Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.
SOC: 21-1021.00
Common Job Titles
Case Manager
Family Protection Specialist
Family Service Worker
School Social Worker
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
MindsetIntegrate therapeutic rapport with families and children in crisis situations involving abuse, neglect, or family conflict.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess social, psychological, and environmental factors affecting child and family well-being using evidence-based assessment tools and clinical interviews.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for children's rights and needs within educational, legal, and social service systems when navigating complex multi-agency collaborations.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate case progress and intervention effectiveness through ongoing monitoring and documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements.
Proficient
KnowledgeDevelop individualized service plans and intervention strategies for children and families facing behavioral, emotional, or developmental challenges.
Proficient
MindsetReconcile conflicting stakeholder perspectives among parents, teachers, administrators, and community agencies when facilitating case conferences and team meetings.
Proficient
KnowledgeCoordinate community resources and referral networks to connect families with mental health services, housing assistance, and educational supports.
Proficient
KnowledgeJustify case recommendations and intervention plans in written reports and court testimony following ethical and legal standards.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply crisis intervention techniques and safety protocols in school and community settings addressing issues such as truancy, teenage pregnancy, and behavioral disorders.
Developing
KnowledgeAnalyze family dynamics and systemic barriers to child development using knowledge of psychology, sociology, and cultural contexts.
Developing
MindsetSupport families through adoption and foster care placement processes with sensitivity to legal, emotional, and cultural considerations.
Developing
MindsetEngage with educators and school administrators to address student behavioral and academic concerns through consultation and collaborative problem-solving.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Child, Family, and School Social Workers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
382,960
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $40,580. 25th percentile: U.S. $47,480. 50th percentile: U.S. $58,570. 75th percentile: U.S. $74,060. 90th percentile: U.S. $94,030. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$40,580
10% of workers earn the following or more
$94,030
Workers on average earn
$62,920
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Customer and Personal Service4.3/5
Therapy and Counseling4.1/5
Psychology4.1/5
English Language3.8/5
Administrative3.6/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
