Child, Family, and School Social Workers
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.
Common Job Titles
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey 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
Annual wage data for Child, Family, and School Social Workers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
382,960
Wage Distribution by Percentile
| 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)
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
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings