Social Worker Resume Example and Writing Tips

A social worker and children complete an assignment.
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Updated February 14, 2019

The demand for social workers is growing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the profession will grow 16 percent between 2016 and 2026 – much faster than the average occupation. But to get hired for a social worker job, you need to be able to show employers that you have the education, skills, experience and in some cases, certification required.

To work as a clinical social worker, for example, you’ll need a master’s degree, two years’ experience in a clinical setting, and state licensure. But regardless of what kind of social worker job you’re looking for, you’ll need to prepare a resume that shows you meet the employers’ requirements.

Resume Tips for Social Workers

  • Match your qualifications to the job description in the ad. Typically, the employer will tell you what kinds of skills, certification, and experience they’re looking for in a successful applicant. Scan the job listing for keywords that you can use your in resume and cover letter. This will help you get your application past screening software and into the inbox of a real, live person who can call you for an interview.
  • Put your most important qualifications and achievements first. Recruiters and hiring managers spend seconds scanning one resume before moving on to the next. To avoid getting cut in the first round, make sure your accomplishments stand out. Put your most impressive qualities and skills right up front. Consider using a resume profile to highlight the information you most want the employer to see.
  • Have a references handy. Although you shouldn’t provide a list of references with your resume unless asked, you should have your references ready when you apply. That way, you’ll be able to respond quickly if the hiring manager calls to arrange a phone screen or in-person interview. And, needless to say, you should ask your references’ permission before you send their information on to a prospective employer.
  • Customize your resume for every job opening. You may be applying for many similar jobs, but it’s worth taking the time to personalize your resume and cover letter before applying. Doing so will help ensure that your application is tailored for each job, and increase the chances that you’ll get a call for an interview.

Social Worker Resume Example

This is an example of a resume for a social worker position. Download the social worker resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Screenshot of a social worker resume example
©TheBalance 2018

Social Worker Resume Example (Text Version)

John Applicant
999 Main Street, Oakland, CA 10000
(123) 555-1234
john.applicant@email.com

CAREER OBJECTIVE

Licensed clinical social worker with an educational background seeks opportunity to work with at-risk or special needs students.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Conversational in written and spoken Spanish.
  • CPR, AED, and First Aid certifications.
  • National Association of Social Workers member.
  • Extensive experience working with at-risk students, special needs students, as well as their parents or care providers.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

XYZ CHARTER SCHOOL, Oakland, Calif.
Assistant Special Education Director, September 2018-Present
Coordinate with special education director, students, family, social workers, and faculty to develop IEPs and 504s for students with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders.

  • Manage and oversee all quizzes and exams for extended-time students.
  • Championed introduction of new adaptive learning technologies to better serve the individual needs of students.

XYZ CHARTER SCHOOL, Oakland, Calif.
Social Worker Intern, September 2016-June 2018
Provided individual assessments, treatment plans, and psychotherapy services to diverse teenage population diagnosed with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders.

  • Helped improve educational and behavioral results for more than 50 students over the course of two years.
  • Redesigned student evaluation forms for the school; the forms are now used for all current and incoming students.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2016); GPA 3.9
Bay University, Oakland, CA
Dean’s List; Graduated Summa cum Laude


More Examples: Review professionally written resume examples with templates you can download.