social work student resume objective

33 Best Social Work Resume Objectives Statement Examples

Securing a satisfying role as a social worker can be difficult, even for applicants who have a degree and years of experience. That’s because there are many qualities that recruiters are looking for on a resume beyond a degree or experience. The secret to ensuring that your application stands out above the rest is to tailor your objective statement to meet the requirements of the job.

Below are a variety of examples of objectives statements for social worker roles to guide you in writing your own:

Experienced Social Work Objective Statements

• Experienced social worker, meeting all state certification and licensing requirements, bringing three years’ experience, to assist the company in developing effective partnerships with community resources, and improving the lives of others.
• Certified individual with five years’ experience in group counseling, looking to fill Social Worker position at LM Uni, to provide clinical services, outreach and consultation services, with driven personality to assist with collaboration between stakeholders and advocate for marginalized people.
• To fill the role of social worker, bringing four years’ case management experience and a MSW degree, passionate about mental health and ensuring people have the resources and support required. Available after-hours and on weekends, as needed.
• Licensed clinical social worker bringing 12 years’ professional experience to the role of Social Worker at IGLI Health, affinity for psychosocial assessments, and ability to conduct effective social service interventions.
• Passion for providing high-quality patient care and four years’ experience in psychiatric social work, seeking the role of social worker in clinical department, bringing extensive knowledge of CA LPS regulations to assist the department in following correct protocols.
• Ambitious social worker looking to improve the lives of the community by advocating on behalf of residents in the position of Social Worker at Smartens, bringing three years’ experience with persons with disabilities and a BSW degree.
• Kind-hearted individual with a desire to affect positive patient and family outcomes is applying for position as social worker to assist the victims of violent crime and their relatives, passionate about therapy and education, with a MSW degree from Telco University.
• Rehabilitation expert with nine years’ experience would like to join BM Wellbeing in the capacity of Social Worker, to leverage extensive knowledge of regulations that govern nursing care facilities, and a passion for improving the lives of others.
• Motivated social worker with four years’ experience at a dialysis center and proven counseling skills applying for position of social worker to help a dynamic team of professionals enhance the patient support system.
• To secure the role of Social Worker at SDA Retail to utilize excellent organizational and communication skills to improve the coordination of services to members, bringing five years’ experience in developing medical management programs.
• Applying for position of social worker to provide effective patient care and perform evaluations to psychiatric patients, relying on three years’ experience, Master’s Degree in Social Work, and proven track record conducting psychiatric assessments.
• To use eight years’ crisis experience and LCSW qualification to create meaningful change for members at HLO Center in the role of Social Worker, with a passion for improving the lives of persons with developmental disabilities and ability to work flexible shifts to benefit the center.
• Caring social worker seeking position of Youth Advocate Social Worker to make a meaningful impact by effectively fostering healthier lives among youth, bringing seven years’ experience working with underprivileged children and strategy planning, to help improve the case management program.
• To secure the role of Social Worker at InterMed Studio, to demonstrate three years’ experience at a frail facility and a desire to see improvement in emotional and physical states, also physically capable of standing for long hours and helping others with movement.
• Compassionate individual with MSW degree and eight years’ experience working with parents and young children seeking position of Social Worker at RD Program, where effective social skills will enhance the communication channels within the program and with families to improve the lives of others.

Entry-Level Social Work Objective Statements

• Seeking employment as a social worker to provide behavioral health consultations to families and ensure effective treatment planning, to help the company achieve its goals by developing management processes and techniques.
• To pursue a career as a Social Worker at FST Company, where my passion for personal development and dedication to mental health can be utilized, bringing ability to engage clients and counsel them through stresses, challenges, and behavioral issues.
• Dedicated individual seeking position of social worker to help the company achieve its objectives through passionate advocacy of youth campaigns, commitment to development of programs, and ability to maintain databases to highest standards.
• Near-graduating MSW student at HTC University (current GPA: 3.3), looking to join RAVAT as a Social Worker after graduation, to leverage engagement and contracting skills, and detailed knowledge of family systems to provide direct service to children and families.
• Motivated individual with immense interest in pain management systems is seeking employment as a social worker to help patients cope with the diagnoses, provide educational resources and mental support, and perform ongoing pain screenings to assess the severity.
• To work as a Social Worker at Monte School, to use strong analytical, communication and negotiation skills to develop relationships with the community, to set up support structures for students and serve as a liaison between stakeholders.
• To begin my career as a social worker as part of a dynamic team of caring individuals who provide continued counseling to clients and assess the requirements for involuntary commitments, to use a determined attitude to organize support groups for family members.
• Eager to work at ACThirst in the capacity of Social Worker, to employ extensive knowledge of treatment plans gained through committed studies, to help develop intervention and treatment plans for students, to monitor student progress by regularly attending meetings.
• Seeking to utilize a degree in social work earned at VG College and an empathetic disposition to provide child welfare services in the role of Social Worker, leverage ability to travel, work after hours, and conduct thorough investigations when required.
• Final year BSW student at Gordon’s Bay University (current GPA: 3.6) seeking to join Gradly Institute as a Social Worker after graduation, aiming to use communication and listening skills and vast knowledge of domestic violence to assist the Institute in achieving its goals.
• Looking to join team of committed colleagues and experts in the field of medical care to dedicate a career to ensure patient safety and satisfaction in the role of social worker, to serve as a liaison between staff, patients, and relatives.
• Self-motivated graduate with a Master’s Degree in Social Work applying for position of Social Worker at Broc Center, to provide comprehensive assessments, logical referrals, and use regulatory knowledge to handle compliance function.
• Team player with problem-solving ability is looking to start a career as a social worker with focus on family advocacy, willing to travel to provide therapeutic treatment to victims, obtain relevant data from agencies, and any other travel required to fulfill the duties of the role.
• Dedicated graduate with MSW degree and commitment to social work would like to join Coldi Group as a Social Worker, to utilize knowledge of health care system to develop community initiatives that support victims of domestic violence, to improve the lives of victims.
• Assertive individual seeking to apply skills gained through completion of a Masters in Social Work degree as a social worker, employing a patient-centered approach when evaluating needs, providing support, and implementing crisis intervention strategies.

Career Change Social Work Objective Statements

• Attentive and caring nurse with over 12 years’ experience in the medical industry seeking employment as a Social Worker at FraiCare Co. to provide support to patients and families, evaluate the health status of patients, and coordinate visits.
• To apply my six years of community building experience, negotiation skills, and tenacity in the social work environment in a Social Worker role with BlueVest, to encourage the development of community-based support structures for victims of abuse.
• Desiring to apply a results-orientated approach developed over 12-year career in advocacy to assist the company with its supportive housing program in the position of Social Worker, to ensure the safety of children and families in marginalized communities.

You may have noticed that the most intriguing social worker objective statements will directly inform the reader which skills the applicant is bringing to the table, and how it will benefit the company or group. This is a tried and trusted method to follow when crafting your objective statement, as it alerts the recruiter that you have read and understood the job requirements. It will almost certainly get your resume noticed and get you that elusive interview.

• • Provided trauma-informed care to a caseload of 25 children in foster care, resulting in enhanced coping skills and emotional wellbeing for 80% of clients
• • Implemented individual treatment plans for 100% of assigned cases, contributing to 30% improvement in client progress
• • Organized and lead group therapy sessions for 50+ children, enhancing their social skills and emotional understanding
• • Provided emergency intervention services for 100+ families in crisis situations, reducing risk factors in 85% of cases
• • Conducted familial assessments for 50+ families, aiding in the development of tailored intervention strategies
• • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive care for clients, increasing service effectiveness by 40%
• • Managed cases for 30 clients, maintaining detailed records and ensuring follow-up on social service needs
• • Coordinated with community resources to meet client's needs, improving lifestyle stability by 50%
• • Assisted in organizing charity events raising over $20,000 for the Organization

5 Social Work Student Resume Examples & Guide for 2024

Your social work student resume must highlight clinical and interpersonal skills. Demonstrating experience in case management or counseling is essential. Showcase your commitment to advocacy and social justice. Practical involvement in community projects or volunteer work will underscore your dedication.

All resume examples in this guide

Traditional

Resume Guide

Tips for refining your social work student resume format, guide to your most impressive social work student resume experience section, highlighting your social work student skills, highlighting certifications and education on your social work student resume, best practices for your social work student resume summary or objective, enhancing your social work student resume with additional sections, key takeaways.

One significant challenge Social Work students often face when crafting their resumes is highlighting relevant experience and skills, especially if they lack substantial professional experience in the field. Our guide can assist in overcoming this by providing strategies for showcasing academic achievements, volunteering roles, internships, and transferable skills that will demonstrate their competence and passion for social work, even without extensive work history.

Dive into this guide to discover how to craft a compelling social work student resume:

• Explore top-tier social work student resume samples, spotlighting industry-leading skills and experiences.
• Uncover over ten tailored strategies to make your social work student resume resonate with the job description.
• Illuminate your unique value as a social work student candidate, using your professional achievements as a guide.
• Debunk the myth that education doesn't matter, and learn how to leverage your academic and certification credentials effectively.

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The resume format sets the stage for your professional narrative. Ensure it:

• Adopts the reverse-chronological format , placing your most recent experiences at the forefront. This format is ideal for those with relevant and up-to-date experience.
• Features a clear headline, making it straightforward for recruiters to access your contact details, portfolio, or current role.
• Stays concise, ideally spanning no more than two pages, focusing on relevant experiences and skills.
• Maintains its layout by being saved as a PDF, ensuring compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

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Prioritize clarity and organization in your social work student resume. Use ample white space, choose readable fonts, and clearly delineate each section.

The five (plus) definite sections your resume for a social work student job should include are:

• Header with your headline, contact details, and/or a preview of your work
• Summary (or objective) to pinpoint how your success aligns with the role
• Experience with bullets of your most relevant achievements in the field
• Skills to integrate vital job requirements (both technical and personal)
• Your further dedication to the field, showcased via relevant higher education and/or certifications

What recruiters want to see on your resume:

• Relevant Education: Degrees like BSW (Bachelor's of Social Work), MSW (Master's of Social Work), or any other related coursework.
• Field Work / Internship Experience: Proven experience in social work settings, such as nonprofit organizations, hospitals, or social agencies.
• Certifications and Licenses: Such as Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Certified Social Worker (CSW).
• Skills: Communication skills, empathy, cultural competency, crisis intervention abilities, and advocacy skills are crucial in this role.
• Knowledge of Social Work Ethics and Laws: Demonstrated understanding of professional ethics and relevant legal regulations in the field of social work.
• How to Use Resume Lines
• Resume in PDF or Word

When it comes to your resume experience , stick to these simple, yet effective five steps:

• Show how your experience is relevant by including your responsibility, skill used, and outcome/-s;
• Use individual bullets to answer how your experience aligns with the job requirements;
• Think of a way to demonstrate the tangible results of your success with stats, numbers, and/or percentages ;
• Always tailor the experience section to the social work student role you're applying for - this may sometimes include taking out irrelevant experience items;
• Highlight your best (and most relevant) achievements towards the top of each experience bullet.

You're not alone if you're struggling with curating your experience section. That's why we've prepared some professional, real-life social work student resume samples to show how to best write your experience section (and more).

• Assisted in conducting intake interviews and assessments with clients to determine their needs and develop personalized care plans.
• Collaborated with a multidisciplinary team to provide support and counseling services to at-risk youth, resulting in a 30% decrease in juvenile delinquency rates within the community.
• Implemented and facilitated group therapy sessions for individuals struggling with addiction, leading to a 25% increase in successful treatment outcomes.
• Created and delivered educational workshops on mental health awareness to local schools, reaching over 500 students and promoting early intervention and support.
• Advocated for vulnerable populations by participating in community outreach programs, increasing access to essential resources and social services.
• Provided direct support to elderly clients in a nursing home setting, assisting with daily activities and ensuring their comfort and well-being.
• Conducted individual counseling sessions to address emotional and psychological challenges faced by residents, resulting in improved overall mental health outcomes.
• Collaborated with healthcare professionals to develop personalized care plans for each resident, focusing on meeting their specific physical and emotional needs.
• Organized recreational activities and social events for residents, fostering a sense of community and reducing social isolation.
• Managed and resolved conflicts between residents, utilizing conflict resolution techniques and promoting peaceful coexistence within the facility.
• Conducted home visits to assess the safety and well-being of children in at-risk environments, documenting observations and providing recommendations for intervention.
• Collaborated with Child Protective Services to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect, ensuring the implementation of necessary protective measures.
• Developed and facilitated parenting skills workshops for families involved in the child welfare system, equipping caregivers with effective strategies for nurturing and supporting their children.
• Advocated for the best interests of children in court proceedings, presenting evidence and recommendations to ensure their safety and placement in suitable homes.
• Provided crisis intervention and emotional support to children and families in traumatic situations, assisting them in coping with the aftermath of challenging experiences.
• Assessed the needs of individuals experiencing homelessness and developed personalized case plans to connect them with housing, employment, and support services.
• Collaborated with local shelters and community organizations to coordinate resources and secure temporary and permanent housing options for homeless clients.
• Provided crisis intervention and counseling services to individuals facing homelessness, addressing mental health challenges and facilitating access to appropriate care.
• Facilitated life skills training workshops, empowering clients with essential tools for independent living and increasing their chances of long-term stability.
• Advocated for policy changes and increased funding for homelessness prevention programs, resulting in expanded services and improved outcomes for individuals in need.
• Assisted individuals with disabilities in accessing community resources and services, ensuring their inclusion and promoting independence.
• Collaborated with healthcare professionals to develop personalized care plans for clients, addressing their unique physical, emotional, and social needs.
• Provided counseling and emotional support to clients and their families, helping them navigate the challenges associated with disabilities.
• Facilitated workshops on disability rights and accessibility, increasing awareness and promoting a more inclusive society.
• Advocated for policy changes to improve accessibility and remove barriers for individuals with disabilities, resulting in increased opportunities for equal participation.
• Worked closely with individuals struggling with substance abuse issues, providing counseling, support, and referrals to treatment programs.
• Conducted assessments and developed individualized treatment plans to address each client's unique needs and challenges related to addiction.
• Facilitated group therapy sessions focusing on relapse prevention, coping skills, and emotional regulation, resulting in reduced substance abuse relapse rates by 40%.
• Collaborated with community organizations to organize educational campaigns on substance abuse prevention, reaching over 1,000 community members.
• Provided crisis intervention services to individuals facing acute substance abuse-related challenges, assisting them in accessing appropriate care and support.
• Assessed the needs of individuals with mental health conditions and developed comprehensive treatment plans to support their recovery and overall well-being.
• Provided individual and family counseling services, addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship difficulties.
• Collaborated with psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals to coordinate medication management and ensure holistic care for clients.
• Facilitated therapeutic support groups for individuals with similar mental health challenges, fostering a sense of community and peer support.
• Advocated for increased mental health resources and reduced stigma through participation in public speaking engagements and awareness campaigns.
• Provided case management services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system, assisting with reentry into society and reducing recidivism rates.
• Conducted risk assessments and developed personalized rehabilitation plans to address criminogenic needs and promote successful integration into the community.
• Facilitated cognitive-behavioral therapy groups focused on anger management, impulse control, and pro-social skills development, resulting in a 25% decrease in reoffending.
• Collaborated with probation officers, parole boards, and community organizations to coordinate services and provide ongoing support to clients.
• Advocated for restorative justice practices and alternative sentencing options, contributing to the implementation of more rehabilitative approaches within the criminal justice system.
• Assisted refugees and immigrants in the resettlement process, providing social support, interpretation, and connecting them with essential resources.
• Conducted cultural orientation sessions to facilitate the adjustment of newcomers to their new communities, promoting a sense of belonging.
• Collaborated with local schools and educational institutions to ensure access to quality education for refugee children and youth.
• Advocated for the rights and needs of refugees and immigrants by participating in policy discussions and raising awareness about migration issues.
• Developed and implemented employment training programs for refugees, resulting in increased job placement rates and economic self-sufficiency.
• Provide individual and group counseling services to students in a school setting, addressing emotional, behavioral, and academic challenges.
• Collaborate with teachers, parents, and other professionals to develop intervention plans and support strategies for students with diverse needs.
• Conduct assessments and participate in the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with special needs.
• Facilitate social skills groups and anti-bullying workshops, promoting positive peer relationships and a safe learning environment.
• Advocate for inclusive education practices and resources that support the unique needs of students, fostering an equitable educational experience.

Quantifying impact on your resume

• Include the number of clients or cases you managed concurrently; this demonstrates your multitasking abilities and efficiency.
• Quantify any relevant process improvements you've made, such as reducing paperwork time by a certain percentage, to highlight your problem-solving skills.
• List the amount of funding you have secured through grants or fundraising activities, showcasing your initiative and financial abilities.
• Note the number of multidisciplinary team members you collaborated with on a regular basis, emphasizing teamwork and communication skills.
• Specify the number of programs or workshops you led or developed, indicating leadership, initiative, and planning capabilities.
• Indicate the diversity of your client base by mentioning the number of different demographics or cultures you've served, showing cultural competency and adaptability.
• Mention if you've trained or supervised other staff or students, including how many, which reflects leadership and mentoring skills.
• Document any significant outcomes achieved with clients, such as a percentage increase in treatment compliance or job placement rates, corroborating your impact and effectiveness in your role.

Addressing a lack of relevant social work student experience

Even if you lack direct social work student experience, you can still craft a compelling resume. Here's how:

• Highlight projects or publications that demonstrate your relevant skills or knowledge.
• Emphasize transferable skills, showcasing your adaptability and eagerness to learn.
• In your objective, outline your career aspirations and how they align with the company's goals.
• Consider a functional or hybrid resume format, focusing on skills over chronological experience.
• Resume Without Work Experience
• Resume Job Description

The experience section is all about relevancy to the social work student role. Decide on items that will show your expertise and skills in the best possible light.

Recruiters look for a mix of technical and personal skills in your social work student resume.

Technical or hard skills are specific tools or software you use for the job. They're easy to spot through your education and work achievements.

On the other hand, soft skills like communication or adaptability show how you work with others. They come from both your personal and work life.

To showcase your skills:

• Have a skills section for technical abilities and another for personal strengths.
• Be clear about your skills. Name the exact tools you use and describe how you've used your soft skills.
• Avoid common terms like "Microsoft Office" unless the job specifically asks for them.
• Choose up to ten key skills and organize them in different sections of your resume.

Make your resume pop with top technical and personal skills that recruiters value.

Top skills for your social work student resume

Case management

Knowledge of social work theories and practices

Knowledge of community resources

Crisis intervention techniques

Understanding of social policy and legislation

Mental health assessment

Client assessment and evaluation

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Documentation and report writing

Knowledge of human behavior and social environments

Active listening

Critical thinking

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Adaptability

Cultural sensitivity

Time management

Sometimes, basic skills mentioned in the job ad can be important. Include them in your resume, but don't give them too much space.

Your academic achievements, including certifications and degrees, bolster your application. They showcase your skills and commitment to the field.

To effectively present these on your resume:

• Highlight significant academic achievements or recognitions relevant to the role.
• Be selective; prioritize the most relevant and impressive certifications.
• Include essential details: certificate/degree name, institution, graduation dates, and license numbers (if applicable).
• Present your academic background in reverse chronological order, emphasizing the most recent and relevant qualifications.

For further guidance, explore popular industry certifications.

Best certifications to list on your resume

• Certified Social Worker (CSW) - National Association of Social Workers
• Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW) - National Association of Social Workers
• Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW) - National Association of Social Workers

Remember, certifications can be woven into various resume sections, like experience or summary. Detail how a particular certification enhanced your performance or opened new opportunities.

• Expected Graduation Date Resume
• Activities Resume for College

How do you know if you should include a resume summary or a resume objective ?

• Resume summaries are ideal for social work student professionals with more experience, who'd like to give a quick glimpse of their biggest career achievements in the top one-third of their resumes.
• On the other hand, resume objectives serve as a road map to the applicant's aspirations. Candidates use the objective as the North Star of their career (or, how they see themselves in the role in the next few years).

Both could be the perfect fit for your social work student resume, depending on your experience.

Here's how candidates for the social work student job structure their summaries and objectives.

Resume summary and objective examples for a social work student resume

• Dynamic professional with over 10 years of experience in clinical psychology, offering a comprehensive background in mental health assessment and treatment. Adept in using evidence-based therapies to treat individuals and families. Strongly committed to transitioning into social work, with a zealous desire to foster resilient communities in New York.
• Seasoned healthcare administrator with a proven track record in managing medical facilities, seeking to apply administrative skills in the realm of social work. With 15 years of experience and an advanced degree in Public Health, I am focused on contributing to public welfare projects in Los Angeles and transforming lives through effective management strategies.
• Accomplished Social Work professional based in Boston, drawing from 7 years of child welfare experience and a Master's degree in Social Work. Expert in providing trauma-informed care and implementing family preservation services. Recognized for successfully reunifying 80% of cases within stipulated timelines.
• Austin-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 5 years of experience in mental health counseling. Proficient in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. Committed to serving the local community, with a specific focus on aiding individuals struggling with substance abuse.
• Eager to kickstart a career in social work with a keen interest in mental health advocacy. Armed with a recent Bachelor's degree in Sociology, my goal is to support underserved populations in Seattle while continuously learning and applying the best practices in the industry.
• Recent graduate with a Master's in Social Work, passionate about contributing to societal change. Looking forward to utilizing strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and academic knowledge in practical settings in Denver, with a dedicated focus on improving the lives of marginalized groups.

Make your social work student resume truly distinctive by adding supplementary sections that showcase:

• Awards that underscore your industry recognition.
• Projects that bolster your application's relevance.
• Hobbies , if they can further your candidacy by revealing facets of your personality.
• Community involvement to highlight causes you champion.
• Structure your resume to spotlight career highlights and relevance to the role.
• Keep your resume concise, prioritizing relevant experiences.
• Detail specific achievements that showcase your suitability for the role.
• Both technical and interpersonal skills should be evident throughout your social work student application.

Looking to build your own Social Work Student resume?

• Resume Examples

23 exemples de CV créatif pour 2024

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Online MSW Degree Program

How to Write a Great Social Work Resume

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

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

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

Three Tips for Writing a Social Work Resume

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

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

Be Organized

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

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

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

Edit Well and Check for Accuracy 

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

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

How to Write Social Work Resume Objectives

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

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

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

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

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

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

Build Your Credentials and Connections

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

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

Recommended Readings

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

How to Write a Social Worker Resume Objective With Examples

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Why is a resume objective important?

How to write a social worker resume objective, social worker resume objective examples.

As a social worker, you can use your resume objective to highlight your skills and experience that make you the best candidate for the position you are applying to. Knowing how to write a compelling resume objective can help make your social worker resume stand out to recruiters and hiring managers. Read this article to learn more about writing an objective statement for a social worker resume with examples.

A resume objective is important because it describes how your skills, experience, interests and career goals make you a great candidate for the position you are applying to. An objective statement is one of the first things recruiters and hiring managers see on your resume. The information in your resume objective can impact whether the recruiter or hiring manager decides to read the rest of your resume and consider your application. 

Follow these steps to write an objective statement when creating your social worker resume:

1. First, determine what type of social work you want to do

Before you can begin writing your resume objective, you need to decide what type of social work you want to do. Social work is a large field with several different opportunities, so deciding what sort of work you want to do can help create a more focused objective. For example, determine whether you prefer to work with individuals or families. There may also be a specific specialty group you prefer to work with, such as children or seniors.

2. Second, read the job description

Read the job description for the position you are applying to and determine what skills, characteristics and experiences the employer is looking for. When reading the job description, you should also make sure you understand the duties and responsibilities for the position and that you have the skills and experiences necessary to fulfill these duties. This can help you find keywords to include in your objective. 

3. Next, identify your strengths and qualifications

Next, identify the skills, experiences and characteristics that are your greatest strengths. You should try to find your strengths that are most relevant to the position you are applying for. You should also identify the education, licenses and certifications you have that qualify you for this position. These strengths and qualifications will act as the foundation for your resume objective statement.

4. Then, write your resume objective statement

You can begin writing your social worker resume objective statement with the information you have gathered in the previous steps. Try to keep your resume objective short and to the point. A good resume objective statement should be between one and three sentences in length. 

You can begin by identifying your professional education and experience. Then, identify a few key skills and quantify them when possible. Finally, state your career goals and how they relate to the position you are applying to.

5. Finally, proofread your resume objective statement

Finally, when you are done writing your social worker resume objective, you should review it to check for spelling and grammatical errors. You should also make sure all the information in your resume objective is accurate and clearly describes what makes you a strong candidate for the position you are applying to.

Alter your objective for each job you apply to. Every time you change it, make sure to proofread it again for typos.

Here are a few examples of social worker resume objective statements for various career levels:

Entry-level social worker resume objective

If you’re applying for your first social worker job, make sure you highlight your skills and how you intend to use them in the role. 

Example for entry-level social worker:

‘To obtain a position as a state-licensed social worker with the Community Counseling and Resource Center to apply education in psychology and passion for counseling to help individuals within the community. Seeking to use active listening and communication skills to provide individuals with the information, tools and resources they need to overcome life’s challenges.’

Intermediate social worker resume objective example

Including that you have a license to be a social worker in your objective will immediately show the hiring manager that you have the right qualifications.

Example for intermediate social worker:

‘State-licensed social worker with a bachelor’s degree in sociology and three years of experience seeking a position as Lead Social Worker with the City of Dallas. Excellent communicator who uses active listening skills and empathy to build meaningful relationships with clients and assist them in addressing challenges and achieving goals. Looking to apply knowledge and experience in a leadership role to guide other social workers within their roles.’

Advanced social worker resume objective example

If you have a lot of social work experience, you can detail one specific achievement, then list your goals. 

Example for advanced social worker:

‘Experienced social worker with more than 10 years of expertise seeking a position as Family Counselor Social Worker with the City of Tampa’s Department of Children and Families. Excellent multitasker with strong organizational skills proven through experience providing services for up to 50 families concurrently. Seeking position as Family Counselor to assist families within the community in coping with and overcoming life challenges.’

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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. 

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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

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• 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

Tailor Your Social Worker Resume to Match the Needs of Your Clients

No one knows the demands of your job as well as you do. Working with people who often really need your help is no easy feat, which is why the list of job responsibilities in your field might seem endless. How do you pick the ones that your future employer cares about the most?

The answer is simple: follow the job description! Here are some of the most sought-after job responsibilities you’ll find when searching for a new social worker job.

• Cooperate with the care manager during the care planning process, including setting goals, establishing interventions and milestones, and monitoring client success
• Assess the members enrolled in various care programs on a regular basis and provide detailed reports
• Facilitate monthly support groups and outreach programs
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss cases with providers, primary care physicians, pharmacists, and care management staff
• Design and implement new tools, groups, programs, and services
• Respond to phone and email requests from families interested in being enrolled in programs

Adding skills to your social worker resume

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.

ATS and readability

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

Beat the ATS with a few simple tips.

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

How to write your social worker resume

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

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

Consider the following aspects of your social worker resume:

• A resume objective or summary

Work experience

Crafting your bullet points.

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

Education, licenses, and specialized training

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Examples of bullet points include:

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

Quantify your impact with numbers and statistics

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

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

Top social worker skills to mention

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

Top social work skills in 2024 include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should you add projects, interests, or hobbies?

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

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

Customize your resume to each job

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

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

Eliminate errors

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

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

Go land your next job!

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

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

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

Resume Worded   |  Career Strategy

Social worker resume objective examples.

Curated by hiring managers, here are proven resume objectives you can use as inspiration while writing your Social Worker resume.

• Social Worker
• Career Counselor transitioning to Social Work
• Clinical Psychologist transitioning to Social Work
• Recent Graduate in Social Work
• Social Worker resume templates
• Similar objective examples

Social Worker Resume Objective Example

Demonstrate relevant experience.

Though it's easy to say you've got experience, it's way more tangible when you give it a number. Stating you have 5 years of experience in child welfare immediately tells the recruiter that you've got substantial experience in this field.

Highlight specialized skills

Therapeutic programs aren't run-of-the-mill everyday skills. By pointing these out, you're showing that you have specialized knowledge that can be directly applied to the job.

Show impact with hard stats

Reducing re-admittance rates by 30% is no easy feat. By highlighting this, you're not only showing that you make a difference, but you're giving recruiters a sense of scale and impact.

Career Counselor transitioning to Social Work Resume Objective Example

Leverage transferrable skills.

Even if you're switching fields, you've got skills that carry over. Your background in career counseling is a strength, not a liability. Use it to your advantage.

Quantifiable achievements

Achievements are great, but numbers make them better. Assisting over 500 clients isn't just an achievement, it's proof of your dedication and capability.

Show your intent

It's not just about what you can do, it's about what you want to do. Stating your intent to improve the lives of disadvantaged individuals shows you're driven by purpose, not just paychecks.

Applying for jobs can feel like throwing your resume into a black hole. Our tool helps you optimize your resume so it gets noticed by the right people. Get a detailed analysis and personalized suggestions for improvement in just a few clicks.

Clinical Psychologist transitioning to Social Work Resume Objective Example

Highlight transferable experience.

Experience in clinical psychology isn't just relevant; it's a significant advantage. It shows you have a deep understanding of human behavior, a critical aspect of social work.

Show capacity to manage workload

Handling over 50 clients per week isn't just about volume. It shows that you can juggle multiple cases without losing quality, a critical skill in fast-paced social work environments.

Quantify the effect of your work

Improving patient well-being by 60% is a massive accomplishment. It shows that your methods work. It shows that you make a substantial difference. And it's that kind of impact that recruiters want to see.

Recent Graduate in Social Work Resume Objective Example

Showcase your specialization.

Not all social work is the same. By pointing out your specialization in family and child welfare, you're highlighting that you've got focus - a crucial trait in social work.

Emphasize modern methodologies

Employers love to see evidence-based anything. It shows you're not just following your gut, but also following the data. It shows your decisions are calculated, not arbitrary.

Social Worker Resume Templates

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Top 18 Social Service Worker Resume Objective Examples

Updated July 10, 2023 14 min read

A resume objective is a short statement that appears at the top of your resume and outlines your professional goals. It should be tailored to the specific social service position you're applying for, highlighting your relevant skills and experiences. You want to make it clear why you are a great fit for the role and how you can add value to the organization. To write an effective resume objective, focus on the job requirements listed in the job description and explain how your qualifications match them. For example, if you are applying for a social services worker position, you might write an objective such as: “Seeking a social services worker position with ABC Company where I can utilize my 5 years of experience providing support to at-risk youth and families in underserved communities.” Be sure to include measurable accomplishments and key skills that demonstrate your ability to perform well in this role.

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Top 18 Social Service Worker Resume Objective Samples

• To obtain a Social Service Worker position in an organization where I can utilize my expertise in providing support and assistance to individuals with special needs.
• To use my knowledge and experience as a Social Service Worker to help improve the quality of life of those in need.
• Seeking a role as a Social Service Worker to provide compassionate, professional care to vulnerable populations.
• Aspiring to join an organization as a Social Service Worker and contribute towards its mission of helping people lead better lives.
• To obtain a challenging position as a Social Service Worker and make meaningful contributions in improving the lives of vulnerable individuals.
• Looking for an opportunity to work as a Social Service Worker and help individuals overcome their struggles by providing them with necessary resources.
• To bring my skillset and knowledge as a Social Service Worker to an organization that values social service workers’ contribution towards society.
• Aiming for a position as a Social Service Worker that will allow me to utilize my expertise in providing support services to disadvantaged communities.
• To secure a position as a Social Service Worker where I can apply my passion for helping people who are facing difficult situations in life.
• Seeking an opportunity to work as a Social Service Worker and assist individuals with special needs in overcoming their challenges through tailored solutions.
• Applying for the role of Social Service Worker with the aim of utilizing my skillset and expertise to help those in need lead better lives.
• Looking for employment opportunities that will enable me to leverage my experience as a social service worker for making positive changes in society.
• Aspiring for the role of social service worker where I can use my knowledge and understanding of human behavior, social issues, and mental health issues effectively.
• Aiming for the position of social service worker where I can put into practice my passion for helping others while using evidence-based practices.
• Seeking employment opportunities that will allow me to use my experience working with diverse populations while providing effective social services solutions.
• To gain employment at an organization that values compassion, empathy, and dedication towards helping people lead better lives, as well as allowing me to apply my knowledge base acquired from years working within the field of social services.
• Applying for the role of social service worker so I can help those facing difficult circumstances by offering appropriate guidance and support services based on individual needs assessment results.
• To acquire employment at an organization where I can use my interpersonal skills along with my understanding of human behavior & development theories while providing effective solutions related to social services issues faced by vulnerable populations

How to Write a Social Service Worker Resume Objective

Writing a resume objective for a social service worker is an important step in the job application process. A resume objective should provide employers with a clear picture of your career goals and how you will be able to contribute to the organization’s mission. It also serves as an introduction to your qualifications and experience, helping employers determine if you are the right fit for their team. When crafting your resume objective, here are some key points to consider:

First, identify what type of social service work you are interested in pursuing. This could include working with at-risk youth, providing support for victims of abuse or neglect, or helping individuals find resources for basic needs such as food and shelter. Once you have identified the type of role you want to pursue, provide employers with a brief overview of your skills and experience that align with this type of work. Be sure to highlight any relevant certifications or training that demonstrate your qualifications.

Next, focus on the value you can bring to the organization by listing specific accomplishments or successes from past roles. For example, if you previously worked in case management, explain how many cases you managed successfully and what results were achieved. If possible, quantify these achievements with numbers or percentages so they stand out more clearly on your resume. Additionally, emphasize any special skills that make you unique such as fluency in a second language or expertise in a particular field such as substance abuse counseling.

Finally, end your resume objective by expressing enthusiasm for the position and explaining why it is an ideal fit for both yourself and the employer. This will demonstrate that not only do you have the necessary skills and experience but also that you are passionate about using those skills to make a positive impact in the community through social service work.

By following these tips when writing your resume objective for a social service worker role, employers will gain insight into why they should hire you and how you can add value to their team. With this information readily available at their fingertips, employers may be more likely to reach out and offer an interview opportunity!

Related : What does a Social Service Worker do?

Key Skills to Highlight in Your Social Service Worker Resume Objective

In the competitive field of social service work, your resume needs to stand out and effectively communicate your skills and experiences. The objective section of your resume serves as a concise introduction to your professional profile, highlighting your career goals and key skills. It is an opportunity to make a strong first impression on potential employers by showcasing the unique abilities you bring to the role. This section will discuss the critical skills you should emphasize in your social service worker resume objective to enhance its impact and increase your chances of landing the job.

1. Active Listening

A Social Service Worker often deals with individuals and families in crisis or facing various challenges. Active listening is a crucial skill for this job as it allows the worker to fully understand the issues, concerns, and needs of their clients. By demonstrating active listening, they can provide appropriate support, advice, and intervention. In a resume objective, mentioning this skill shows potential employers that the candidate is capable of effectively communicating and engaging with clients in a meaningful way.

A Social Service Worker often deals with individuals and families in distress or facing various challenges. Empathy is needed for a resume objective because it demonstrates the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. This skill is crucial in building trust, providing emotional support, and effectively addressing clients' needs. It also shows potential employers that the candidate can handle sensitive situations with compassion and respect.

3. Crisis Intervention

A Social Service Worker often works with individuals and families who are going through difficult times or facing challenges. Crisis intervention is a critical skill because it equips the worker with the ability to assess, understand, and respond to these situations effectively. It allows them to provide immediate and appropriate support to help clients manage and overcome crises. This skill demonstrates the worker's capability in handling high-stress situations, making crucial decisions, and providing emotional support, which are all essential aspects of social service work.

4. Case Management

Case Management is a crucial skill for a Social Service Worker as it involves planning, coordination, monitoring, and evaluation of options and services required to meet an individual's health needs. It demonstrates the ability to handle multiple cases efficiently, make informed decisions, and ensure that individuals receive appropriate care. This skill also shows the worker's capability to advocate for their clients and navigate complex social service systems. Including this in a resume objective can highlight the candidate's competence in managing client cases effectively and their commitment to providing comprehensive support to those in need.

5. Motivational Interviewing

Motivational interviewing is a counseling method that helps people resolve their ambivalent feelings and insecurities to find the internal motivation they need to change their behavior. As a social service worker, this skill is crucial as it enables them to effectively guide their clients towards positive changes in their lives. It's also an essential tool for dealing with resistance and fostering client's self-efficacy. Including this skill in a resume objective demonstrates the candidate's ability to engage with clients on a deeper level and facilitate their personal growth and development.

6. Group Facilitation

Social service workers often work with groups of individuals, such as families or communities, who are facing various challenges. Group facilitation skills are needed to effectively manage group dynamics, encourage participation and cooperation among members, and guide the group towards achieving their goals. This skill is essential in helping clients develop coping strategies, resolve conflicts, and improve their overall well-being. Including this skill in a resume objective can highlight the candidate's ability to lead and manage group interventions effectively.

7. Conflict Resolution

Social Service Workers often work with individuals, families, or groups who are going through difficult situations or conflicts. Having conflict resolution skills is crucial for this role as it allows the worker to mediate disagreements, facilitate communication, and help parties reach a mutual agreement or solution. This skill demonstrates the ability to handle challenging situations tactfully and effectively, which is vital in maintaining a harmonious environment and ensuring the welfare of all parties involved. Including this skill in a resume objective will highlight the candidate's capability to manage conflicts professionally, which is highly desirable in social service settings.

8. Cultural Competence

Cultural competence is crucial for a Social Service Worker as they often work with diverse groups of people from various backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. This skill ensures that they can effectively communicate, understand, and respect their clients' unique cultural differences. It helps in providing appropriate and effective services, reducing misunderstandings, and building trustful relationships with clients. In the resume objective, highlighting cultural competence can demonstrate the candidate's ability to provide empathetic and personalized support to all clients regardless of their cultural background.

9. Trauma-Informed Care

A Social Service Worker often works with individuals who have experienced various forms of trauma. Understanding Trauma-Informed Care allows the worker to provide support in a way that acknowledges the presence of trauma symptoms and acknowledges the role that trauma can play in people's lives. This skill is essential for a resume objective as it demonstrates the candidate's ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy and understanding, which is crucial in this line of work.

10. Solution-Focused Therapy

Solution-Focused Therapy is a valuable skill for a Social Service Worker as it demonstrates the ability to help clients focus on solutions rather than problems. This approach is beneficial in assisting individuals, families, or groups to overcome challenges and improve their quality of life. Including this skill in a resume objective shows potential employers that the candidate can effectively facilitate positive change and has a proactive, results-oriented approach to social work.

In conclusion, emphasizing the right skills in your social service worker resume objective can significantly enhance your chances of landing the job. It's crucial to accurately represent your abilities and strengths that align with the job requirements and demonstrate your potential value to prospective employers. Remember, this is your first opportunity to make an impression, so ensure you present a compelling snapshot of what you bring to the table. Tailoring these skills to each specific role will show recruiters that you are not only qualified but also dedicated and attentive to detail.

Related : Social Service Worker Skills: Definition and Examples

Common Mistakes When Writing a Social Service Worker Resume Objective

Writing a resume objective as a social service worker requires thought, planning, and careful consideration. A resume objective should be succinct and to the point while conveying your unique skills and qualifications that make you an ideal candidate for the job. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when writing their resume objectives, which can have a negative impact on their chances of landing the job.

One common mistake when writing a social service worker resume objective is not tailoring it for each job you apply for. It is important to tailor your resume objective to reflect the specific requirements of the position you are applying for. Generic objectives such as “To obtain a position in social services” won't help you stand out from other applicants and will likely be dismissed immediately by employers.

Another mistake that is often made when writing a social service worker resume objective is including too much information. Your objective should be short and concise; try to keep it to one or two sentences at most. Employers don't have time to read long-winded objectives, so keep yours brief and to the point while still conveying all relevant information about yourself as an applicant.

It is also important not to be too vague when writing your resume objective. You want to let employers know exactly what type of position you are looking for and how your qualifications match up with their needs. Try not to use broad statements such as “seeking an opportunity in social services” without specifying what kind of position or skillset you are looking for.

Finally, avoid using generic buzzwords or clichés in your resume objective; these phrases are overused and can make it difficult for employers to take you seriously as a potential candidate. Instead, focus on providing concrete examples of how your experience makes you uniquely qualified for the job at hand. By avoiding these common mistakes when writing a social service worker resume objective, you can ensure that your application stands out from the crowd and increases your chances of getting hired!

Related : Social Service Worker Resume Examples

A right resume objective for a social service worker should focus on the desire to help others and make a difference in their lives, while a wrong resume objective would be focused on personal gain or advancement.

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Brenna Goyette

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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Top 22 Social Worker Resume Objective Examples

When writing a social worker resume objective statement, it is important to highlight your caring nature, empathy, and organizational skills, as well as your educational background or training required for success on the job.

Most social services personnel will have a degree in social work and background in psychology, sociology, or anthropology, and knowledge of the principles and methods of therapy.

A social worker has the opportunity to utilize his/her education and caring nature to improve the lives of others.

To help you learn how to make effective objective statement for your resume, here are our best 22 examples of social worker objectives to study and copy:

To make a great resume that gets you an interview with an employer/recruiter, it is important to learn about various resume statistics before writing your resume. According to novoresume, these resume statistics will give you helpful insight into the prevailing HR trends, guide you in making the right decision about your job hunting, and in creating an effective resume.

1. Empathetic and caring individual with 10 years of experience searching for the position of Social Worker with ABC Company in an effort to use acquired skills set to help people improve and live more productive lives.

2. State licensed Social Worker seeking a position with Sheryl Care Company in an effort to utilize degree in social work and 6 years of working as social worker to help improve the lives of others.

3. To obtain a position as Social Worker out of the passion to help other; to use organizational and active listening skills along with a degree in social work, to help individuals lead more balanced lives.

4. Dedicated individual looking for Social Worker position with XYZ Company in order to utilize educational achievements, listening skills, and compassionate nature to help individuals coming to the company for help.

5. Looking for work as a Social Worker in a people oriented organization where 10 years of experience can be used to help individuals in the community achieve better mental, physical, and emotional health.

6. Experienced individual seeking the role of a Social Worker; willing to help those in need and are facing medical difficulties; possess the ability to provide psychological, physical, social, and emotional support to patients’ health challenges.

7. Social Worker with patience, compassion, empathy, and excellent people and communication skills; ability to help determine problems, assist people to find help, and advice patients on financial and legal issues, desirous of a position at Care Givers Co.

8. Patient and compassionate individual looking for Social Worker position at Reliance Care; ready to utilize exceptional people and communication skills to help patients, and to enhance the growth of the organization.

More Social Worker Resume Objective Examples [9-16]

9. To obtain a Social Worker position with ABC Company; bringing 6 years of experience in social work; looking to successfully display patience, empathy, and excellent people skills.

10. To earn a position at the Harvey Rehabilitation and Care Center in order to continue building upon strong communication skills to serve the needs of disadvantaged youths and adults as a Social Worker.

11. Looking for opportunity that will allow me give quality assistance of those in need; and to use strengths in communication and psychology as an effective Social Worker at Beverly Sands Care Center.

12. To secure a position as Social Worker with the Oakwood Youth and Recreation Center that will allow use of excellent communication skills and devotion to improving the lives of underprivileged youth, as well as special needs population.

13. Desirous of work with Whitely Center that will utilize extensive social work experience, specifically in areas such as dealing with underprivileged youth in need of guidance; as well as serving as a strong role model.

14. Highly motivated individual looking to work at Bridge Rehabilitation Center as Social Worker, assisting drug addicts, exploring treatment and rehabilitation, and communicating long-term plans to patients who need help in lifestyle management.

15. To use knowledge of clinical necessities at Greenwich Recovery and Assistance Center as a Social Worker; to provide help to those with medical conditions or learning disabilities, and ensure that individuals in need get a second chance to improve their lives.

16. Seeking the position of Social Worker with Mary High Hospital; to advocate for those who are having medical or legal difficulties; to look for best recovery choices for those in need and ensure efficient care is delivered.

Additional Social Worker Resume Objective Examples [17-22]

17. Highly seasoned and sympathetic Social Worker seeking to work at St. Anne’s clinic; bringing excellent work ethic and customer service record; adept at providing social service support to a variety of diverse population regardless of age and race.

18. An organized individual with clean driving record, a friendly demeanor, and a sincere interest in people seeking a job as a Social Worker; willing to use experience, patience, and empathy gained as a counselor to help guide teens in making better choices.

19. Applying for a position at XYZ Company as Social Worker; bringing strong background in nutrition science, and knowledge of hospital assistance programs to help new mothers in planning and preparing healthy meals.

20. Social Worker seeking to contribute skills to Lord’s Retirement home; possess 9 years of experience counseling senior citizens and assisting them in applying for government benefits.

21. Seeking a position at Realm Healthcare as Social Worker; to apply empathy, organizational skills, and experience in Medicare and Medicaid programs to assist patients in obtaining benefits.

22. Looking for the job of Social Worker at ABC Company; bringing strong background in building relationships with service groups and organizations in the broader community with the aim of providing services to diverse populations.

Crafting a social worker resume that catches the attention of hiring managers is important for getting the job.

The benefit of having an objective statement that highlights all your good qualities, skills, and qualifications to the effectiveness of your resume cannot be overemphasized.

With the above samples of objectives for the social worker position available to use in crafting yours, you will definitely be able to come up with a very effective one for your resume.

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• Social work objectives and summaries

Social work Objectives & summaries

69 Social work objectives and summaries found

A well-written objective or summary on your resume can be the difference between getting rejected, or getting invited for an interview. Copy any of these Social work objective or summary examples, and use it as inspiration for your own resume. All examples are written by certified resume experts, and free for personal use.

Learn more about: objective vs. summary

Summary examples

Experienced caregiver bringing three years of dedicated patient care for in-home and resident facility environments. Focuses on serving adult and geriatric patient populations to assist in emotional and physical needs with empathy and a culturally sensitive mindset. A trustworthy professional with a caring attitude centered on treating all patients with dignity and respect.

Home health aide

Dedicated, caring home health aide with extensive experience in taking care of patients with disabilities, chronic illnesses, cognitive impairments, and age-related issues. Demonstrates the highest level of honesty and integrity in serving patients.

Empathetic Caregiver with a year of experience in providing in-home care to incapacitated clients. Proven capacity to effectively handle patients’ daily needs, including cleaning, meal preparation, transportation, and therapy. Frequently commended by clients and their families for a friendly and cheerful attitude and excellent care provision.

Objective examples

Kind-hearted healthcare professional committed to providing quality caregiving services by establishing trust with clients and their families through delivering warmth, independence, and a relaxed environment. I am eager to make changes in people’s lives as a Caregiver through my dedicated and compassionate nature at XYZ Home Care.

Dedicated and compassionate direct care professional with 5 years of experience in Promoting patient comfort and support while delivering personal care/hygiene to the home health patient and assist patients with activities of daily living. Looking for a Home Health Care aide to create a positive impact on patients.

A compassionate and experienced caregiver having dedicated expertise in in-home and resident facility patient care is looking to leverage a passion and commitment for overall patient welfare & wellbeing to improve quality of life and patient outcomes.

Psychologist

Results-driven psychology graduate with a deep interest in researching and analyzing patient behavior to provide an accurate diagnosis. Possessing good leadership and interpersonal abilities and able to solve complex problems alone as well as within a team with a very professional demeanor. Talent for observing emotional disorders and brainstorming effective treatment plans to help clients achieve their goals over the short and long term.

School psychologist

A highly skilled, empathetic, strength-based, solutions-oriented licensed mental health/school counseling professional dedicated to empowering students and adults toward academic, personal, emotional, and social triumph. Demonstrated track record of success working with diverse client populations in one-on-one and group settings in community agencies and public-school environments. Innate capability to establish rapport quickly, build trust, interact with, and relate to individuals on all levels. Superior leadership skills are proven in successful staff development and group facilitation. Consistently recognized for the capacity to establish and maintain solid relationships with students, parents, teachers, administrators, community professionals, and local, state, and federal agencies.

Psychiatrist

Recent Doctor of Psychology graduate from the University of Springfield with 2 years’ practical experience at a private practice. Empathetic listener with the ability to set firm boundaries while establishing trusting relationships with patients. Possesses exceptional problem-solving and abstract thinking skills, with a proven ability to analyze problems, identify possible solutions, and initiate and carry through action plans.

Passionate professional with well-rounded knowledge about the emotional, cognitive, and social processes of human behavior. Possesses strong relationship-building skills and able to delve into patients’ struggles with respect and professionalism. Eager to collaborate with expert providers to ensure complete client support and excellent care.

Compassionate Certified School Psychologist adept at evaluating students referred through the special education. Expertise in a broad range of testing instruments and strategies including Intellectual capacity, learning style, academic achievement, and social/emotional functioning. Eager to provide services to the special education division of the public school.

Compassionate and dedicated medical professional seeking a position as a psychiatrist to apply expertise working with traumatized individuals and families. Brings exceptional case management and coordination of referrals for additional mental health services needed for patients.

Social worker

Dedicated and caring social worker who offers exceptional assistance and high performance; shares a strong bond with clients and associates. Focuses on crafting treatment, rehabilitation, and behavior improvement plans for troubled youngsters by taking their parents and guardians in confidence. Leverages excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skill sets to maintain good relations with clients.

Conscientious, energetic Social Worker, having broad involvement with program coordination, strategy advancement, framework assessment, and release arranging. Skilled communicator with extraordinary association, good time management, and dynamic capacities at teaching, rousing, and supporting others. Fosters client qualities and consolidates them into all-encompassing release coordination or private projects, making the most effort to advance ideal physical and psychological wellness.

Accomplished social worker, bringing three years of dedicated experience in client relations, program examination, and information organization. Excellent logical abilities, ready to survey and offer help to every client in a compelling and convenient way. Expert in schooling on program choices, further developing correspondences, case progress, and advancement in a challenging environment.

Seeking a social worker position within an established humanitarian organization to uplift the lives of disadvantaged populations through relief and empowerment programs.

A passionate social worker focused on working for troubled youngsters and their families by conducting sessions on improved behavior, dealing with toxic people, maintaining effective communication, and understanding personality seeking a position with a steady organization with space for development and a chance for progression.

An accomplished social worker, having 3+ years of social services experience in handling client relations and program examination, seeking a social worker job position to utilize the learned skillset for community development, progressive organizational growth, and achievement of personal goals.

Case manager

Compassionate, organized, and client-focused case manager with 5+ years’ case management experience. Caring and supportive professional with excellent interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and empathy when working directly with patients. Dutiful and reliable supporter able to advocate for patient care, liaise with healthcare workers and institutions, and devise and implement specifically tailored care plans.

Case worker

Compassionate and dedicated case worker with excellent skills in communication, listening, writing, and research. Empathetic towards individuals in crisis and familiar with a variety of organizations that provide financial, medical, and personal assistance. Cooperative and patient when handling difficult situations.

Administrative case manager, specialized in community relations, non-profit associations, organizational management, and complex problem-solving to help others. Possesses capabilities of coordinating all administrations, building connections, and ensuring magnificent correspondence by maintaining successful working relations with the ability to handle undertakings with exactness and effectiveness. Exceptional communication skills & extensive knowledge of state laws focus on criminal justice, labor rights, and homelessness.

An energetic and driven case manager with managerial, organizational, and human relations skills seeks a position to deliver guidance and supportive counseling with accuracy and efficacy in a challenging environment to boost my learning potential and professional development.

A casework professional having expertise in volunteer social work and client relationship management is seeking an opportunity to utilize effective communication and interpersonal skills for better community development through managerial and administrative abilities in a fair and supportive manner.

Efficient and hands-on case manager looking to leverage skills in healthcare provision and hospital care experience towards opportunities in managing individualized service plans for special needs clients and cases. Collaborative educator with passion for identifying and partnering with community resources to maximize care plan effectiveness.

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10 Essential Tips for Your Amazing Social Work Résumé

by Valerie Arendt

Resume Crumpled

by Valerie Arendt, MSW, MPP

(Editor's Note: After you read this article, be sure to see Valerie Arendt's 7 MORE Tips for Your Amazing Social Work Résumé .)

     Is your résumé ready to send out to employers? You have Googled example résumé templates, perfected your formatting, and added appropriate action words. Everything is in the correct tense, in reverse chronological order, and kept to two pages or less. What else should you think about for an amazing social work résumé? Whether you are a clinical or macro social worker, student, new professional, or have been in the field for 30 years, these essential tips will keep your résumé ready to send out to your future employer.

1. Objective or Professional Summary?    

     Let’s start at the beginning. I am not a fan of the objective, and neither are many hiring managers. If they are reading your résumé, they already know you are seeking a position with them. Generally, an objective is used by someone who has recently graduated or has very little experience. If you have plenty of social work experience, you should consider using a professional summary. This is one to three sentences at the beginning of your résumé that help describe the value you bring as a social worker through your skills and experience. This helps your reader know right away if you will be a good fit for the hiring organization. It is much easier for a hiring manager to find that value in a short paragraph than trying to piece it together from a lengthy history of professional experience and education.

DON’T: Objective: Seeking a social work position within a facility where I can utilize my experience to the benefit of my employer as well as gain knowledge and professional growth.

DO: Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 6+ years experience in medical and mental health settings, working with diverse populations in private practice, health care, outpatient, and inpatient treatment settings. Recently relocated to Georgia.

2. Don’t assume your reader already knows what you do.    

     This is one of the biggest mistakes I see when reviewing résumés. Write your résumé as if the person reading it has no idea what you do. Really? Yes! This will help you to be descriptive about your experience. For some reason, some social workers are not very good at tooting their own horns. Your résumé is exactly the place you need to brag about what an amazing professional you are. Don’t assume that because your title was “Outpatient Therapist,” the reader of your résumé will know exactly what you did. Be descriptive. Give a little information about the organization or program, the clients, and the type of therapy or work you performed. This can easily be done in three to five bullets if you craft thoughtful, complete sentences.

DON’T: Provide psychotherapy to clients.

DO: Provide group and individual outpatient therapy to adult clients at a substance abuse treatment center utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), psychoeducation, and motivational interviewing.

3. List your accomplishments.  

      If you worked in a position for five years but don’t list one relevant accomplishment, that is a red flag for a hiring manager. Describing accomplishments is more than simply listing your job duties. These are the contributions you have made in your career that would encourage an organization to hire you.    

     Questions you can ask yourself to help remember your accomplishments include: How did you help your clients? Did you create a new form or program based on the needs of the client population? Did your therapy skills reduce the relapse rate in your agency? Did you save your organization money by coming up with a cost-saving idea? Were you selected for special projects, committees, or task forces? Even if the only social work experience you have on your résumé is your field placement, you should be able to list an accomplishment that will entice the reader to want to know more.

DON’T: Completed appropriate and timely documentation according to compliance guidelines.

DO: Recognized need for updated agency forms. Developed 10 clinical and administrative forms, including no-harm contract, behavior contract, and therapist’s behavior inventory, which increased staff efficiency and productivity by 15%.

4.Quantify your accomplishments.    

     Numbers aren’t just for business professionals. Numbers also help with the bragging I mentioned that needs to happen on your résumé. The most convincing accomplishments are measurable and help your résumé stand out from the crowd. How many clients did you serve? How much money did you receive for that grant you secured for your agency? How many people do you supervise?  

DON’T: Wrote grants for counseling program in schools.

DO: Co-wrote School Group Experiences proposal, which received a $150,000 grant from State Foundation for Health, resulting in doubling the number of children served in group counseling from 120 children to 240 children, and increasing the percentage of minority children served from 20% to 50% of the total child population in group therapy.

5. Tailor your résumé to the specific job.    

     You have heard this over and over, and it should make sense. Still, not many social workers do this correctly or at all. Many big organizations, hospitals, and university systems use online applicant tracking systems to review résumés. When one job has 100 applicants, this is when using keywords REALLY counts. Look at the job description for keywords.

     For example, what words do they use to describe the clients? Patients, clients, residents, victims, survivors, adults, children? If you have worked with the same client populations, used the same therapy techniques, or provided the supervision listed in the job description, make sure these SAME words are in your résumé. Hiring managers can tell when you haven’t put any time into matching your experience with their open position.

DON’T: Provide in-home therapy for families.

DO: (Similar language from job description) Perform individual and family, agency, and home-based therapy for medically fragile children and their families (parents and siblings) with goal of maintaining intact families and improving family functioning.

6. Spell out all acronyms.    

     Social workers LOVE to use acronyms. Many social workers spend hours writing case notes, and to be efficient, they rely on acronyms to describe their work. For the same reasons you should use keywords, it is essential that you spell things out for the computer or human resources person who may not know what certain acronyms mean. I am a social worker with limited clinical knowledge, and I often have to Google acronyms when I review NASW members’ résumés. The reader responsible for finding the right candidates to interview will consider this a waste of his or her time and might move on to the rest of the résumés in the pile if he or she has no idea what you are talking about.

DON’T: Scored and analyzed clinical assessments to include SIB-R, CBCL, CTRF, or SCQ in packets for families scheduled for autism evaluations.

DO: Scored and analyzed clinical assessments for autism evaluations including Scales of Independent Behavior-Revised (SIB-R), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Caregiver/Teacher Report Form (CTRF), and Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ).

7. Bullets, bullets, bullets.    

     Most résumés I review are succinct and formatted very nicely by bulleting experience. But there are still some folks who use paragraphs to describe their experience. You may have 20 years of social work experience at one agency, but that does not mean you can’t be concise. I guarantee you that hiring managers are not going to read a paragraph that is 15 lines long to look for the experience that will fit the position they are trying to fill. Write your résumé in such a way that it is easy to scan and find the keywords in 30 seconds or less. Use three to eight bullets to describe your experience and accomplishments.

8. Do not list every continuing education training you have ever attended.    

     Whether or not you are licensed in your state, you should seek out continuing education in social work. Don’t forget, it is in the NASW Code of Ethics: Section 4.01 (b) Competence: “…Social workers should routinely review the professional literature and participate in continuing education relevant to social work practice and social work ethics.”  

     It is great to show your reader that you are up to date on the latest clinical information on your client population, but the section on your résumé for Continuing Education or Professional Development should only list the courses that are relevant to the job you are applying for. It is a great idea to keep a list of all your continuing education, for your own reference and for your license renewal. You just don’t need to list them all on your résumé.

9. Less is more.  

      I hope you are seeing a theme here. Recently, I have come across a few résumés that have all of the following sections:

• Professional Summary
• Relevant Social Work Experience
• Work Experience
• Additional Experience
• Summary of Skills
• Professional Affiliations
• Volunteer Experience
• Publications
• Relevant Coursework

     Every résumé is personal and different. You don’t need 10 categories on your résumé. Professional Experience and Education are musts. but after that, limit the places hiring managers need to search to find the information that will help them decide to interview you. Only put the information that is most relevant to the job to which you are applying.

10. Your references should always be available upon request and not on your résumé.  

      If the last line on your résumé is “References Available Upon Request,” this one is for you. It is not necessary to tell your reader that you have references. If you get far enough in the interview process, they will ask you for your references. Have them listed in a separate document.    

     Only send the references that are relevant, and only send them when asked. It is imperative that you inform your references that they may be contacted, and always send them a copy of the job description and your recent résumé, so they can be prepared when contacted. Nothing is a bigger turnoff to me than getting a call to be a reference for someone I supervised five years ago and I can’t remember exactly what their job duties were. It is great to get a heads-up and a reminder of what the person did under my supervision. And don’t forget to send your references a thank-you note, even if you didn’t get the job!

DON’T: References Available Upon Request

DO: (Separate document with your contact information at the top) References:

Jessica Rogers, MSW, LICSW, Director of Family Programs, Affordable Housing AuthorityChicago, ILRelationship: Former SupervisorPhone: [email protected] was my direct supervisor and is familiar with my clinical social work skills, my ability to work with diverse communities, and my aptitude for managing relationships with partner organizations. Jessica recognized my success in client outcomes and promoted me within 6 months of my hire date.

    Remember, your résumé is your tool to get an interview. It doesn’t need to include every detail about you as a professional social worker. Use your cover letter to expand on details that are specific to the job you are seeking. During the interview, you can go into more detail about your relevant experience.

RELATED ARTICLE : Read the sidebar to this article, Cover Letters for Social Workers: Get Yourself the Interview.

Valerie Arendt, MSW, MPP, is the Associate Executive Director for the National Association of Social Workers, North Carolina Chapter (NASW-NC). She received her dual degree in social work and public policy from the University of Minnesota and currently provides membership support, including résumé review, to the members of NASW-NC.  

More on your amazing social work résumé:

• 7 More Tips for Your Amazing Social Work Résumé

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