human behavior, social systems and intervention strategies.

Here’s how to present your education as a social worker:

• If you pursued advanced studies such as a master’s or Ph.D., prioritize listing those credentials.
• Then, highlight your undergraduate degree in social work or related fields.
• Mention your high school diploma only if you lack a college degree.

If you hold any additional certifications relevant to social work, seamlessly integrate them into your education section. Don’t forget to showcase any accolades or commendations you received during your academic journey.

Social work education example:

Education Ph.D. in Social Work University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA | 2023 Dissertation Topic: “Exploring Resilience Factors in At-Risk Youth Populations”

Master of Social Work (MSW) University of California, Berkeley, CA | 2018

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work University of California, Berkeley, CA | 2016 Honors: Graduated Summa Cum Laude

Certifications Certified Social Worker (CSW) National Association of Social Workers (NASW) |Certification Date: May 2017

Expand your resume by adding optional sections

Whether you’re just embarking on your social work career or have engaged in impactful activities beyond traditional employment, your resume can offer more than just a list of jobs and academic achievements.

To elevate your social work resume, consider incorporating additional sections that reflect your unique qualities and supplementary skills. These sections can effectively demonstrate your identity and the diverse strengths you bring to your profession.

Here are some suggested sections to consider:

• Publications: If you’ve contributed to scholarly articles, research papers or authored relevant publications, highlighting them underscores your dedication to advancing knowledge in the field of social work.
• Conferences and presentations: Include any participation or presentations at social work conferences. Demonstrating your involvement in professional gatherings illustrates your commitment to staying informed about current trends, research and best practices in social work.
• Volunteer experience: Include volunteer work to showcase your involvement in initiatives aligned with social justice causes, community empowerment or mental health advocacy. Engaging in community outreach programs or counseling services demonstrates your practical application of social work principles, highlighting your commitment to effecting positive change in communities.

Have you mastered multiple languages? Show your linguistic skills in a dedicated section on your resume. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, reflecting your commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and providing inclusive services as a social worker.

Lastly, selecting the appropriate resume template is key. You’ll encounter a variety of options, ranging from highly professional to creatively designed templates . Choose the one that resonates with both your personal style and the specific social work position you’re targeting.

If you’re looking for exclusively free options, Microsoft Word and Google Docs have a selection of templates at no cost.

resumes made with Resume Now!

Professional experience forms the foundation of a social work resume. The more hands-on experience you accumulate in various settings, such as direct client interaction, community outreach or administrative roles, the more you expand your skills and potential career pathways.

As your professional journey evolves, you may need to adapt your resume accordingly. There are three primary resume formats , each suited for different stages of your social work career:

• If you’re an entry-level social worker , opting for a functional resume layout can be advantageous. This format prioritizes your skill set and expertise over your employment history.
• If you’re in the midcareer phase , a combination resume layout is a practical choice. It seamlessly blends your skills and work history, offering a comprehensive overview of your professional background.
• If you’re an experienced social worker , a chronological resume is recommended. This format prioritizes presenting your employment history in sequential order, starting with the most recent position, providing a clear and straightforward depiction of your professional trajectory.

Now, let’s see each of these resume layouts.

Entry-level social work example

Why this resume is ideal for an entry-level social worker:.

This candidate begins with a resume objective rather than a professional summary, which is advantageous for those new to the field of social work. It articulates to potential employers the candidate’s aspirations and what they intend to contribute to their organization.

This resume goes beyond a single skills section; it includes multiple sections dedicated to different skill sets. Using bullet points and distinct sections enhances the visual appeal of the resume while also making it easy to identify the candidate’s proficiencies.

Rather than dwelling on a lack of extensive job experience, this resume highlights skills and knowledge gained through academic pursuits and internships. This strategy effectively shows the candidate’s preparedness and aptitude for the position, despite their relatively brief tenure in the field.

Midcareer social work resume example

Why this resume stands out as an excellent fit for midcareer social workers:.

In this section, the candidate adeptly uses the professional summary to shine a light on their best career achievements. They emphasize their experience in the field and underscore their core competencies, such as their proficiency in navigating complex social work scenarios.

• Showcasing your unique skill set is essential. This resume excels in highlighting key competencies by placing the skills section in a prominent position, effectively delineating what sets this individual apart in the field of social work.

For social workers with experience, illustrating career advancement or specialization is crucial. This resume achieves that by prioritizing recent roles and providing comprehensive insights into the responsibilities and accomplishments within each position.

Experienced social work resume example

What sets this resume apart for an experienced social worker:.

For experienced social workers like this candidate, the chronological resume format showcases their career trajectory prominently. By listing positions in reverse-chronological order, accompanied by concise bullet points detailing accomplishments and responsibilities, this resume effectively highlights the depth of their work history.

In today’s digital age, many organizations rely on software to streamline the resume screening process. This template aligns seamlessly with ATS requirements by adhering to a conventional layout emphasizing clear job titles and dates. This layout ensures that the software and the hiring team can efficiently identify the information they’re looking for.

Showing your career progression emphasizes your reliability and commitment. This resume format effectively communicates the candidate’s steady growth and achievements, demonstrating to employers that this applicant possesses the experience and track record they seek in a seasoned social worker.

Believe it or not, a compelling cover letter could be a game-changer in your social work job search.

Your cover letter provides the space to delve into aspects of your career that don’t belong in your resume. Whether explaining a career break for further education or transitioning into social work from a different field, your cover letter offers the chance to address these unique circumstances.

Start by consulting our comprehensive cover letter-writing guide to ensure you cover the essentials. Once you’re ready to write your letter, check our cover letter examples tailored specifically for social work roles. Additionally, refer to our formatting guide to ensure your letter stands out for all the right reasons.

If you’re pressed for time or want to ensure your cover letter exudes professionalism without putting in too much effort, consider using a cover letter builder . These tools offer customizable, ready-to-use phrases for social work positions, allowing you to edit them to reflect your unique accomplishments and experiences.

Eager to discover the next steps in your social work career journey? Let’s delve into the diverse opportunities that lie ahead.

Interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the social work landscape and exploring potential career trajectories?

Consider these intriguing insights about the social work industry, which highlight the importance of crafting an exceptional resume:

• According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median pay for social workers is $55,350 or $26.61 per hour.
• Over the next 10 years, jobs in social work are expected to grow by 7% , faster than the average for all occupations.
• There are 728,600 social workers working in the U.S.

Customize your social work resume

Each social work position presents unique demands and qualifications. Carefully examine the job ad and tailor your resume to emphasize the skills and experiences sought by the employer.

Highlight your skill set

From adept crisis intervention skills to empathetic client support, ensure your resume highlights the unique abilities and qualities you bring to the field of social work.

Include your certifications and licenses

In social work, certifications and licenses are invaluable assets that bolster your credibility and expertise. Ensure your resume prominently showcases any relevant credentials you have earned.

Detail your achievements

Use concrete numerical figures and examples of how your work has contributed to positive outcomes to illustrate the accomplishments you’ve achieved and the meaningful impact you’ve made in your roles.

Provide insight into your field experience

Any practical experience in social work is invaluable. Detail the projects you’ve undertaken, the volunteer work you’ve participated in and highlight the methodologies you’ve employed and the outcomes you’ve influenced.

Review your document thoroughly

Being detail-oriented is central in the field of social work, and even minor errors in your resume can have significant implications. Take the time to meticulously proofread your resume, and ask a trusted colleague or mentor to review it as well for an additional layer of scrutiny.

Include a cover letter

Recognize the impact of a cover letter. A thoughtfully written one has the potential to showcase your passion and commitment to social work in a way that your resume alone may not achieve.

• How do I list references on a resume?
• What are the best resume fonts for 2024?
• What are core competencies and how do I list them on a resume?
• How should I format my resume?
• Which resume layout should I use?

Was this information about Social Work Resume: Examples, Templates & Tips helpful? Let us know!

Karla Vilmenay

Karla is a content writer dedicated to guiding job seekers to career success with compelling articles, resumes and cover letters. Her M.S. in Screenwriting and B.S. in Comparative Literature equip her to create engaging job application materials.

Read more articles by Karla Vilmenay

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Social Work Resume: Downloadable Sample & Guide

Social work is hard enough without having to worry about getting your resume in good order for future job opportunities. You’re used to helping people in need so accept our expert resume writing advice and let us help you for once!

Social Worker Resume Example MSWord® Download our free Social Worker Resume template in Word and improve the well-being of your own career.

With a job so heavily revolving around dozens of soft skills, being able to write a good resume may be at the bottom of many future social workers’ talents.  

That’s where we come in! 

If you’ve been asking yourself how to write a resume for days on end, then this guide is for you. 

With an expected job growth rate of 9% between 2021 and 2031 according to the BLS, there are more opportunities for you to make your mark in the social work sector, which motivated us even more to put together this thorough guide. 

So take out your pen and pad and let’s crack the best social work resume code together!

Social Work Resume Sample

“First we read, then we write,” said Emerson (but also every Career Counselor to their applicants when writing their social work resumes). 

Usually, career counselors notice the way an applicant presents their skills, experiences, and employees’ abilities . In many cases, flowery language in a resume often ends up in the trash due to a lack of professionalism (depends on where you’re applying) or simply because of the dull over-explaining. 

Another common resume error is being too general and leaving out the specific details and metrics needed. 

So, before you write your resume, there are several points you must cover properly. 

To point you in the right direction, read through our complete social work resume sample first, and then we’ll break down each part of the resume to give you a greater understanding.

[Olivia Lewinski]

[Licensed Clinical Social Worker]

[32 Mc Daniel St SW 30303 | 855-280-7877 | [email protected]]

LCSW with 5+ years of experience. Aiming to teach the young generation at New York University about the coping mechanism of autistic people and exceed their goals according to a pre-planned development schedule. At Children’s Healthcare Atlanta conducted 50 treatment plans for 40 children with 80% success in two trimesters.

Experience  

Marcus Autism Center, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, 2018-present

• Conducted Treatment Plans and Assessment for autistic children
• Conducted special cognitive activities through games with 85% success.
• Organized outdoor events to develop the adjustment skills earlier.

New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 2016-2018

• Provided special development of treatment plans for autistic adults. Managed a case load of 45-50 per month
• Offered parental counseling on autism
• Successfully evaluated and intervenes in crisis situations with autistic episodes.
• Collaborated with colleagues to develop special programs as pandemic coping mechanisms.

Social Worker

US Veterans Health Administration, 2015-2016

• Provided psychotherapy services to approximately 60 individuals each month
• Launched events for patients suffering from mental health illnesses
• Offered counseling for closest relatives of severely depressed patients

Education  

Master’s Degree

Columbia University

• Thesis: Appropriate Care for Autistic Adults – acknowledged by the New York Times.

Bachelor’s Degree

New York University

• Graduated with honors
• Participated in student conferences
• Conducted a workshop with creative ideas for autistic children
• Crisis Intervention
• Psychosocial Assessing
• Developing Treatment Plans
• Active Listening
• Emotional Intelligence
• Collaboration

Certifications

• Academy of Certified Social Workers Credential (ACSW)
• Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS)
• Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

Pubblications

• Article on Assessing Post-COVID PTSD published in Oxford Academic
• Spoke at Social Work Discoveries podcast about enhanced empathy during the pandemic

Additional Activities

• Part-time counselor at US Veterans Health Administration
• Member of American Cancer Society
• Weekly creative activities as fuel for clearer organization, assessments, and developing treatment plans.

Also, if you’re really struggling to write your resume, check out our already designed social work resume templates .  

What’s the Best Social Work Resume Format?

There are multiple resume templates you could use, but one specific format works like a charm with social workers. 

According to career counselors, and HR experts, the best resume format for a social worker is the reverse-chronological format . 

As the name suggests, your social work resume will begin with the latest career information and detail your career backward. 

Although it might seem unconventional for a social work position, this resume type proved as the most readable template for two core reasons. 

• Practicality – points out the most relevant information about the applicant, which is helpful, since the hiring managers will instantly know whether you have or don’t have the needed experience for their opening.
• Vividness – it shows employees’ progressive skill development and the overall development into more demanding roles. So, in reverse, applicants’ social work resume skills get a better perspective.

Social Work Resume: Tips for a Perfect Reverse-Chronological Format

When writing your social work resume in reverse-chronological format , you should consider several factors.

Add a Resume Objective or Summary 

Essentially, resume objectives are mostly recommended for inexperienced candidates .

On the other hand, a summary is more fitting for experienced social work applicants who want to detail all relevant workplace accomplishments and past responsibilities in their resumes. 

Mention Your Qualifying Skills 

The social work skills you list on your resume must correspond to the job description and requirements. Don’t overstuff this section, but add other hard or soft skills you consider useful for the job .

Use Bullet Points to Break Brick Type Resume 

You don’t want the hiring manager to fall asleep halfway through your stellar career because of narrative writing, do you? Separate your cornerstones, and bullet point them.

Include Former Education, Licenses, Training 

Neatly organize and describe your educational experience from most recent to oldest. Ideally, licenses should always be listed first. 

Feature Your Published Projects

It’s always an advantage to have had some of your works published , or acknowledged by, meaningful media.

Mention Personal Interests Outside the Job

When describing your hobbies and interests this section, go for something professional or relevant to the job, not only hanging out with colleagues at the pub!

Do a Grammar Check

This is a no-brainer, but always double-check your resume for grammar errors or illogical sentences.

Also, remember to save your  resume as a PDF! The reason we say this is because PDFs are machine-readable and are more ATS (Applicant Tracking System) friendly . 

How to Write a Social Work Resume Summary or Resume Objective

Social workers are a broad term with various fields of specialization.

You must specify your applicability for the job position with solid arguments, and statistics. Check out how to write a social worker resume summary or objective that will bring you leaps and  bounds closer to the job you want.

Social Work Resume Summary Example 

Devoted social worker with over 3 years of experience. A competent employee that managed every challenge at the US Veterans Health Administration. Ardent and diligent in conducting treatment plans to help others meet their goals in no time as our Hippocratic Oath demands.

The problem with this summary is that the 90s called , and they want their template back. 

It’s not that it doesn’t work, but it’s dated and unspecified. You must be sharper and clearer in how you present yourself as a match for the job you’re applying for. 

LCSW with 3+ years of experience. Looking to educate New York University students with the latest discoveries of the COVID-19 impact on our US veterans. Previously, I’ve done 40 treatment plans for 58 patients at US Veterans Health Administration to meet their goals with 80% progress in 13 months.

This summary will get you interviews because it’s sharp and self-explanatory. The applicant immediately presents themselves as a licensed social worker that gets on their goals at the position they’re applying for.

Lastly, they support themselves with their achievements, mainly through facts and stats. No sugarcoating, no romanticizing the profession—just facts and objectives .

Remember, every time you take on a new position, you’ll need to update your resume , and your summary will need to reflect these change.

How to Write an Entry Level Social Work Resume Objective

In a nutshell, objectives are optional, and they’re recommended for entry-level social workers or those who are on the first ladder in their careers. 

Generally speaking, when writing their entry level social work resume objective , applicants can get creative and focus on their dream-job narrative. Career counselors blame their eagerness and passion to start working, but that’s not an excuse.

As you’ll see shortly, passion is always a plus, but that’s not the determinant for you getting the job. To get it, you don’t write, but document your skills, knowledge, progress, and passion. 

So, check out our entry level social worker resume sample to see how it’s properly done.

Entry Level Social Work Resume Objectives  

Passionate social worker with professional knowledge in assessment and conducting treatment plans, evaluation, and counseling. Always there to listen with deep compassion for every matter. Looking forward to putting dreams into action, and actions into plans.

Being passionate is awesome, and it’s always worth it. But, the chances of getting a job without showing evidence of any experience whatsoever are in the low percentiles.

Low, but not impossible because there’s a way to raise the odds of getting noticed, even if you don’t have direct work experience.

Check out a much-improved example below which includes volunteer work and research .

Emphatic LCSW, proficient in counseling and treatment plans. Conducted treatment plans at New York-Presbyterian Hospital as a volunteer during and after the studies. Also, voluntarily researched the impact of COVID-19 at New York University.

How to Describe Your Social Work Experience

The experience section of your resume is the main determinant that will either get you the job or not.

Namely, this section must mirror your abilities, skills, and achievements. 

By that, we mean clear and straight to the point facts. Be as specific as possible to the job description you’re applying for.

The expert’s tip is to follow the job description as your guide. Because on a second look, you’ll notice the keywords that the employer will be looking for .

When describing your goals and experience, avoid flowery language and stick to action verbs only. Using a correct action verb to replace three adjectives makes your resume neat and professional.

Social Work Resume Examples: Experience

As you’ve seen in the example above, the experience section is organized in bullet points , which, combined with a professional font , make it easy to read.

It’s worth noting that HR experts advise pointing out only the most relevant activities you performed. 

Over the years, applicants used to elaborate too much on their past duties while unconsciously breaking the purpose of their resume. So, make your professional social work resume a concise, bullet-point summary of your experience, achievements and training , not an essay on past duties.

• Conducted Treatment Plans and assessments for autistic children
• Carried out special cognitive activities through games which resulted in notable behavioural improvements and child stress levels halved.

Entry-Level Social Work Resume: Experience Section

If you don’t have the exact experience needed for the job, it’s time to spruce up your resume with experience that you can relate in some way.

Here, resume experts advise you can capitalize on your volunteering and internships that you have completed , relating them to the role you are applying for.

In doing so, you must add specific skills and accomplishments (if any) that will qualify you for the job, not simply list your duties. 

Therefore, if you’ve volunteered, assisted in interventions, got a scholarship from a social work company – feel free to add them all!

💡 EXTRA tip

Use lots of action verbs in your descriptions to make them more impactful!

Check our promising entry-level experience section for a Social Worker :

Manhattan, NYC

• Offered psychosocial counseling, in assistance to Dr. Morris at New York University.
• Conducted treatment planning, and crisis therapy sessions for 50-70 patients per month.
• Collaborated with colleagues, and participated in psychological conferences to improve the treatment program for clients.
• Successfully conducted run events with 60 people under the mentorship of Dr. Jixon at US Veteran Hospital.

Take a look too at our Caregiver resume guide , if you have experience in that related sector that you might add to this section.

Is Your Education Section in Need of a Treatment Plan? It Might Be

The social work profession is always a busy one for people looking to make a change in society. 

In a nutshell, social workers help communities by nurturing empathy and support. 

Currently, social workers can specialize in family relations, dealing with elders, dealing with the marginalized population, mental health issues, refugees, LGBTQ community—the list goes on. If you want to train to be a social worker, there are several stages:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or similar field
• Master’s Degree in Social Work or MSW-Equivalent Program
• Finished Fieldwork Requirements
• Finished ASWB Exam
• Social Work License

Career experts advise that for each education entry you need to include:

• Title earned
• Name and location of the institution or college
• Date completed

Below this information, add the achievements that will fit your application like coursework, projects, a high GPA (of 3.50 or above) , thesis titles, etc. 

Social Work Resume Example: Education Section

Here you have an example of how your Social Work resume Education sections should be presented on your document:

Master of Social Work (MSW)

• Graduated with honors.
• Volunteered in pandemic counseling, and researched post-pandemic depression.
• Published the work under the mentorship of the leading professor.

Bachelor of Social Work

• Outstanding performances and knowledge in dealing with crisis classes.
• Tutored younger colleagues
• Organized student meetings to normalize several stigmas and develop empathy in people.

The Best Social Work Skills for a Resume

Applicants often second-guess the importance of the skills section in their social worker resumes, and focus on adding more educational degrees . However, it’s the professional skills that weigh the most when looking for a related job. 

If you want to get the social work job you want, you have to enlist the best skills you have that can make you a more fitting choice.

Soft Skills

Hard Skills

• Negotiation Ability

To do so, you must read and re-read the job requirements. 

You’ll find certain keywords in the description, and it is wise to use them as part of your skills section. 

To emphasize your abilities, whether they be organizational skills, management skills , teaching, counselling, etc. it is best to use the given keywords as bullet points. Below, we list some of the skills that all professional social workers should have. Check them out to make your resume more concise:

• Intervention
• Psychopathology
• Critical Thinking
• Policy Awareness
• Organization
• Human Behavior
• Perceptiveness
• Communication
• Active Learning
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

While creating your skills bullet points , don’t copy-paste this list. Instead, make sure the list is tailor-made to you, and has been customized and adjusted to more accurately describe where you will excel in this job role. Don’t lie on your resume about the skills you possess , it never pays off!

For pointers, check out how we tackled the job requirement section!

Required Skills

With this in mind, your skills section should look something like this:

• Developed Treatment Plans for 70 children at Children’s Healthcare Atlanta.
• Provided assessment for 40 children per week.
• Organized the needed documents as part of the job at Children’s Healthcare Atlanta.
• High Persuasive skills

As you can see, apart from the needed job requirements for your social worker resume , we added yet another skill that we considered relevant enough to be included in your social worker resume.

Don’t blindly follow the job requirements and the important keywords for your resume . If there’s something you consider useful to have, don’t hesitate to add it in here, in this section.

How to Add Other Sections for an Effective Resume

Often applicants dismiss the Other Section as irrelevant. 

However, this part has a significant purpose, where you add more information about your career and personal life.

Essentially, the section should contain concise information other than the needed job requirements. 

Therefore, take this section as your final say why the employers should hire you. 

Think of your final arguments to convince the hiring managers, and add them to your resume. 

It can be a conference, publications, volunteering, related hobbies etc. Such information proves you’re a dynamic employee, and a potential member of the team you’re applying for.

Now let’s see how you should or shouldn’t write this section.

Social Work Resume Sample “Other” Sections

The Other section in a resume should offer a grasp on your personal activities, accomplishments, extra languages you speak , volunteering projects, hobbies and interests, and more. 

If there’s one thing you shouldn’t do with the Other resume section , it is this:

OTHER 

• Enjoys swimming
• Reading novels
• Hanging out with friends

This is a big no-no. Your employer appreciates your hobbies and activities as they are part of an interview, but in writing, or in your social work resume you have to be more specific , and relevant. 

Moreover, you should convince them you’re not a passive person . Instead, go for something like this:

Conferences

• 2021 Post-Pandemic Mental Health Conference – spoke about the coping mechanisms at New York University
• 2019 International Federation of Social Workers – Volunteered
• 2017 NASW Conference – Volunteer

Publications

• Part-time demonstrator at New York University 

The difference is more than obvious, and you take advantage of the other section as the final say to maximize your hiring chances.

Social Work Resume: Key Takeaways

Use the reverse-chronological template , as it points out your skills and abilities the best. 

When describing your goals and experience, avoid flowery language and stick to action verbs only. Using a correct action verb to replace three adjectives makes your resume neat and professional. 

Don’t forget to use bullet points . Read the job description and find the keywords that will make fine key points, but also mind supporting them with facts and stats.

Lastly, write one section at a time . Also, after writing each section, go back to our guide to check if you’re on the right path and that your section is following the guidelines we’ve set out in this social work resume guide. 

And of course, reread your resume at the end to ensure you have avoided any grammatical errors and that your social work resume is accurate and engaging.   

We hope you found our ResumeGiants guide helpful—now, go and write a knockout social work resume and start doing awesome work in your community!

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• Resume Examples

Social Work Resume Example + Social Worker Resume Tips

Write a social worker resume that shows you're caring, knowledgeable, and resilient. Our social work resume examples and professional advice will guide the way.

You put others first, while your needs get the back seat. You work harder than people who earn 10x your salary, with little thanks.

But if you help one life, it’s worth it.

The trouble? Even with all that empathy, it’s still hard to get a job.

What’s blocking you is an unimpressive social work resume. But together we can fix that fast.

In this guide:

• A social work resume example better than most.
• How to write a social worker resume that shows you care.
• How to create a strong career summary or resume objective for social workers.
• Which social work skills for resume matter.

Save hours of work and get a job-winning resume like this. Try our resume builder with 20+ resume templates and create your resume now.

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I had an interview yesterday and the first thing they said on the phone was: “Wow! I love your resume.” Patrick I love the variety of templates. Good job guys, keep up the good work! Dylan  My previous resume was really weak and I used to spend hours adjusting it in Word. Now, I can introduce any changes within minutes. Absolutely wonderful! George

Looking for a different kind of resume? See: 

• Assistant Principal Resume
• Caregiver Resume
• Correctional Officer Resume
• Pastor Resume
• Project Manager Resume
• Resident Assistant Resume
• College Student Resume
• Teen Resume
• Virtual Assistant Resume
• Volunteering Resume

Haven't found what you're looking for? Check all our  Resume Examples for Any Job.

Social Work Resume Example You Can Copy and Use

Maisie Bauge

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

Personal Info

Phone: 785-996-5811

E-mail: [email protected]

linkedin.com/in/maisiebauge

twitter.com/maisiebauge

Passionate LCSW with 4+ years of experience. Seeking to help clients meet goals at Sugden Well Being. At Strother Regional Life Strategies, provided therapy and counseling to a caseload of 40+ 12–18 year-olds. 70% of clients met goals within 3 months. Mandt-certified NASW member. Skilled in assessment and treatment plans.

LCSW — Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Strother Regional Life Strategies

2016–2019

• Provided counseling and therapy to adolescents aged 12–18 years.
• Worked with clients to develop goals. 70% met goals in 3 months.
• Collaborated with psychologist to complete evaluation reports. Commended 3x by psychologist for efficiency and documentation.
• Managed caseload of 40–120 patients.
• Worked with IT department to improve record-keeping system. Reduced time spent on documentation by 5 hours per week.

Volunteer Child Social Worker

Blakely Ridge Ranch

2015–2016

• Provided on-call assistance to 25+ children in rural children's home.
• Used Mandt training to intervene in conflicts involving violent children.
• Evaluated and performed treatment planning for 4 mentally ill children.
• Facilitated and led 5 weekly group therapy sessions.

Master of Social Work, Alabama State University

2014–2015

• Project on treatment plans cited by professor in JAMA Psychiatry.

BS Social Work, Auburn University

2010–2014

• Pursued a passion for child development coursework.

Certifications

• Mandt Certification, R-Level

Additional Activities

• Member, NASW.
• Weekly Vinyasa yoga as self-care.
• At NASW Conference 2018, spoke on panel about burnout.

Hard Skills:  Counseling, creating treatment plans, assessment, Mandt system

Soft Skills:  Interpersonal skills, communication, active listening, empathy

Here’s how to write a great resume for social working jobs:

1. Use the Correct Social Work Resume Format

Appearances matter.

Poor resume formatting is the #2 reason recruiters throw out resumes. 

So make sure your social work resume follows the right model.

The reverse-chronological resume format is your friend. It lines up all your best features in the right order.

Social Work Resume Format

• Put your latest or current position up top. Follow it up with the previous ones. 
• Add 1-inch resume margins to a 1-page resume .
• Include white space to save hiring managers from squinting.
• Use a trusted resume font like 10–12pt Helvetica or Calibri.
• Make resume sections like Heading, Summary, Work Experience , Education, and Skills.
• Always send PDF resumes , since they look the same on every screen.

Expert Hint: There are 707,400 social workers in the US. Their ranks are swelling much faster than average. Your social work resume must be its best self to compete.

2. Write a Social Work Resume Objective or Summary

Here’s your biggest challenge:

Your social work resume is drowning in a sea of other applications. You need it to stand out like Jane Waldfogel at a monster truck rally to get the job.

Do that with a gripping resume profile (in the form of a  career objective , career summary , or summary of qualifications ). 

It’s your sales pitch in a nutshell.

• An adjective (passionate, hard-working)
• “social worker” or “LCSW”
• Years of experience (2+, 5+)
• Where & what you want to do (help clients meet goals at Sugden Well Being)
• Best social work moments (70% of clients met goals...)
• Key job skills (assessment, treatment plans...)

Your summary goes up top, but—

Write it when the rest of is done to make it easy.

See these social work resume examples:

Social Work Resume Summary—Example

See the problem?

The second of those social worker resume samples is just a list of skills.

The first shows your caseload and what you did.

That won’t work in an entry-level resume for social workers. Will it?

Yes. But do it with volunteering or skills from other jobs.

See this entry-level social work resume sample:

Entry-Level Social Worker Resume Objective

The first of those social work resume examples has more detail. They know you used your skills with 25+ children. (Numbers make it sing!)

Expert Hint: The Northeast has a high number of social workers . Southern states have less. A Southern social worker resume needs an extra-strong objective or summary.

The ResumeLab builder is more than looks. Get specific content to boost your chances of getting the job. Add job descriptions, bullet points, and skills. Easy. Improve your resume in our resume builder now .

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Nail it all with a splash of color, choose a clean font, and highlight your skills in just a few clicks. You're the perfect candidate, and we'll prove it. Use our resume builder now .

3. Craft Your Social Work Job Description and Skills Section

What social work resume skills do you need?

Here are some of the most common:

Social Work Skills for a Resume

  Hard Skills

• Intervention
• Human Behavior
• Creating Treatment Plans
• Crisis Management
• Policy Adherence
• Psychopathology
• Computer Skills

Soft Skills

• Interpersonal Skills
• Effective Communication
• Organization
• Active Listening
• Collaboration
• Critical Thinking
• Stress Management
• Active Learning
• Conflict Management

A word of warning:

Don’t shoe-horn them all into your resume.

To get jobs, write a targeted resume instead.

To write a social work job description for resumes:

• Cherry-pick skills to put on a resume from the online ad.
• Save them in a list of resume keywords .
• Build your bullets from times you used them to help clients.

See these social work resume samples:

Imagine the job ad wants these social work skills: counseling , client goal-setting , collaboration , documentation .

Social Work Job Description for a Resume [Sample]

• Worked with clients to plan and set goals . 70% met goals in 3 months.
• Collaborated with psychologist to complete evaluation reports. Commended 3x by psychologist for efficiency and documentation .
• Managed heavy patient caseload.
• Worked with IT department to improve record-keeping system.
• Assisted families and juvenile clients with understanding the Center’s policies and procedures.
• Facilitated group sessions to help create a safe environment.
• Provided guidance to support staff to ensure client needs were met.

Did you catch that?

The first of those social work resume examples shows counseling, goal-setting, collaboration, and documentation . That’s just what the doctor ordered.

The numbers make it solid.

Next, here comes a resume for entry-level jobs .

Imagine a job that wants these social work skills: on-call assistance , Mandt techniques , treatment planning , group therapy , interpersonal skills .

See these social worker resume examples with no experience:

Entry-Level Social Work Resume Job Description [Sample]

2018–2019

• Provided 10+ hours per week of on-call assistance to 25+ children in rural children's home.
• Used Mandt techniques to intervene in conflicts involving violent children.
• Evaluated and performed treatment planning for 4 mentally ill youth.
• Facilitated 5 weekly group therapy sessions.

The Stippled Pig Restaurant

2014–2019

• Used strong interpersonal skills to provide excellent customer service, earning $200+ in tips per weekend night shift.
• Provided excellent customer service, earning $200+ in tips per weekend night shift.
• Vacuumed, swept, mopped, and dusted every shift.
• Assisted with restocking, side work, and seating customers.

The first assistant social worker resume example adds volunteering to show on-call assistance and other asked-for skills.

It also fits in interpersonal skills from a server job.

Expert Hint: Burnout rates are high in social workers. How do you manage stress? Show your stress management or self-care methods in a social work resume.

4. Create a Winning Education Section

Social work is one of the top 100 jobs in the US. But not all social work positions are created equal.

To get your dream job, add data to the education section of your social worker resume.

This social work resume sample shows how:

Social Work Resume Example—Education

A glance at that social worker resume education section might generate a phone call.

Achievements  are powerful job-getters.

5. Put “Added” Sections in Your Social Work Resume

“Oh, I like this one.”

Wouldn’t it be great if the hiring manager said that?

It’s not a dream.

“Added” sections in a social worker resume can show you’re special.

Here’s a sampling:

• Associations ( NASW , Association for Play Therapy )
• Conferences ( NASW , etc.)
• Publications
• Media mentions
• Certifications ( Mandt , etc.)
• Volunteer work
• Freelance work
• Foreign languages
• Additional activities

See these sample social worker resume examples:

Social Work Resume—Extra Sections

• Crossword puzzles

The first of those social worker resume examples has details. That applicant could be Ruth McRoy in disguise.

Expert Hint: Write a cover letter for your social work resume. Do some research to find out why you love this job and why you’d rock it. Then say that in your resume.

Double your impact with a matching resume and cover letter combo. Use our cover letter generator and make your application documents pop out.

CREATE YOUR COVER LETTER NOW

Want to try a different look? There's 21 more. A single click will give your document a total makeover. Pick a cover letter template here .

Here’s how to write a social work resume:

• Use the social work resume template up top. It gives opportunities to show off your beneficence.
• List social worker resume skills, but add bullet points that show you’ve used them to help clients.
• Write a social worker resume summary at the top. Equip it with your best few moments in the field, but write it last.
• Include “added” resume sections like conferences, certifications, and additional activities.
• Add a  social worker cover letter   explaining why you love  this  job.

Got questions on how to write great resumes for social work jobs? Not sure how to put social work on a resume? Leave a comment. We’ll be happy to reply!

About ResumeLab’s Editorial Process

At ResumeLab, quality is at the crux of our values, supporting our commitment to delivering top-notch career resources. The editorial team of career experts carefully reviews every article in accordance with editorial guidelines , ensuring the high quality and reliability of our content. We actively conduct original research, shedding light on the job market's intricacies and earning recognition from numerous influential news outlets . Our dedication to delivering expert career advice attracts millions of readers to our blog each year.

Having published over 200 career-advice articles, Tom Gerencer is a career expert who covers the whole array of job-seeking topics for people at all career stages, from interns to C-suite members. His insights, commentary, and articles reach over a million readers every month. With inside knowledge of key industry players and in-depth research, Tom helps job seekers with advice across all professions and career stages. Tom holds a degree in English from Colby College.

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Social Worker Resume Examples

Let our Social Worker resume examples lend you a helping hand during your job search! We have professional samples you can personalize to create your resume and land the job.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Social Worker Resume Summary Examples
• Social Worker Resume Work Experience Examples
• Social Worker Resume Skills Examples
• Examples of Additional Resume Sections
• Examples of Resume Formats
• Don’t Forget Your Social Worker Cover Letter
• Similar Resume Examples

Social Worker resume summary examples

To make your resume pass the seven seconds recruiters spend eyeing a resume , write an impactful resume opener.

The resume summary consists of a two to three-sentence paragraph introducing yourself to potential employers by featuring your top skills and professional abilities.

Think of it like a business pitch. Your knowledge and experiences are the product you have to sell to the investor, in this case, the employer.

If you have plenty of work experience in your desired field, choose the professional summary approach.

If this is your first time applying for a Social Worker position, use the objective statement , which allows you to share your skills as they relate to your career goals.

You can compare these two approaches in the examples below to determine which is better for your situation.

Good example:

“ A passionate and dedicated Social Worker with 5+ years of experience providing counseling and support services to individuals and families. Possess a strong aptitude for developing and implementing effective interventions to help clients achieve their goals. Proven track record of successfully advocating for clients and working collaboratively with other professionals to provide holistic care.”

Why this example passes:

• Feature candidate’s success statistic to grab attention. Numbers add detail about how big the results you deliver are, e.g., test scores, passing rate and more.
• Shows career length, 11 years.
• Mentions employer-desired skills: student motivation and interactive lessons.

Bad example:

“ Experienced social worker with a passion for helping others. Committed to providing compassionate care and support to those in need. Dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of those I serve.”

Why this example fails:

• Doesn’t include any numbers that quantify social worker’s performance
• Uses vague descriptions and skills.
• Doesn’t include years of teaching experience.

The fastest way to write your professional summary

If you want an edge writing to help write your professional summary, check out our Resume Builder . It features pre-written content for Social Worker roles that you can select from, personalize and use!

Enter the details about the job title you held. The builder comes preloaded with auto-suggested phrasing written by resume experts.

Then, just pick from these suggested phrases that best frame your experience and customize them to your liking!

All you have to do is choose the summary phrases that best frame your experience. It’s like having a professional do it for you!

You can take advantage of the expert-written phrases you’ll find in our Resume Builder or go the extra mile and use our professional resume-writing services . LiveCareer offers many options for all applicants wanting an effective resume that lands jobs!

The reviews are in!

See what they’re saying about us on trustpilot., social worker resume work experience examples.

A big part of your resume’s content will live in your work experience , so you’ve got to put in the extra effort to make it stand out. This section should feature achievements that show recruiters you have what they’re looking for if you want to write a good resume .

Rolling Meadows Middle School I Rolling Meadows, IL I 8/2018-current

• Developed and implemented individualized care plans for at-risk youth in foster care
• Collaborated with families, school personnel, and other community partners to ensure client needs were met
• Provided crisis intervention services to clients in need of immediate assistance
• Facilitated weekly group therapy sessions to address mental health and behavioral issues.
• Numbers and statistics add detail and quantify the results this social worker delivers: 4% improvement and a class size of 20-25.
• Good use of strong words and active language.
• References specialized value cahier provides with “individualized lesson plans.”

Emily Dickinson Elementary I Redmond, WA I 4/2022-present

• Worked with clients to develop goals
• Assisted with paperwork
• Collaborated with other professionals
• Facilitated group sessions.
• Lacks numbers or statistics.
• Describes general tasks, not teaching achievements or career highlights.
• Uses active verbs, but doesn’t focus on results.

Social Worker resume skills examples

Here are 18 sample skills for social worker:

• DSM-V and ICD-10 diagnoses
• Sexual assault victim counseling
• Conflict Resolution
• Risk Assessment
• Records Management
• Treatment Planning
• Staff Development
• Educational Support
• Crisis Intervention
• Client Advocacy
• Client Needs Assessment
• Case Management
• Life Skills Development
• Intervention Planning
• Discharge Planning
• Analytical Thinking
• Case Documentation
• Clinical Supervision

You should sprinkle skills and abilities throughout your resume. Include them in your professional summary, work experience blurbs and a dedicated skills section .

Examples of additional resume sections

Every Social Worker resume should have at least five sections: contact information, professional summary, work experience, skills and education . It can also be helpful to add extra sections if they show you’re a fit for the job.

Here are some examples of optional social worker resume sections that you could add to provide greater detail:

• Certifications
• Additional skills
• Accomplishments
• Professional skills
• Additional information

Ensure you only share relevant qualifications in your resume’s additional sections. Better to have a concise resume that’s quick to read!

Examples of resume formats

Combination, chronological.

The main difference among them is whether or not they give more visual weight to your work history or to your skills section. The format you should select for your resume is based on your years of work experience as a social worker.

How to choose a resume format

0-3 Years of experience

Functional formats

• Focus on skills.
• Best for first-time social worker who lack work experience.
• Good for people re-entering workforce.
• May omit dates in the work history section.

Organization:

• Skills listed above work experience.

3-10 Years of experience

Combination formats

• Balance skills and work history.
• Ideal for mid-career social worker.
• Suitable for career changers and people seeking promotion.
• Skills next to or above work experience.

10+ Years of experience

Chronological formats

• Put the most focus on work history.
• Best for social worker with a long, steady career.
• Most popular format.
• Preferred by recruiters.
• Work experience listed above skills.

Don’t forget your social worker cover letter

A cover letter works hand-in-hand with your resume to make a stronger case for why you deserve the job.

You can use a cover letter to share even more professional accomplishments as a Social Worker and stand out as the ideal candidate for the restaurant team member position.

A cover letter is a companion to your resume where you can provide more context to those resume achievements.

Additionally, a great way to connect with employers is by using the cover letter to tell your unique story about where you are in your career and where you envision going.

If it seems like a lot of writing, worry not because our Cover Letter Builder will help you create a personalized cover letter in minutes!

Get inspired with expertly written content with our cover letter examples , and find the ideal design in our cover letter templates library.

To get all the details on writing an impressive cover letter, check out our cover letter writing guide for 2023 .

Similar resume examples

Want to see more resume examples for jobs related to social worker?

Addiction Counselor

Case Manager

Community Development Officer

Community Manager

Disability Case Manager

More Social Worker resume examples

• Disability Support Worker
• Foster Care Case Manager
• Group Home Worker
• Human Rights Officer
• Marriage And Family Therapist
• Probation Officer
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Youth Counselor
• Youth Program Coordinator

Creating a Resume increases your chances of getting a job by 100%.

As seen in *

*The names and logos of the companies referred to in this page are all trademarks of their respective holders. Unless specifically stated otherwise, such references are not intended to imply any affiliation or association with LiveCareer.

Social Worker Resume Example

Showcase your ability to help improve lives with our social worker resume guide with tips and examples!

Our resumes have been proven to work.

Beautiful resume templates to land your dream job

Since 2019, the Occupational Outlook Handle has seen a 13% growth rate of social worker jobs, which is much faster than average. Currently, there are over 713,200 social worker jobs out there, which means, if this is your calling, it's time to answer it. To become a social worker, you are required to have the following:

• Licensure in your state
• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in social work (BSW)

With these requirements met, before you can answer the call, you need to convince recruiters that you're the right person for the job and more than capable of improving lives. How do you do that? Well, with a well-written, detailed, and clean social worker resume, and this article will help you create just that. In this article, we will cover the following 7 steps to get your resume job-ready to help others:

• Format your resume like a professional
• Include a resume summary to highlight your abilities to recruiters
• Include your licenses on your resume
• Describe your work experience
• Add your education
• Mention your certifications
• List your key skills

1. Format your resume like a professional

A recruiter is not going to hire you if your resume is sloppy and poorly formatted. Being a social worker is a serious job. Therefore, it is essential for your resume to be taken seriously, too. When it comes to formatting your resume, there are three ways you can do so:

• Reverse-chronological , which emphasizes your previous work experience
• Functional , which highlights your key skills
• Hybrid , which combines the previous formats to give recruiters a closer look at what you're bringing to the table

As a social worker, the best format for your resume would be reverse-chronological as it is of great importance for recruiters to know what your past experience is and what you've done as a social worker.

Tip: If you're just beginning social work, consider using the functional format to highlight your key skills since you don't have much work experience.

Take a look at our guide on how to format your resume if you want to learn more.

Tip: Be sure to save your resume as a PDF so recruiters have easier access when viewing.

2. Write a resume summary that highlights your experience and abilities

In an industry like social work that is at a 13% growth rate , your experience and abilities are what just may set you apart from other social workers. Recruiters want to find the perfect candidate , and sometimes they need to do so quickly. Writing a resume summary can help you become that candidate. A resume summary is a 1-2 sentence blurb that summarizes everything in your resume. It makes recruiters know you mean business and respect their time, which can help you get hired faster. Now, there are some elements that should be made available in a resume summary:

• Years of experience
• Kind of experience
• Achievements

Tip: If you're still in the beginning steps of your social work career, write a resume objective instead of a resume summary. This will show recruiters your goals in the industry as well as your passion.

Here's what a good resume summary can look like for a social worker: Licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) with 5+ years of experience creating treatment plans with 89% success rates in less than 9 months, crisis emergency intervention, and regular counseling of youths. This example shows recruiters that you are experienced , have had success in your social work, and are disciplined in specific kinds of social work, which helps them determine if you're the right fit for the job much easier. Here's a bad example of a resume summary : Social worker with 5 years of experience completing social work duties. Provided interventions, counseling, and treatment planning. This is not what recruiters want to see because the information is presented in a redundant way. Not to mention, there are many different kinds of social workers, and this resume summary example does not really specify what kind of work is done.

Tip: Always run your resume, especially your resume summary, through a spell check. You wouldn't want to miss your opportunity of getting hired because you misspelled clinical or experience .

Want to write the perfect resume summary? Our guide on writing resume summaries has tons of examples.

3. Include your licenses on your resume

To be a social worker, you need to have a license in your state. Therefore, it is crucial to include your license or licenses on your resume so that recruiters know you are qualified for the job.

Tip: You worked hard for that license, be proud of it, and put it at the top of your resume, right under your resume summary.

While there are licenses that are based on your state, there are general social worker licenses that you should get to up your experience and qualifications. Here are some licenses you should add to your resume or consider getting:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC)
• Certified Independent Practice Social Worker (CIPSW)
• Licensed Advanced Practice Social Worker (LAPSW)
• Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW)

Tip: Be sure to include the acronyms of your qualifications to let recruiters know you're educated in the field and can speak the language.

4. Include and describe your work experience

Depending on your situation, you may just be overqualified for the social worker position you are applying for, or maybe, you don't have the experience just yet. Regardless, it's important to list something under the work experience section of your resume. If you've got the experience, be sure to use bullet points and descriptions when listing, and be sure to list them in reverse-chronological format. Your work experience should include the following:

• Company name
• Years worked
• Job description

Don't necessarily know what kind of experience to list? Here are some descriptions you can include in your resume:

• Worked alongside the Primary Care Providers to treat and manage mental health and psychosocial issues.
• Provided focused intervention for patients who are in need of mental health services.
• Talked, listened, observed, and analyzed patients and suggested a suitable mode of treatment.
• Provided complete documentation of visits and the patients' progress in the medical record.
• Assisted patients in need of developing daily and community living skills.
• Provided patients with self-management skills and education information needed so they can participate in their treatment.
• Worked directly with students in response to problematic situations, identifying causal issues, behavioral responses and their impact, and future choices.
• Consulted with relevant members of faculty and administration in developing behavioral plans.
• Served on individual students’ learning support teams.
• Served as a member of crisis intervention and emergency planning/response teams.
• Facilitated occasional faculty-staff discussions on social and emotional well-being concerns and promotion.
• Delivered classroom instruction focused on developing positive relationships and other areas based on students' needs.
• Held regularly scheduled student counseling sessions as needed.
• Engaged, collaborated, and communicated with parents and other care providers.
• Worked with students and families to uncover attendance barriers, and develop positive incentives to increase attendance.

Tip: There are different kinds of social workers that focus on specific things. From clinical social workers to substance abuse and child, family and school, be sure to list your experience for your specific role.

If you don't have work experience , don't worry. There are still experiences you can list on your resume:

• Volunteer work
• Internships
• Fill-in fee-for-service work at clinics
• Social worker assistance

Want more tips and tricks on how to write your work experience description? Check out our guide on describing your work experience .

5. Add your education

To become a social worker, you need a minimum of a bachelor's degree in social work . Even then, a master's degree in social work can be preferred . Education matters on a social worker's resume, so be sure to include it.

Be sure to mention the following:

• School name and location
• Years in school

Here's what listing your education section can look like: University of New England

Portland, ME • 2014 — 2016

Master of Arts in Social Work GPA: 3.6/4.0

University of Southern Maine

Portland, ME • 2010 — 2014

Bachelor of Arts in Social Work GPA: 3.7/4.0 Don't know if to put your GPA on your resume? Take a look at our guide on adding your GPA to your resume , which includes tips and examples.

6. Mention your certifications

If you've got certifications that are relevant to social work , add a certifications section to your resume. This will show recruiters that you are qualified and certified to do certain aspects of social work. Adding certifications can also take your resume to the next level. Here are some certificates relevant to social work that you can add to your resume:

• Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW)
• Certified Advanced Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker (C-ACYFSW)
• Mandt Certification, RCT Level
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
• Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)
• Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)
• Certified Hospice and Palliative Social Worker (ACHP-SW)
• Military Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families - Social Worker (MVF-SW)

Tip: Some social worker certifications require only a bachelor's degree while others require a master's degree. Be sure to do your research to get the most out of your degree.

If you're looking for more certifications to include in your resume or want to know how to correctly list them , check out our guide.

7. Include your key skills in your resume

Just because we are including your key skills at the end of our guide doesn't mean they are unimportant to mention. In fact, including your key skills in your resume can separate you from other applicants and heighten your chances of getting hired. When listing your key skills, make sure that they are relevant to social work. You can even categorize your skills into hard skills and soft skills and show off both your social worker skills as well as your interpersonal skills. Here are some hard skills or social work-relevant skills you can list in your resume:

• Treatment Plan Development
• Emergency Intervention
• Crisis Intervention
• Human Behavior Analysis
• Psychopathology
• Policy Awareness

Here are some soft skills or interpersonal skills you can list in your resume:

• Communication
• Active Listening
• Emotional Intelligence
• Collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Perspective

Adding key skills is sure to make your resume shine and stand out to recruiters. If you're having trouble identifying key skills, we have a guide with 100+ key skills that can help you out, too.

Key Takeaways

Following this guide, you're one step closer to your goal of helping improve the lives of others. That's our goal, too, with helping you create the perfect resume for your job as a social worker. Here's a recap of everything we've covered:

• Include a resume summary that highlights your abilities
• Describe and list your work experience

Be sure to include all your contact information , and there you have it. Good luck!

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

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

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

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

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

Social Worker Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

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

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Social Worker Resumes

Social Worker Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Related Other Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

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

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

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

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

   include metrics like participant and case success rates..

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

   Highlight the specifics of each role.

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

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

Template 2 of 5: social work teacher resume example.

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

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

   define the goals of each social assistance role..

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

   List your tools and techniques.

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

Skills you can include on your Social Work Teacher resume

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

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

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

   underscore client-success results..

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

   Highlight the social categories of your clients.

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

Skills you can include on your Mental Health Social Worker resume

Template 4 of 5: clinical social worker resume example.

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

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

   highlight specialized social work skills.

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

   Showcase your multidisciplinary team experience

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

Skills you can include on your Clinical Social Worker resume

Template 5 of 5: clinical social worker resume example.

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

   Mention any internship and volunteering experience, if applicable.

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

   Highlight relationships with clients.

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

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

   Highlight your specialization areas

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

Compare these two examples:

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

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

   Quantify your impact with numbers

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

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

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

   Describe your crisis intervention skills

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

A good resume might say:

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

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

   Showcase your cultural competence

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

Instead of simply listing:

• Worked with diverse clients

Try something more specific, like:

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

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

   Emphasize your collaboration skills

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

You might say something like:

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

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

   Tailor your resume to the job posting

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

For example, if a job posting says:

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

Make sure your resume includes things like:

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

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

Writing Your Social Worker Resume: Section By Section

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

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

Compare these examples:

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

2. Include your location, phone, and email

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

Here's an example of what to include:

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

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

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

3. Showcase your specialization if applicable

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

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

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

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

  Summary

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

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

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

1. Tailor your summary to the specific social worker role

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

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

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

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

2. Quantify your achievements and impact

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

Compare the following examples:

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

Instead, try quantifying your achievements like this:

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

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

3. Highlight your specialized skills and certifications

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

For example:

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

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

  Experience

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

1. Highlight social work skills and specialties

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

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

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

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

2. Quantify your impact with metrics

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

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

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

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

3. Show progression and specialization

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

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

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

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

4. Tailor your experience to the job

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

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

If it's more focused on community outreach:

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

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

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

  Education

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

1. List your degrees in reverse chronological order

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

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

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

2. Highlight your social work licensure

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

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

Bad example:

Licensed Social Worker

Good example:

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

3. Include relevant training and certifications

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

• Certifications
• Training programs
• Workshops or seminars

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

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

• CPR Certification
• Diversity and Inclusion Workshop

4. Tips for experienced social workers

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

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

MSW, Columbia University LCSW, California Pupil Personnel Services Credential

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

Action Verbs For Social Worker Resumes

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

• Consolidated
• Transformed

For more related action verbs, visit Healthcare Action Verbs .

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

Action Verbs for Social Worker Resumes

Skills for social worker resumes.

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

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

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

Skills Word Cloud For Social Worker Resumes

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

How to use these skills?

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Is a good social work resume necessary?

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

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

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

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

We have answered the following questions in this blog:

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

Who is a Social Worker?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ideal Resume Format for your Social Work Resume

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

There are three types of resume formats:

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

Reverse Chronological Resume

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

Functional Resume

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

Combination Resume

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

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

Why is the Reverse Chronological Resume Format best for you?

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

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

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

Social Work Resume Sections

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

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

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

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

Social Work Resume: Header

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

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

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

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

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

Social Work Resume for Header

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

Social Work Resume: Personal Information

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

• Updated mobile number
• Professional email address

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

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

Updated Mobile Number

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

We have mentioned these rules below:

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

E-mail Address

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Social Work Resume Sample for Personal Information

Social Work Resume: Profile Title

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

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

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

Social Work Resume: Key Skills

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

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

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

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

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

Social Worker Resume Sample for Key Skills

Social Work Resume Summary

Now, here comes the last section of your resume.

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

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

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

Social Work Resume Sample for Summary

Social Work Resume Objective

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

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

Social Work Resume: Professional Experience

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s what you can do to accomplish this:

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

STAR Format in your Social Work Resume

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

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

For each project or responsibility, you have to mention:

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

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

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

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

Framing Points in your Social Work Resume

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

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

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

Grouping & Highlighting in your Social Work Resume

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

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

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

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

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

Social Work Resume: Education

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

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

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

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

Social Work Resume: Certifications

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

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

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

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

List of Certifications for Social Worker

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

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

Social Worker Resume: Additional Information Section

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

Volunteer Experience

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

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

Hobbies & Interests

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

Publications/Articles

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

Social Work Sample Resume

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

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

Key Takeaways

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

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• Social Worker Resume Example

Resume Examples

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

Common Responsibilities Listed on Social Worker Resumes:

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Social Worker Resume Example:

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

Top Skills & Keywords for Social Worker Resumes:

Hard skills, soft skills, resume action verbs for social workers:, generate your resume summary.

Resume FAQs for Social Workers:

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

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

Complete the steps below to generate your free resume analysis.

Related Resumes for Social Workers:

Social Worker Resume Examples

Writing a great social worker resume is important because it is one of the first things a potential employer will see when they are considering you for a position. It is your opportunity to make a good first impression and sell yourself as the best candidate for the job.

Create your resume Select from 7 professional resume templates

If you're looking for inspiration when it comes to drafting your own social worker resume, look no further than the samples below. These resumes will help you highlight your experience and qualifications in the most effective way possible, giving you the best chance of landing the social worker job you're after.

or download as PDF

Essential Components of a Social Worker Resume

A social worker's resume is a critical document that showcases your expertise, professional history, and credentials. It reflects your career trajectory and highlights your suitability to potential employers. A well-crafted resume includes sections such as an objective or summary, work experience, education, skills, and certifications, each playing a pivotal role in presenting a comprehensive profile of your competencies and knowledge. Let's delve into the specifics of these sections, discussing their importance and content, and providing tips to enhance each segment for social workers.

1. Contact Information

Your Contact Information is the gateway for employers to reach out to you. It's essential to list your full name, phone number, and a professional email address—preferably one that incorporates your name. While including a home address is optional, consider the employer's preference.

Adding links to professional online profiles, such as LinkedIn or a personal portfolio, can be advantageous, provided they are well-maintained and convey professionalism. Ensure this section is accurate, up-to-date, and prominently placed at the top of your resume for easy accessibility.

2. Objective Statement

An Objective Statement serves as a succinct introduction, offering a glimpse into your career aspirations and eagerness for the position. Craft a concise and personalized statement that aligns with the job you're applying for, highlighting relevant skills and experiences. For instance, mention your background in child welfare if applying for a child protection role.

Express your passion for social work and commitment to societal betterment, reflecting an understanding of the job responsibilities and how your unique skill set can contribute. Avoid generic phrases, opting for a tailored approach that distinguishes you from other applicants.

An exemplary objective might read: " Dedicated social worker with over five years of experience in mental health care, seeking to leverage my proven case management and patient advocacy skills in a challenging role at XYZ agency."

3. Education and Certification Details

The Education and Certification section outlines your academic achievements and relevant qualifications. List your degrees, diplomas, or certificates in reverse chronological order, including the institution and graduation date. For ongoing studies, indicate the expected completion date.

Certifications such as Certified Social Worker (CSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) demonstrate your commitment to professional development and adherence to industry standards. Detail each credential with the issuing organization and the date obtained.

Highlight any specialized training related to areas like mental health counseling or child advocacy. This section validates your educational background and dedication to the social work profession.

4. Relevant Work Experience

The Relevant Work Experience section is a testament to your practical expertise. It should encompass past positions, emphasizing responsibilities and achievements that align with the social work role you're targeting. Detail your contributions and successes, such as program development or enhanced client satisfaction, to illustrate your impact.

Include diverse experiences across various settings like hospitals or community centers, showcasing your adaptability. Internships and volunteer work also merit inclusion if they've equipped you with pertinent social work skills.

This section should clearly articulate your professional capabilities, painting a picture of what you bring to the table as a social worker.

5. Skills and Competencies

The Skills and Competencies section highlights your abilities and expertise in social work. It's an opportunity to showcase how you meet or exceed job requirements. Essential skills for social workers include interpersonal communication, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, organization, cultural competence, advocacy, ethical decision-making, and crisis intervention.

When listing skills, provide context by citing examples from your experience. This not only demonstrates your proficiency but also how you've applied these skills in real-world scenarios.

6. Licenses and Certifications

Licenses and certifications are crucial for a social worker's resume, signifying professional competence and compliance with industry standards. Detail any licenses required for practice in your region, such as LCSW, LMSW, or LICSW, along with any additional certifications that showcase specialized expertise.

These credentials reflect your qualifications and ongoing commitment to professional growth. List each license and certification with relevant details, including expiration dates if applicable, to inform potential employers of your current status and areas of specialization.

7. References

References provide employers with the means to validate your professional background and character. Choose individuals who can attest to your social work skills and attributes, such as empathy, resilience, and communication. These might include academic mentors, previous supervisors, or colleagues.

Always secure permission from your references and verify their contact details. Providing them with information about the job you're applying for can help them tailor their recommendations to your advantage. Typically, three references suffice, but adhere to any specific instructions in the job posting.

While references are important, they should complement rather than replace the detailed information about your qualifications and experiences presented in the main body of your resume.

By carefully constructing each section of your social worker resume, you can effectively communicate your qualifications and readiness to potential employers, positioning yourself as a strong candidate in the field of social work.

Related Resume Examples

• Social Worker Assistant
• Clinical Social Worker
• Medical Social Worker
• Psychiatric Social Worker
• School Social Worker
• Hospice Social Worker

• Social work
• Social worker resume examples

Social worker Resume examples

8 Social worker resume examples found

All examples are written by certified resume experts, and free for personal use. Copy any of the Social worker resume examples to your own resume, or use one of our free downloadable Word templates. We recommend using these Social worker resume examples as inspiration only, while creating your own resume.

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Social worker

Advocated with the parental figure, different specialist organizations, doctors, and purchasers to guarantee administrations are ceaseless and documented correspondence utilizing PC-based applications.

• Helped families to use local area assets to address their necessities.
• Conducted home visits connected with client needs.
• Counseled clients and their families to work with accomplishing administration plan objectives.
• Performed requirements and exhaustive appraisals.
• Created successful care and treatment plans for two clients.
• Developed methodology for introducing new nurturing schooling.
• Provided mediation, and strong advising on a case-to-case basis.
• Managed and filed all the records of clients in a proper filing system.

Supervised and supported clients with the monetary investigation and business checks to decide qualifications for benefits and accessible choices handling each case separately.

• Collaborated with state organizations and facilitators to foster plans for each case.
• Prepared, revealed, and provided details regarding proceeding with changes in client cases.
• Educated clients on the accessible projects, prerequisites to proceed with help, and choices for change.
• Provided advice to pre-birth and post-pregnancy moms on nurturing liabilities and their wellbeing.
• Managed the information on the administration data framework.
• Extended liaison with bosses and the division of HR on information investigation and privacy.

Assisted the senior social worker in conducting in-home case management for seriously-ill clients, assessing their condition, and partnering with recommended healthcare professionals in providing the best possible care. 

• Assisted families in coming to terms with the conditions of their loved ones through therapeutic counseling and emotional support.
• Ensured patients’ well-being by educating families and caregivers about medical/palliative care, and routinely following up to ensure compliance.
• Lauded for effectively handling conflicting caseloads of up to 20 patients per day, by implementing strategic case management initiatives.

Conducted psychosocial assessments and created treatment & behavior improvement plans through energizing and thought-provoking sessions with clients and their families adopting the approved policies and guidelines.

• Established strong and ongoing relations with clients.
• Analyzed special needs and provided adequate solutions for them.
• Monitored progress of each client to attain the planned objectives and goals.
• Managed records and documented each session in an electronic record system.
• Followed up with caseworkers and teams maintained effective correspondence.
• Ensured accurate identification of a problem and responded with an achievable plan.
• Participated in educational sessions for professional development.

Led a team of 7 social workers in planning and implementing rehabilitation programs for all referred students. Assessed each case and ensured the provision of guidance and counseling services, psychosocial care, and tailored programs for schools’ student welfare initiatives. 

• Accelerated referred students’ behavior change through individual and group counseling sessions.
• Extended services from school to homes, ensuring each referred student did not relapse.
• Leveraged 20 years of experience in effectively managing serious crises involving drugs, assault, or verbal abuse among student populations.

Managed a caseload of 20 teenagers housed in a group home, conducting monthly visits and implementing welfare programs aimed at improving their behavior, socialization skills, and self-esteem. Monitored their well-being to ensure compliance with the child services regulations.

• Ensured accurate presentations in court by maintaining accurate case records and drafting comprehensive reports for each child’s progress.
• Aided the teenagers with transitioning to the new way of life through individual and group counseling sessions, and exhibiting a motherly attitude during visits.

Organized a custom-made arrangement considering objectives, requirements, and assets and improved results by using support from various offices in care arranging.

• Designed release inquiries into social history to execute a proactive methodology.
• Facilitated family care plan gatherings for a survey of care/treatment plans.
• Co-worked with family complaints with the executives and organization.
• Conducted monthly chamber gatherings for remedial measures of various situations.
• Referred clients to other clinical social laborers and local social workers.
• Supervised BSW staff in offering types of assistance inside a nursing office.
• Conducted mental evaluations for the improvement of fitting mediations.

Concluded the assessment and evaluation of all patients meeting high-risk measures and collaborated with different filed experts regarding patient consideration.

• Completed pre-affirmation screening preceding nursing home position per past necessities.
• Conducted sessions for those preparing for wellbeing framework representatives and facilitators.
• Composed and refreshed strategy and methods for the social administration’s division.
• Communicated with doctors regarding patient objectives and release arranging.
• Supervised preparation of quality estimations and activities for administrations.
• Served as an expert social worker in various programs to begin clinical focus on underprivileged.
• Coordinated senior medical coverage data program and backed transport volunteer advocates.
• Worked with support groups to diminish obstructions that hinder learning.
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