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9 Social Worker Resume Examples That Worked in 2024

Social Worker Resume

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

Writing Your Social Worker Resume

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

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

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

or download as PDF

Why this resume works

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

Social Work Student Resume

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

Social Work Intern Resume

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

Entry-Level Social Worker Resume

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

Associate Social Worker Resume

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

School Social Worker Resume

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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

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

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

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

ATS and readability

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

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

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

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

Contact info and header

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

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

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

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

Beat the ATS with a few simple tips.

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

How to write your social worker resume

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

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

Consider the following aspects of your social worker resume:

• A resume objective or summary

Work experience

Crafting your bullet points.

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

Education, licenses, and specialized training

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Examples of bullet points include:

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

Quantify your impact with numbers and statistics

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

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

Top social worker skills to mention

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

Top social work skills in 2024 include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should you add projects, interests, or hobbies?

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

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

Customize your resume to each job

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

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

Eliminate errors

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

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

Go land your next job!

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

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

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

Resume Guide for Social Workers

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

How to Write a Social Work Resume

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

Types of Resumes for Social Workers

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

Reverse-Chronological

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

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

Combination

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

Required vs. Preferred Qualifications

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

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

What Should I Include on a Social Work Resume?

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

Education and Training

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

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

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

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

Licensure and Certifications

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

Awards, Accomplishments, and Affiliations

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

Volunteer Work

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

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

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

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

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

What Is a Resume-Reading Robot?

What is ats.

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

Tips for Outsmarting an ATS

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

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

Resume Writing Tips for Social Workers

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

Tailor Your Resume

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

Save Your Resume Under a Professional Name

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

Make it Easy to Read

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

Include a Cover Letter

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

Keep it to One Page

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

Common Mistakes Social Workers Make on Their Resumes

Use this checklist to help eliminate resume errors.

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

Including Personal Information

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

Including Salary Information

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

Using Nicknames

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

Using an Unprofessional Email Address

A professional email address includes your first and last name.

First-Person Pronouns

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

Unprofessional Voicemail

A professional voicemail message is critical when employers contact you.

Social Work Resume Samples

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

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

Take the next step toward your future in social work.

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Resume Guide for Social Workers

Resumes act as the first point of contact between a social worker and his/her potential employer, so it’s critical for resume writers to detail their professional experience and qualifications as effectively as possible. Aspiring social work employees should use their resumes to showcase their certifications or licensures, plus their supervised clinical hours and work experience. Social work resumes should also prove that a candidate is qualified to work with clients and has experience interacting with the people who will be in their care. On top of that, job applicants should tailor their resumes to fit the position for which they are applying.

How to Write a Social Work Resume

• Do Your Research: It’s important for a resume to reflect the skills and work experience required by the position in question. Before drafting their social work resume, applicants should research their potential new employer to learn about which skills they value, and tweak the resume as needed to highlights those skills.
• Write Down the Key Points: Start with an outline to organize the resume’s main points. Social work resumes should address a candidate’s strengths and weaknesses, and include details on how to overcome the specified weaknesses.
• Format Your Resume: These resumes should be professional and easy to read. Start with an online search for sample resume formats, choose an appropriate design, and go from there. Headlines should separate resume categories (work experience, education, and skills, for example). Arrange the categories to reflect the employer’s priorities.

Types of Resumes for Social Workers

Resumes provide an overview of a job candidate’s skills and experience, and there are many ways to organize this information. Some resumes highlight work history first, while others focus on educational credentials. Applicants can alter the format of their resume to best suit the position in question. For example, employers who work closely with the community might prefer to see a resume highlighting experience with outreach programs, while recruiters hiring for clinical positions might be more interested in educational background. The three primary resume formats are as follows:

• Reverse-Chronological: Reverse-chronological resumes start with the applicant’s most recent work experience, and work down to the oldest. This format is ideal for candidates with recent work experience in their desired field.
• Functional: Functional resumes focus primarily on practical experience and skills, and less on job history. This format works best for candidates who are changing careers, have taken time away from work, or are just entering the workforce. Volunteer and coursework experience may be included on a functional resume.
• Combination: A combination resume incorporates aspects of both the reverse-chronological and functional formats. Combination resumes typically lead with a description of qualifications and related skills, followed by a breakdown of work experience.

Required vs. Preferred Qualifications

In job postings, employers often list required qualifications and preferred qualifications separately. Required qualifications are deal-breakers when it comes to being considered for a position, while preferred qualifications give candidates some bonus points in the hiring process. Applicants who have some of the position’s preferred qualifications should make sure to include them on their resume, but even those without required qualifications should still apply if they are otherwise qualified for the role.

What Should I Include on a Social Work Resume?

Education and Training: Social work careers require some level of higher education. Some social work positions only require a bachelor’s, but many call for a master’s degree. Any social work application must show that the candidate has met the minimum education requirements. It should also detail their prior training and certifications. Applicants who earned high a GPA in college may include this information on their resume, but in most cases GPA information isn’t necessary.

Experience: Applicants with relevant job experience should list this information in reverse-chronological order, including the dates of employment, the number of clients seen, the types of treatment offered, and the general client population. Candidates should also break down each job’s specific duties on their resume. Using positive adjectives and action verbs to describe these duties, and highlight how they pertain to the position in question. If a job posting includes a list of required and preferred qualifications, address those points in this section. Use the job listing’s specific wording in case applications are reviewed by a resume-reading robot. Applicants lacking in relevant job experience should follow the functional resume format to highlight their other skills and qualifications.

Skills: Applicants can devote a resume section to their personal skills, which exist outside of work or education experience. It’s important to note how those personal skills can apply to a career in social work. Candidates can use this section to note unique skills that might set their resume apart from the others.

Licensure, Certifications: Most social work positions require some form of certification or licensure, usually at the state level. In many cases, a license is required to qualify for social work positions, while certifications might be optional. Either way, it’s crucial to include all licenses and certifications when applying for a social work job, and beneficial to include their expiration and renewal dates, as well.

Awards, Accomplishments, Affiliations: Members of professional organizations should list their affiliations in this section. Applicants should also list their awards or accomplishments that relate to the job in question.

Volunteer Work: Hiring managers take notice of candidates who donate their time, especially if they volunteer in the same field as their desired career. Applicants with social work volunteer experience would boost their resume by including information on their duties and responsibilities. Applicants who lack professional social work experience might include volunteer social work on their resume instead.

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What should i put on my social work resume if i don’t have any experience.

Some social work careers require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, meaning many applicants have only education, internships, and volunteer work under their belt. Entry-level social work resumes should include educational credentials, certificates, and licenses. Hiring managers might also take interest in unrelated work experience — for example, retail or service industry experience could indicate an ability to work well in high-pressure situations.

What Is a Resume-Reading Robot?

What is ats.

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) aim to streamline the recruitment process when employers receive an influx of mixed-quality applications. An ATS simplifies the candidate-screening process by scanning resumes for keywords and phrases that match the job description in question. This helps narrow down the application pile for hiring managers. Some ATS systems are even advanced enough to search a candidate’s social media profiles for relevant information.

Tips for Outsmarting an ATS

• Simple Headers: Chances are that any ATS will be looking for straightforward terms such as “education,” “skills,” and “professional experience.” Use these terms to boost the chances that a bot will store your information for employer review.
• Clean Format: ATS systems are more likely to select resumes with simple layouts and basic fonts. Some bots automatically reject certain fonts or added graphics. To be safe, avoid graphics and utilize common fonts such as Arial, Tahoma, or Verdana.
• Keywords/Phrases: Job postings often include descriptions of duties and applicant qualifications. These blurbs may use the same terms the employer’s ATS system is looking for, so work them into your resume when possible.
• Industry-Specific Jargon: Research terminology that’s commonly used in your desired position and work it into your resume. Industry jargon may make its way into an ATS system’s screening process.

Resume Writing Tips for Social Workers

• Tailor Your Resume: In applying to any job, it’s important to list your most relevant skills and experience first, to tailor your resume to the position in question.
• Save Your Resume Under a Professional Name: To play it safe and keep things professional, follow the format: “Firstlast_specialty_resume.doc” when you save your resume. This format makes sure an employer can clearly make out that the document in question is your resume.
• Make It Easy to Read: Social work resumes should stick to basic fonts such as Arial, Verdana, and Tahoma. These fonts are sans-serif and easily readable.
• Include a Cover Letter: Cover letters offer applicants a chance to express their personality and writing skills, and allow them to explain how seemingly irrelevant work experience might translate to a career in social work.
• Keep It to One Page: Hiring managers prefer resumes that are short and sweet, especially if they have receive a pile of applications. If you can’t fit all your relevant work experience on one page, consider including only the most valuable experience. Resumes with a clinical focus may be up to two pages long, since clinical positions usually call for more extensive experience.

Common Mistakes Social Workers Make on Their Resumes

• Typos: Proofread your resume for typos and grammatical errors, which could come off as laziness or lack of attention to detail.
• Including Personal Information: Remember to include an email address and phone number so the hiring manager can contact you if necessary. A home address, however, might not be necessary.
• Including Salary Information: It’s generally inadvisable to include current or previous salaries on a resume. Prospective employers may ask for salary information later in the hiring process.
• Using Nicknames: Nicknames are considered unprofessional on a resume. Employees may use them after the hiring process, but during recruitment, all documents (including the resume) should use their legal name.
• Using an Unprofessional Email Address: Professional email addresses should consist of your first and last name or initials.
• First-Person Pronouns: Avoid overusing first-person pronouns, since the nature of a resume assumes all information included pertains to the candidate in question.
• Unprofessional Voicemail: If you include your phone number on your resume, make sure your outgoing voicemail message is professional and includes your full name.

Social Work Resume Samples

Applicants can use online resources as a tool for formatting their resumes. Make sure to choose a template that highlights your most relevant experience in the most accessible way possible. The below examples might inspire applicants struggling for resume inspiration:

Sample 1 : This social work resume sample is in reverse-chronological format and includes work experience and education. It also opens with a short summary.

Sample 2 : The summary provided in this resume focuses more on the candidate’s goals rather than his/her skills. This social work resume sample fuses the functional format with the reverse chronological format, highlighting both skills and work experience.

Sample 3 : The resume in this sample includes certifications and licensure as a key feature, placing key skills at the bottom. This format is ideal for highlighting verifiable credentials, work experience, and education.

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5 Amazing social worker Resume Examples (Updated 2023) + Skills & Job Descriptions

Build your resume in 15 minutes, social worker: resume samples & writing guide, professional summary, employment history.

• Develop and implement policies and procedures
• Collaborate with other professionals to coordinate services
• Supervise and mentor social work interns and volunteers
• Participate in community outreach and awareness activities
• Manage budgets and other financial resources
• Prepare and submit reports to government agencies
• Monitor and evaluate clients' progress

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• Assist clients in accessing government services and resources
• Provide individual and family counseling
• Research and analyze social issues
• Maintain case files and records
• Attend meetings and trainings to stay current on best practices

Gary Jackson

• Educate clients and the public about social services

Mike Patterson

• Develop and implement social service plans
• Advocate for clients in court or other legal proceedings

Not in love with this template? Browse our full library of resume templates

Table of Content

• Introduction
• Resume Samples & Writing Guide
• Resume Example 1
• Resume Example 2
• Resume Example 3
• Resume Example 4
• Resume Example 5
• Jobs Description
• Jobs Skills
• Technical Skills
• Soft Skills
• How to Improve Your Resume
• How to Optimize Your Resume
• Cover Letter Example

Social workers are unsung heroes and we need more of them. Despite higher-than average median pay, the coming years will still see strong growth in demand for social workers . That said, the difference in hours, pay, benefits, and working conditions can vary widely. That’s why you want to get the best social worker job possible.

But getting hired as a social worker presents a unique set of challenges.

You’ll likely be working for a government agency, so you need to understand not just the needs of the community you’ll be serving but those of the agency hiring you. Nailing that balance perfectly is the key to getting hired in the social worker position you really want.

What this guide will show you:

• Resume templates to get you inspired
• How to target your resume to the right audiences
• Everything you need to know about ATS
• Proper formatting for a social worker resume
• How long your resume should be
• Which sections to include
• How to make your achievements stand out
• Which qualifications you should mention
• How to include certifications (and which ones matter)
• Hard and soft skills to include (and how to list them)
• How to write an objective or summary
• How to target your resume for each position

How to make your resume stand out

• How to prepare for the job interview
• Why a resume builder will help you get hired

Social worker resume template examples

If you’re looking for your first social worker position or haven’t changed positions in years, chances are you haven’t looked at your resume in ages. If that’s the case, one lesson you need to start with is that resumes and untold writing rules have changed. These days, submitting the same old Word doc you’ve been using for a decade will simply scream “I put in the bare minimum.”

Have a look at these social worker resume template examples to see what a great resume should look like now. Notice how the clean and modern design makes them easier to read. If you were a hiring manager at a government agency going through stacks of resumes a day, these ones would be a welcome break from the norm.

Try going through these examples and listing elements you’d like to incorporate into your own social worker resume.

How to write a social worker resume that will get your phone ringing

Creating an effective social worker resume requires getting a lot of things just right (don’t worry, we’ll go over each and every one). But more generally, to be effective it needs to understand its audience and appeal directly to them. After all, you wouldn’t take an identical approach to every case you work on as a social worker would you? Well, sending identical resumes that don’t consider their audience would be about as effective.

Start by considering who will read your resume

One of the worst mistakes you can make starting off is to write your resume now and think about it later. You need to begin with a plan, and the first step of that plan is to know your audience. Easy right? Your resume goes to a hiring manager or recruiter who hires you because they can see you’re a great social worker.

Sadly, it’s a bit more complicated. So let’s take you through what you need to know.

Why you need to consider ATS

Today, a huge number of resumes that get sent out are never seen by a human. The reason is Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). You may have never heard of them, but they’re widely used by all sorts of companies to help sort through dozens or even thousands of incoming resumes.

While there are many different ATS companies out there and each one is slightly different, they all work in the same basic way. They use artificial intelligence to scan your resume for keywords to determine whether your resume should be sent to a human for further consideration. If the ATS doesn’t think your resume makes the cut, it goes straight into the digital trash bin.

So what do you need to do?

• Use the right file format for your resume . You’d be shocked at just how many resumes get instantly rejected because they’re submitted in something like an image format, which ATS are not designed to read. Fortunately, the solution is simple, just use a .doc, .docx, or .pdf.
• Be sure the file is ATS-friendly . That said, not all of those file types are designed to be effectively read by ATS. Make sure you use a resume builder which has been engineered to be easily read by the widest variety of ATS out there to maximize your chances.
• Be smart about keywords . In most cases, an ATS is given a list of keywords and experience to search for. To get past it, you need to make it as obvious as possible that you have the exact skills and experience the ATS is looking for. The best way to do this is to look to the job description. By using the wording you find there, you’re maximizing the chances the ATS will see exactly what it wants on your resume.

How to give recruiters what they’re looking for

Once your resume has sailed past an ATS (or gone to a social work agency which doesn’t use one), it still needs to get a thumbs up from a recruiter or hiring manager. That’s why you absolutely need to take them into consideration when crafting your resume . They are your client, so give them the level of focus you would give a client (especially if you only had one).

So consider what the person who’ll be deciding on hiring you is most concerned about. Frankly, that could simply be hiring a social worker who can handle a high volume of cases without making mistakes (in which case, emphasize working well under pressure and attention to detail). Or, they might be looking for someone who has experience with a specific kind of client, like someone with a disability, people experiencing PTSD, people returning from prison, etc. In other words, your job isn’t to simply be the “best social worker” it’s to be the best social worker for that specific role.

So, begin by figuring out what those needs are. Obviously the job description is your first source of clues, but you can also check whether there have been any news stories about the agency or try talking to current or former workers there. If you’ve tailored your resume well, the person reading it will think “wow, this person is exactly what we’re looking for.” If that happens, you’re as good as hired.

How to target your resume for each application

While this has been implied in the advice so far, it’s important enough to repeat. You should create a single targeted resume for each social worker position you’re applying for. Yes, it means extra work, but that work pales in comparison to the benefits you’ll get when you get a better social worker job.

The reason is that different social worker positions will have their own requirements. By sending an identical resume to each one, you’re communicating that you put in the bare minimum. For a job as important as a social worker, that is not the message you want to be sending. By customizing each resume , you’ll be more likely to get hired and you’ll be making a stronger first impression.

How to format a social worker resume

Once you’ve put together a plan for how your resume will target the exact job you’re applying for, it's time to work out the proper format for your resume . What goes where and what should you include? The main rule of thumb that should guide you is to put the more important information towards the top. The person reading your resume is a human and they might skip over something towards the bottom, so make sure they see what they need to know.

The other reason to do this is to control the first impression you make. You know that the first impression you leave on a client will affect the rest of your relationship and the same goes for your resume. By considering this and writing your resume accordingly, you’re taking control and helping your chances at success.

So, be sure to write your experience in reverse chronological order, as your most recent work experience is more important and should therefore go at the top. We’ll explain more about using an objective or summary to craft a first impression later.

What’s the proper length for a social worker resume?

The honest answer here is “as short as possible.” Again, thinking about the person reading your resume, they don’t want to have to wade through pages of information with little relevance. If you make their experience learning about you from your resume easy, they’re more likely to develop positive feelings towards you. After all, you’ve helped them do their job.

That said, try and limit your social worker resume to one page. If you go long, just use this rule: if something doesn’t make your resume better , it’s making your resume worse. Using that rule, be ruthless and cut any words, phrases, or sections that are holding your resume back to get it to its ideal length.

Which sections should you consider including?

• Resume objective or summary
• Work experience
• Certifications
• Achievements
• Hard skills
• Volunteering

What are ideal social worker job qualifications and how to list them correctly

Most social worker positions will require you to have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. This could be a degree in social work, or something like sociology, psychology, or public health. You may also need a graduate degree and a license. The legal requirements to be a social worker are decided by the state, so be sure to check the laws in your state to see what’s needed.

For educational qualifications, simply list them in an education section like this:

Masters in Social Work

University of California, Los Angeles

2012-2016, Los Angeles, CA

Licenses should be included next to your name or in a summary or objective (more on those below). Just be sure it’s immediately clear to the reader that you have the proper qualifications.

Which certifications should you consider obtaining and including?

Certifications send a powerful message. They tell the person reading your resume that you’ve gone above and beyond to become a better social worker and prove your skills. That’s why you should consider obtaining one if possible. There are plenty to choose from in the list below, but be aware that some are for more advanced social workers.

Even if you haven’t finished obtaining a certification by the time you apply, you can simply mention that you’re in the process (more on how to do that later).

• NASW Professional Social Work Credential
• NASW Advanced Practice Specialty Credential
• Certification in Cognitive Therapy
• Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (BCD) certification
• National Certified Addiction Counselor, Level I or II
• Certified Social Work Case Manager (C-SWCM)
• Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)
• Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW)
• Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW)
• National Certified Counselor (NCC)
• Registered Addiction Specialist (RAS)
• Accredited Case Manager
• Advanced Social Worker in Gerontology (ASW-G)
• Certified Social Worker in Health Care (C-SWHC)

How should you list your certifications?

When listing your certifications, simply begin with the certification name followed by the name or the organization granting it and the year you obtained it. For example:

Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW), NASW, 2018

How to effectively list your skills

Both ATS and hiring managers will look to your skills to determine whether or not you’d be an appropriate hire for a social worker position. That’s why your skills section has two jobs. The first is to list the right skills. You want to try and list as many of the skills asked for in the job description as possible (while being truthful of course) and phrase them the same way they’re written there. Next, you need to show that you really possess those skills. That’s where concrete examples work wonders.

You can see the difference in these examples:

Capable of handling a large caseload

That’s a great skill to have, but writing it this way doesn’t add much confidence in your ability to really do this.

Capable of handling a caseload of over 40

The difference is subtle, but by being specific you’re giving the reader a much clearer idea of what you can actually do. It also implies experience in handling a caseload that large. In other words, try and be specific with your skills whenever possible and include examples (more on that below under the achievements section).

Hard skills to mention

• Case assessment
• Case planning
• Case management
• Crisis intervention
• Psychopathology
• Knowledge of relevant social worker policies
• Treatment plan development
• Mandt system
• Record keeping
• Drafting reports
• Organizing and running seminars
• Child counseling

Soft skills to mention

• Problem solving
• Organization
• Active listening
• Working under pressure
• Emotional intelligence

Just remember, the absolute best hard and soft skills to mention will always be the ones originally listed in the job description. So use that as your guide.

How to highlight your most important achievements

Whether they’re achievements in previous social work roles or elsewhere, highlighting your achievements properly can translate into them having a huge impact on a recruiter. They can show you have empathy, can manage complex projects, can get a difficult job done, and more. In other words, this is an ideal place to really show off the critical skills needed to be a great social worker.

I’ve been longtime volunteer at local Big Brothers, Big Sisters

While this is a great achievement to list on a social worker resume, it has a few issues. First, it speaks in the first person, which isn’t the accepted format for a resume . It should be written in the third person. Next, it’s unnecessarily vague about how long you’ve volunteered there and where you volunteered. Let’s see a version with those issues fixed:

5 year volunteer at the Riverside, CA Big Brothers, Big Sisters

Now the reader knows exactly how long you’ve been there and can easily contact them for a reference or to double check the information. Just by adding that information, you made the recruiter’s job easier.

Why your resume should start with an objective or summary

Remember when we mentioned the importance of making a strong first impression with your resume? That’s why it makes sense to start off with an objective or summary. These sections allow you to better control the first impression you make and to provide context for the rest of the resume. So, for example, before the recruiter notices a gap in your work history and wonders what happened, you can explain it in a summary.

But what’s the difference between the two? A resume objective will be a short sentence that simply explains who you are and what you aim to achieve. If your resume has a cover letter, this is all you’ll need because the cover letter will contain any other relevant information. If you don’t have a cover letter and need to include a bit more information, a summary is ideal. It can be a few sentences, but should still be concise and packed with information.

How to write a resume objective

The key goals here are to be concise and to pack in as much useful information as possible. Let’s look at some examples to see how this is done.

I’m an experienced and certified social worker looking to advance my career in a new position.

This example isn’t overly long but it still takes up too much space with vague or obvious information. How experienced is this person? What certification do they have? Why are they bothering to tell me that they want to advance their career? These are all valid questions a recruiter would have after reading this objective. Now let’s see that same objective with those issues fixed.

QCSW with 8 years experience looking to develop child counseling skills working in Fairfax public schools.

This version of the previous objective solves all of the problems it had. We know which certification they possess, how much experience they have, where they want to work (indicating this resume was customized for the role) and even why they want this specific job. After reading this objective, a recruiter has lots of useful information and context that will make the other information on your resume more effective.

How to write a resume summary

A resume summary should follow the same rules as a resume objective. The difference being that it can be a bit longer. Look at these examples to see how a summary can be used to explain something like a gap in work history.

It’s been a difficult few years taking care of my mother, who has dementia, but now that she’s passed I want to return to my previous career as a social worker. I previously worked largely in addition counseling but would be open to changing specialties.

This example certainly provides context, but it goes about it in the wrong way. First, it’s too personal. A recruiter reading this might think you’re trying to pull at their heartstrings and get some sympathy in the hiring process. In any case, these details might make a recruiter feel uncomfortable. It’s also written in the first person instead of the third. Let’s see a revised version:

Social worker with 8 years experience in addiction counseling looking to return to the workforce with a position at the Richmond Department of Public Health after taking several years off to care for a sick family member.

This version focuses more on you as a social worker rather than a caretaker for a family member. It keeps things professional while still explaining the gap in your work history.

The good news here is that as a social worker, you already have a sense of how your resume should stand out. That’s because, like a great social worker, the way to do this isn’t by being flashy or bragging. Your resume should be focused, diligent, and clear.

Combining modern design, carefully written text which contains plenty of information, while remaining concise, and a single page of content will make your resume a welcome break for any recruiter or hiring manager. When thinking about how your resume can stand out, don’t imagine it in a vacuum. Imagine your resume as the 100th a recruiter has read in a day and it will be clear why the best way to stand out is to simply be easy and effective.

How to prepare for a job interview as a social worker

More good news, as a social worker you should already have many of the skills needed to excel in a job interview. You’re calm, ready to answer questions, and a consummate professional.

That said, you should still prepare for your interview. Use the research you did to create your resume about the specific needs of this employer. What kind of social worker do they want? Are there any specific challenges their office or agency is facing that you could help with? For example, if they’re understaffed, focus on your ability to handle a large caseload.

The message you want to be sending in both your resume and interview is “I will make your job and life easier if you hire me.” If you approach the interview with this mindset, you’ll maximize your chance of success.

Why you should be using a resume builder

With so many things to consider when creating the perfect social worker resume, you need all the help you can get. That’s why a resume builder is a no-brainer . Choosing the right builder allows you to avoid worrying about ATS compatibility, great design , and all the frustrating formatting issues that inevitably arise when you create a resume in a doc.

That’s why using Resumebuild.com’s builder is the easiest choice you’ll make in your job search. With plenty of clean and modern design templates to choose from and expertly crafted social worker resume examples to inspire you, making a resume that will get you hired couldn’t be easier. So before you go on applying for jobs like it’s the 90s, see why a modern job search should be done with a modern resume.

social worker Job Descriptions; Explained

If you're applying for an social worker position, it's important to tailor your resume to the specific job requirements in order to differentiate yourself from other candidates. Including accurate and relevant information that directly aligns with the job description can greatly increase your chances of securing an interview with potential employers. When crafting your resume, be sure to use action verbs and a clear, concise format to highlight your relevant skills and experience. Remember, the job description is your first opportunity to make an impression on recruiters, so pay close attention to the details and make sure you're presenting yourself in the best possible light.

social worker

• Counsel individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding issues including  social adjustment and child care.
• Recommend temporary foster care and advise foster or adoptive parents.
• Place children in foster or adoptive homes.
• Evaluate personal characteristics and home conditions of foster home or adoption applicants.

social worker (internship)

• Financial, strategic management, community mobilization and conducting multi-suite research task.
• Compiling case histories and verifying profile of identified  beneficiaries
• Front office management which includes receiving and delivering of mails.
• Recruit and rehabilitation of street children, interview them and providing accurate and timely reports.
• Manage facility-based data and transfer all forms to appropriate sites in a timely manner.
• Managed to recruit 86% of the target within the internship period.
• Facilitate and Conduct resettlement and re-integration of the rehabilitated Children.
• Helped under privileged families finance their hospital bills
• Formed relationships with new and existing donees
• Organized charity events 
• Counseled and assisted refugee families with financial aid
• Render individual, group and family counselling of street-connected children & youth, their families and caregivers.
• Provide Counseling services to the beneficiaries.
• Facilitate and follow up various Casework regarding the street children.
• Field work going to the field on a frequent basis to know the welfare of the clients.
• Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well for betterment of the project perfomance.
• Observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.
• help beneficiaries to write quality letters to their sponsors
• deliver comprehensive  therapeutic service to children, adolescents and adult involved with child welfare and protection.
• manage caseload of 215 families and children in child welfare system annual
• collaborate with project director to determine and reduce risks of  self harm and ensure project compounds are safe for beneficiaries

social worker Job Skills

For an social worker position, your job skills are a key factor in demonstrating your value to the company and showing recruiters that you're the ight fit for the role. It's important to be specific when highlighting your skills and ensure that they are directly aligned with the job requirements, as this can greatly improve your chances of being hired. By showcasing your relevant skills and experience, you can make a compelling case for why you're the best candidate for the job.

How to include technical skills in your resume:

Technical skills are a set of specialized abilities and knowledge required to perform a particular job effectively. Some examples of technical skills are data analysis, project management, software proficiency, and programming languages, to name a few. Add the technical skills that will get hired in your career field with our simple-to-use resume builder. Select your desired resume template, once you reach the skills section of the builder, manually write in the skill or simply click on "Add more skills". This will automatically generate the best skills for your career field, choose your skill level, and hit "Save & Next."

• Data Analysis
• Computer Literacy
• Technical Writing
• Database Management
• Quality Assurance
• Troubleshooting
• Project Management
• Risk Management
• Process Improvement
• Business Acumen
• Financial Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Visualization
• Social Media
• Documentation
• Software Development
• Cloud Computing
• Cybersecurity

How to include soft skills in your resume:

Soft skills are non-technical skills that relate to how you work and that can be used in any job. Including soft skills such as time management, creative thinking, teamwork, and conflict resolution demonstrate your problem-solving abilities and show that you navigate challenges and changes in the workplace efficiently. Add competitive soft skills to make your resume stand-out to recruiters! Simply select your preferred resume template in the skills section, enter the skills manually or use the "Add more skills" option. Our resume builder will generate the most relevant soft skills for your career path. Choose your proficiency level for each skill, and then click "Save & Next" to proceed to the next section.

• Communication
• Interpersonal
• Time Management
• Problem Solving
• Decision Making
• Critical Thinking
• Adaptability
• Public Speaking
• Negotiation
• Conflict Resolution
• Attention to Detail
• Self-Motivation
• Stress Management
• Collaboration
• Emotional Intelligence
• Flexibility
• Reliability
• Professionalism
• Customer Service
• Presentation
• Written Communication
• Supervisory
• Relationship Management.

How to Improve Your social worker Resume

Navigating resume pitfalls can mean the difference between landing an interview or not. Missing job descriptions or unexplained work history gaps can cause recruiters to hesitate. Let's not even talk about the impact of bad grammar, and forgetting your contact info could leave your potential employer hanging. Aim to be comprehensive, concise, and accurate.

Luke Campbell

Include your contact information and job descriptions, missing job descriptions lessens your chances of getting hired..

• Employers want to know what you've accomplished, so make sure to include descriptions for all of your previous jobs.
• Keep job descriptions short but don't just list your jobs.
• Never copy-paste a job description to post on your resume. Get inspired and use tools to help you write customized descriptions.

How to Optimize Your social worker Resume

Keep an eye out for these resume traps. Neglecting to detail your job roles or explain gaps in your career can lead to unnecessary doubts. Grammar blunders can reflect negatively on you, and without contact information, how can employers reach you? Be meticulous and complete.

Ernest Johnson

• Prepeare and submite reportes too goverment agencys.
• Paricipate in comunity outreach an awarness activites.
• Reasearch and anaylze socail issuses.
• Develp and implement policies an procedures.
• Assist clients in accesing goverment services an resources.
• Advocat fer clients in court or othr legal proceedings.
• Assist clients in acessing goverment servies and resourses.
• Reseach and analize socal issues.
• Paticipate in comunity outrech and awarness activites.

Correct Grammar and Address Gap Years in Your Resume

Don't leave unexplained gaps in your work history..

• When explaining gaps in your employment section, start by being honest.
• Elaborate on the gap and show that you never stopped learning.
• Explain and elaborate any gap in your work history by highlighting new skills.

social worker Cover Letter Example

A cover letter can be a valuable addition to your job application when applying for an social worker position. Cover letters provide a concise summary of your qualifications, skills, and experience, also it also gives you an opportunity to explain why you're the best fit for the job. Crafting a cover letter that showcases your relevant experience and enthusiasm for the Accounts Payable role can significantly improve your chances of securing an interview.

To the Recruitment Team at US Department of Agriculture

I am a results-driven Social Worker with 11 years of experience in the Government field. I am excited to submit my application for the Lead Social Worker role at US Department of Agriculture, where I believe I can make a valuable contribution to your team.

My diverse life experiences have taught me the importance of adaptability, creativity, and resilience. Whether it was on the job, or simply on my day to day, I have learned to navigate challenges and find innovative solutions. I am confident that I possess the skills and expertise necessary to excel in the position at US Department of Agriculture and I am excited about the opportunity to grow with a team that values these qualities and contribute to your organization's growth and success.

I appreciate the opportunity to apply for the Lead Social Worker position. I am committed to making a positive impact on the world, so I am thrilled about the opportunity to join your team and work towards achieving our shared goals for the betterment of everyone.

Showcase your most significant accomplishments and qualifications with this cover letter. Personalize this cover letter in just few minutes with our user-friendly tool!

Related Resumes & Cover Letters

Contemporary

Professional

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10 Social Worker Resume Examples That Secured Jobs in 2024

Are you a social worker looking for the perfect job opportunity? Then you must know the importance of having a well-crafted resume. A resume is your first chance to make a great impression on potential employers. It is a document that showcases your knowledge, skills, and experience in the field of social work. A professionally written resume can increase your job opportunities and help you secure the dream position you have been searching for.

While having a degree in social work is valuable, you need to represent yourself to the best of your abilities to stand out from the competition. You need to tailor your resume to the specific job opening and highlight your relevant experience that will make you a perfect fit for the role. Your resume is the first thing the hiring manager will see, so it needs to be well-written, concise, and compelling.

In this article, we will be sharing ten social worker resume examples that have secured jobs. We will take a deep dive into each resume and examine why they impressed the employers. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of what makes a great social worker resume and how to craft one that will catch the attention of your potential employer.

Basic Elements of Social Worker Resume

When it comes to creating a resume as a social worker, it’s important to ensure that you’re highlighting your relevant skills, experience and education in a clear and concise manner. Therefore, here are the basic elements that a social worker resume should have.

1. Professional Summary

The professional summary section of your social worker resume is an essential element that should be included. This section gives potential employers an overview of your skills, experience, and value as a social worker. It’s important to keep in mind that potential employers may only spend a few seconds scanning your resume, so the professional summary should be well-crafted and attention-grabbing.

2. Relevant Skills

Your social worker resume should include a list of relevant skills that highlight your proficiency in areas such as counseling, case management, community outreach, and crisis intervention. This section is particularly important as it enables potential employers to easily see that you have the necessary skills to perform the job role effectively.

3. Work Experience

Including your work experience is one of the most important elements of a social worker resume. This section should highlight your previous roles, responsibilities, and accomplishments in a clear and chronological manner. It should also make it easy for potential employers to understand your level of experience and how it can be applied to the role you’re applying for.

4. Education

Your education should also be included in your social worker resume. This section should highlight your relevant degrees and certifications, including the name of the institution, the degree or certification earned, and the year of graduation. This section enables potential employers to see that you’ve received the relevant training and education necessary to become a successful social worker.

5. Licenses and Certifications

If you’ve received relevant licenses and certifications, this section should highlight them. This is particularly important for social workers, as having the necessary licenses and certifications is a legal requirement for practicing in most states. This section should include the name of the license or certification, the issuing body, the date of issue, and the expiration date.

Ensuring that your social worker resume incorporates each of these basic elements can significantly increase your chances of securing a job. Moreover, it’s important to note that when creating your resume, you should also ensure that it’s tailored to the specific job you’re applying for. By doing this, you’ll be able to highlight your skills and experiences in a way that is relevant to the position, which can further improve your chances of success.

Types of Social Worker Resumes

There are three main types of resumes that social workers can use: chronological, functional, and combination. Each of these resume types has its benefits and drawbacks, which we will discuss in more detail below.

Chronological resume

A chronological resume is a traditional resume format that focuses on the candidate’s work history. This type of resume lists the candidate’s work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent position held. It typically includes the candidate’s job title, employer name, dates of employment, and a brief description of their job duties and accomplishments.

• A chronological resume makes it easy for employers to see the candidate’s work history in a clear and concise manner.
• Employers can quickly identify gaps in the candidate’s employment history.
• It is the most commonly used resume format and is familiar to most employers.
• A chronological resume emphasizes work experience over skills, which may not be ideal for candidates with gaps in their work history or those changing careers.
• It may not highlight transferable skills that the candidate has gained from non-work experiences.
• It may be too generic and fail to showcase the candidate’s unique qualifications and achievements.

Functional resume

A functional resume format focuses on the candidate’s skills and capabilities rather than their work history. This type of resume highlights the candidate’s relevant skills, achievements, and qualifications, grouped by themes or skill sets, rather than by job titles.

• A functional resume is great for candidates with a spotty work history or those who are changing careers.
• It places emphasis on the specific skills and qualifications the candidate has to offer, making it easier for employers to see if the candidate is a good fit for the job.
• It can help candidates avoid being screened out due to irrelevant work experience.
• A functional resume can be confusing for employers who are used to seeing a chronological work history.
• It may be perceived as less honest or transparent than other resume types since it does not provide a clear picture of work history.
• It may not meet the minimum requirements of certain job application systems that require a chronological resume.

Combination resume

A combination resume is a mix of both the chronological and functional resume formats. This type of resume format includes a summary of the candidate’s work history, as well as a section highlighting their skills and qualifications.

• A combination resume provides the best of both worlds by highlighting the candidate’s skills and qualifications while still providing a clear work history.
• It is flexible and allows the candidate to emphasize their strengths, regardless of whether they come from work or non-work experiences.
• It is great for candidates with a diverse background or those seeking a specific type of position.
• A combination resume may be longer than other types of resumes due to the inclusion of both the work history and skill sections, which could be a turn-off for some employers.

Example of a Social Worker Chronological Resume

In this section, we will showcase an example of a social worker chronological resume that successfully secured a job. This sample resume is a prime example of how to effectively highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications in the social work field.

123 Main Street | Anytown, USA 12345 | (111) 222-3333 |  [email protected]

Professional Summary

Dedicated and compassionate social worker with seven years of experience in providing direct services to at-risk youth and families. Skilled in crisis management, community outreach, and program development. Possesses excellent communication and assessment skills, with a strong ability to build rapport with clients.

Master of Social Work (MSW), XYZ University, Anytown, USA, May 2012

Professional Experience

Family services agency, anytown, usa, social worker iii, august 2012 to present.

• Provide intensive case management for at-risk families, including crisis interventions, safety planning, and referrals to community resources.
• Coordinate and facilitate parenting classes and support groups for caregivers, resulting in improved parent-child relationships and decreased instances of family conflict.
• Collaborate with schools, courts, and healthcare providers to ensure a comprehensive approach to care.
• Received the agency’s “Social Worker of the Year” award in 2017.

Youth Outreach Services, Anytown, USA

Social worker i-ii, june 2010 to august 2012.

• Provided crisis counseling and case management for homeless and runaway youth in a shelter setting.
• Developed and implemented youth empowerment groups, resulting in increased self-esteem and life skills.
• Facilitated street outreach services, connecting youth to community resources and housing options.
• Received recognition for outstanding grant writing skills, resulting in funding for a transitional housing program for youth.
• Crisis Management
• Case Management
• Family Systems
• Community Outreach
• Program Development
• Cultural Sensitivity
• Assessment and Diagnosis
• Group Facilitation
• Grant Writing

This social worker chronological resume demonstrates the candidate’s extensive experience and expertise in providing direct services to vulnerable populations. The professional summary effectively summarizes their skills, while the education section highlights their advanced degree in social work. The professional experience section focuses on their most relevant and impactful roles, and the skills section showcases the essential abilities required for success in the field. This resume effectively secured this candidate a job, and it can serve as a valuable resource for anyone looking to create an impressive social worker resume.

Example of a Social Worker Functional Resume

In this section, we will showcase a functional resume sample for a social worker. A functional resume focuses on the skills and qualifications of the applicant rather than emphasizing work experiences. This type of resume is particularly useful for those who have career gaps, career change, or limited work history.

Below is an example of a functional resume:

Name:  Jane Doe

Contact Information:

• Address: 123 Main Street, Anytown, USA
• Phone: 555-555-5555
• Email:  [email protected]

Summary/Objective:  Result-oriented social worker with over five years of experience in providing counseling, case management, and support to diverse communities. Seeking a position in a non-profit organization where I can utilize my skills to empower individuals and families.

• Crisis intervention
• Multicultural counseling
• Case management
• Community outreach
• Group facilitation
• Needs assessment
• Conflict resolution
• Master of Social Work, XYZ University, Anytown, USA (Graduation: May 2015)
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, ABC College, Anytown, USA (Graduation: May 2012)

Certifications/Licenses:

• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)

Professional Experience:

Social Worker – Counseling Services, Non-Profit Organization, Anytown, USA (January 2017 to Present)

• Provide individual and group counseling sessions to clients with mental health and substance abuse issues
• Conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and monitor progress towards goals
• Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams to coordinate services and referrals
• Facilitate support groups and educational workshops on mental health and wellness

Social Worker – Health Services, Government Agency, Anytown, USA (August 2015 to December 2016)

• Conducted needs assessments and provided case management to low-income families
• Coordinated healthcare and social services for clients with chronic medical conditions
• Advocated for clients’ rights and entitlements in accessing services and resources
• Developed community partnerships and engaged in outreach activities to increase awareness of healthcare services

This functional resume showcases Jane Doe’s most valuable skills and qualifications as a social worker, such as crisis intervention, multicultural counseling, and case management. The summary/objective statement highlights her career goal and her expertise in providing holistic support to individuals and families. The professional experience section emphasizes her relevant work experience and achievements in providing counseling, case management, and advocacy to diverse populations.

By using a functional resume, Jane Doe was able to demonstrate her abilities as a social worker despite having limited work experience. This played a crucial role in securing job interviews and ultimately led to a job offer from a non-profit organization that shares her passion for empowering communities.

Example of a Social Worker Combination Resume

A combination resume is a blend of both chronological and functional formats, highlighting your skills and experience. Here is an example of how a social worker can use this format to showcase their expertise and secure a job.

Dedicated social worker with 8 years of experience working with diverse populations. Skilled in crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, and program coordination. Possess strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Looking for a challenging role in a community-based organization committed to social justice.

• Program coordination
• Client assessment
• Crisis prevention
• Referral services
• Documentation

Social Worker, ABC Community Services, Los Angeles, CA (2017-Current)

• Conducted comprehensive psychosocial assessments of individuals, children and families to identify needs, strengths, and develop achievable goals.
• Coordinated and facilitated educational and therapeutic groups for children and adolescents with behavioral and emotional challenges.
• Provided supportive counseling, case management, and outreach services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, substance use challenges, and mental health issues.
• Developed, implemented, and managed quality assurance activities, including program evaluation, data collection, and reporting.

Case Manager, XY Agency, San Francisco, CA (2015-2017)

• Provided individual and family counseling and case management services to low-income families in crisis.
• Conducted detailed biopsychosocial assessments and developed and implemented individualized care and service plans.
• Conducted ongoing evaluation of client progress and adjusted service plans accordingly.
• Maintained comprehensive electronic case files.
• Master of Social Work, University of California, Los Angeles, CA (2015)
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of California, Berkeley, CA (2012)

By using this combination resume format, this social worker was able to showcase their skills and accomplishments, as well as their work history, in a way that highlights their strengths and potential contributions to their next employer. With their strong foundation in social work and experience in multiple roles, they will be an asset to any community-based organization dedicated to social justice.

Tips on Writing a Social Worker Resume

When it comes to creating a resume as a social worker, there are specific tips that can make your resume stand out from the rest. Here are some tips that would be beneficial for a social worker resume:

Focus on Relevant Experience: While listing your work experience, make sure to highlight the experiences that are relevant to the position you are applying for. This shows the employer that you have the necessary skills and experience to perform the role.

Highlight Achievements: Employers often look for candidates who can demonstrate how they have made significant contributions to their previous employer. By highlighting your achievements, you can show that you are a valuable asset to any team.

Use Keywords: Most employers use applicant tracking systems to sort through resumes. Using keywords relevant to the position you are applying for increases the chances of your resume being selected for review.

Quantify Results: When describing your work experience, be sure to quantify your results. For example, if you worked on a project that resulted in a decrease in the number of clients who needed to be readmitted to the hospital, mention the percentage decrease.

Customization: Customizing your resume as per the job description is essential. Identify keywords from the job posting and incorporate them into your resume. This shows that you have taken the time to tailor your application specifically for the position.

Formatting and Design: A clean and professional layout is mandatory for a social worker resume. Use simple and professional fonts, bullet points, and make sure that the resume is easy to read.

Additional Sections: Add additional sections that can highlight your skills and attributes, such as volunteer work, certifications, professional development, and language proficiency.

Making your resume unique is essential to stand out from the rest. Here are some additional tips that can help you make your resume unique:

Show Your Personality: Use language that shows who you are as a person. It is essential for a social worker to have a good personality and show their character.

Use Professional Jargon: Use jargon that is relevant to social work. This shows that you have a good understanding of the field and are knowledgeable.

Describe Your Passion: Employers want to hire people who are passionate about their work. Describing your passion for social work in your resume can help you stand out.

Highlight Your Soft Skills: Every job requires a specific set of soft skills such as communication, leadership, problem-solving, time management, and flexibility. Highlighting these soft skills in your resume can make a difference.

Show Your Experience Working with Different Groups: If you have experience working with diverse groups of people, highlight it in your resume. This shows your ability to work with different types of clients.

A social worker resume should be tailored to the position you are applying for and should highlight your relevant experience, achievements, and skills.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When crafting a social worker resume, there are certain common mistakes that individuals should avoid at all costs. These mistakes can negatively affect their chances of getting hired for their dream social worker job.

Typos and Grammatical Errors

One of the most common mistakes that individuals make is not proofreading their resumes for typos and grammatical errors. Typos and grammatical errors demonstrate a lack of attention to detail and can lead to the impression that the applicant is not taking the application process seriously.

Lack of Clarity and Specificity

Another mistake that individuals make is being too general or vague in their resumes. Utilizing specific language to describe their skills, experience, and accomplishments is essential. If an employer cannot easily understand an applicant’s qualifications, they may be passed over for a position.

Failure to Highlight Relevant Experience

Social work is a highly specialized field, so it is crucial to highlight relevant experience on a resume. Applicants must choose the most relevant experience to list, which demonstrates their suitability for the job they are applying for, and avoid listing all of their previous work experiences.

Not Including Real Results

Employers are looking for social workers who can deliver real results, so it’s essential to include results in your resume. This could be as simple as indicating the percentage of cases closed or the number of individuals served or as complex as indicating measurable improvements in the community. Including real results demonstrates to employers that the applicant is an effective social worker.

Ignoring Industry-Specific Keywords

Many employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS), which are programmed to look for specific keywords. Ignoring industry-specific keywords can result in the application being overlooked by an ATS or hiring manager. Carefully reviewing job postings and incorporating relevant keywords can increase the chances of an application being seen.

Individuals should take care to avoid common mistakes when crafting a social worker resume. Typos and grammatical errors, lack of clarity and specificity, failure to highlight relevant experience, not including real results, and ignoring industry-specific keywords are all common mistakes that can negatively affect an individual’s chances of getting hired. By avoiding these mistakes, applicants can craft a well-written, specific, and results-oriented resume that will make them stand out to employers.

The Importance of Customizing Your Resume

As a social worker, your resume is your calling card. It communicates your experience, skills, and qualifications to potential employers. Tailoring your resume to the job application and the needs of the employer is vital in the job search process.

Customizing your resume increases your chances of catching the employer’s attention and helping you stand out from the pool of applicants. Employers receive numerous applications daily, and if you want to be considered for an interview, your resume must reflect the specific skills, experiences, and qualities the employer is looking for in a candidate.

By tailoring your resume, you communicate that you have researched the employer’s company, reviewed their job post thoroughly, and understand their specific needs, which makes you a desirable candidate. Employers want to know that you are interested in their company and that you can meet their unique needs, and customizing your resume is the perfect way to convey this message.

Additionally, customizing your resume allows you to highlight your most significant accomplishments and experiences in a way that’s relevant to the job application. Every job and employer have unique expectations and requirements, so it is essential to modify your resume to meet their specific needs.

For example, your work experience in mental health may not be relevant to a job posting in child welfare. In this situation, customizing your resume would mean emphasizing your work or volunteering experience around children and families, thereby increasing your chances of being considered for the position.

Finally, customizing your resume communicates professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail to the employer. Employers appreciate a candidate who takes the time to tailor their resume to their specific needs, rather than submitting a generic application. This effort demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to the position, indicating that you are willing to go above and beyond for the company.

A tailored resume is a powerful tool in securing your next social work role. A well-crafted, customized resume can make a significant impact on the employer’s decision-making process, increasing your chances of being invited for an interview and, ultimately, securing the job. So, take the extra time to review the job description and customize your resume, highlighting your relevant experience and skills, and watch as the interview invites and job offers start to roll in.

Accomplishments Over Responsibilities: What Social Workers Should Highlight

As a social worker looking to secure a job, it’s important to showcase your achievements more than your responsibilities. Employers want to see results, and highlighting your accomplishments can show that you have the skills and experience to make a difference. Here are a few examples of social work achievements that you can reference on your resume:

1. Helped Reduce Homelessness Among the Veteran Population

Managed a program that successfully housed 20 homeless veterans and provided them with access to healthcare and social services. Instituted a coordinated effort with local agencies to streamline the process and ensure veterans received the care they needed.

2. Implemented Family Therapy Program that Increased Family Cohesion

Created a program to provide family therapy to families in crisis. Successfully delivered 200+ therapy sessions, resulting in increased family cohesion and more positive outcomes for children.

3. Spearheaded Community Advocacy Campaign for Improved Mental Health Services

Partnered with local community organizations to advocate for increased funding for mental health services. Successfully secured $100,000 in additional funding for mental health clinics, resulting in expanded services and more accessible care for individuals in need.

4. Increased Enrollment in Job Readiness Program by 50%

Developed and implemented a job readiness program for individuals experiencing homelessness. Successfully increased program enrollment by 50% through targeted outreach, resulting in increased job opportunities and improved quality of life for participants.

5. Facilitated Access to Healthcare for Underserved Populations

Collaborated with community partners to provide healthcare services to underserved populations. Established a network of healthcare providers and secured funding to ensure individuals received proper medical care.

By highlighting achievements such as these, you can demonstrate your value as a social worker and show potential employers that you are effective and results-driven. Remember, employers are looking for social workers who can make a real difference in the lives of the people they serve. By focusing on your accomplishments, you can stand out from the crowd and secure a job that allows you to do just that.

Importance of Including Relevant Certifications and Licenses

When it comes to crafting the perfect resume as a social worker, including relevant certifications and licenses is crucial. Not only do these types of qualifications demonstrate that a candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their role, but they also showcase a level of commitment to their profession.

One of the main benefits of including relevant certifications and licenses in a social worker’s resume is that it increases their credibility as a candidate. It shows potential employers that they have taken the time and effort to go above and beyond the basic requirements of their field, and that they are dedicated to continuing their education and professional development.

Additionally, including these types of credentials can make a social worker’s resume more attractive to hiring managers. Many job postings in the social work field require specific credentials, such as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or certified social worker in health care (CSWHC). By including these qualifications in their resume, candidates can immediately demonstrate that they meet the requirements for the role and are a strong fit for the position.

Another advantage of including certifications and licenses is that it can help a social worker stand out from other candidates. In a competitive job market, having additional qualifications can often make the difference between getting an interview and being overlooked.

It’s also worth noting that including relevant certifications and licenses in a resume can sometimes lead to higher salaries. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), social workers with advanced degrees and specialized certifications often earn higher salaries than those without.

Including relevant certifications and licenses in a social worker’s resume is essential for anyone looking to be taken seriously as a candidate. By doing so, candidates can increase their credibility and attractiveness to potential employers, stand out from the competition, and potentially even earn higher salaries.

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

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

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

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

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

Social Worker Resume Templates

Jump to a template:

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

Jump to a resource:

• Keywords for Social Worker Resumes

Social Worker Resume Tips

• Action Verbs to Use
• Related Other Resumes

Get advice on each section of your resume:

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

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

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

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

   include metrics like participant and case success rates..

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

   Highlight the specifics of each role.

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

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

Template 2 of 5: social work teacher resume example.

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

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

   define the goals of each social assistance role..

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

   List your tools and techniques.

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

Skills you can include on your Social Work Teacher resume

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

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

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

   underscore client-success results..

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

   Highlight the social categories of your clients.

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

Skills you can include on your Mental Health Social Worker resume

Template 4 of 5: clinical social worker resume example.

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

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

   highlight specialized social work skills.

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

   Showcase your multidisciplinary team experience

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

Skills you can include on your Clinical Social Worker resume

Template 5 of 5: clinical social worker resume example.

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

   Mention any internship and volunteering experience, if applicable.

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

   Highlight relationships with clients.

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

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

   Highlight your specialization areas

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

Compare these two examples:

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

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

   Quantify your impact with numbers

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

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

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

   Describe your crisis intervention skills

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

A good resume might say:

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

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

   Showcase your cultural competence

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

Instead of simply listing:

• Worked with diverse clients

Try something more specific, like:

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

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

   Emphasize your collaboration skills

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

You might say something like:

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

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

   Tailor your resume to the job posting

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

For example, if a job posting says:

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

Make sure your resume includes things like:

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

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

Writing Your Social Worker Resume: Section By Section

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

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

Compare these examples:

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

2. Include your location, phone, and email

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

Here's an example of what to include:

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

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

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

3. Showcase your specialization if applicable

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

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

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

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

  Summary

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

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

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

1. Tailor your summary to the specific social worker role

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

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

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

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

2. Quantify your achievements and impact

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

Compare the following examples:

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

Instead, try quantifying your achievements like this:

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

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

3. Highlight your specialized skills and certifications

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

For example:

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

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

  Experience

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

1. Highlight social work skills and specialties

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

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

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

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

2. Quantify your impact with metrics

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

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

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

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

3. Show progression and specialization

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

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

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

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

4. Tailor your experience to the job

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

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

If it's more focused on community outreach:

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

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

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

  Education

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

1. List your degrees in reverse chronological order

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

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

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

2. Highlight your social work licensure

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

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

Bad example:

Licensed Social Worker

Good example:

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

3. Include relevant training and certifications

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

• Certifications
• Training programs
• Workshops or seminars

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

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

• CPR Certification
• Diversity and Inclusion Workshop

4. Tips for experienced social workers

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

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

MSW, Columbia University LCSW, California Pupil Personnel Services Credential

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

Action Verbs For Social Worker Resumes

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

• Consolidated
• Transformed

For more related action verbs, visit Healthcare Action Verbs .

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

Action Verbs for Social Worker Resumes

Skills for social worker resumes.

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

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

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

How To Write Your Skills Section On a Social Worker Resumes

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

Skills Word Cloud For Social Worker Resumes

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

How to use these skills?

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