5 Entry-Level Social Work Jobs

Social workers help strengthen communities and support people, but shrinking social service budgets, staffing shortages, and advanced education requirements can make many of these jobs challenging. However, not all social work careers share the same obstacles, and many entry-level jobs do not require a master’s in social work degree (MSW). Explore the entry-level social work jobs that may make your professional life a little easier.

The definition of an entry-level social work job can vary among employers, but one of the commonalities among these positions is that they usually require limited experience and/or education from candidates. This makes these less restrictive opportunities appealing to new graduates or career-switchers looking to build experience, often in exchange for lower salaries.

Job listings are rarely created equal, but the following table highlights the general characteristics of entry-level social work jobs.

Social work is not often thought of as an easy field. With understaffing resulting in heavier caseloads, many social workers work long and stressful hours, but not all positions are as demanding. In fact, some administrative positions in the field offer more manageable schedules and expectations.

Entry-level social work jobs can help you build your experience and find out what you’re passionate about in the field. Below, we look at some of the top options for entry-level job seekers in social work and discuss the factors that may help boost your job satisfaction in each role.

Case management aides and assistants typically provide administrative support for social workers and related professionals. They may perform much of the research and client service coordination that occurs behind the scenes while also supporting clients with minor tasks.

These professionals work in the human and social service industry and support various client populations, including older people, those with mental health conditions, immigrants, and children and families. While aides and assistants may still encounter difficult situations and cumbersome travel or schedule demands, many of these jobs take place in lower-stress office settings that follow standard business hours.

Like social workers, case managers support clients from various populations and work in many different environments, including hospitals, community and social service organizations, and addiction and substance use treatment facilities.

Case managers do not provide therapy or counseling services but focus on assessing clients’ needs and connecting them with available resources. They typically have at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as social work or healthcare administration.

Community health workers offer health-focused programs, education, and advocacy for people and communities. They help promote and connect their clients to social services and related resources and may also provide basic health screenings and services.

Community health workers often work directly with clients in the field, and their role involves relationship-building and client advocacy. Community health work careers also welcome people from many educational backgrounds and provide on-the-job training for those with less experience.

Nonprofit organizations offer a number of entry-level support roles, such as community outreach and volunteer coordinators or program and administrative assistant positions.

These jobs focus on organizing and supporting various projects and initiatives within the nonprofit, which may be less demanding than many client-facing social work responsibilities. While you could still work in the field with diverse populations in these types of positions, you may encounter a more predictable and manageable work schedule.

Substance use and addiction counselors support and educate clients in managing various addiction issues. They teach clients how to modify their behaviors, cope with different triggers, rebuild aspects of their lives, and/or manage a life of sobriety.

In this type of counseling, you may encounter heavy caseloads and challenging situations. However, the addiction field may also provide entry-level counseling jobs or even certification opportunities in some states without the need for an advanced degree—something few other counseling professions offer.

There are many reasons to pursue an entry-level social work job, such as the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the people and community around you. If you don’t have a social work degree or if you’re in the process of getting one, entry-level positions allow you to explore your interests and decide if the field is a good fit for you.

If you have completed a BSW, you can use entry-level positions to gain experience and expertise before an MSW. This first-hand experience can also help you find your future specialization or niche prior to your MSW.