Entry Level Social Work Jobs
New grad social work jobs are open to recent graduates and entry level candidates with zero to two years of experience, where internship placements and field practicum hours can matter more than a long resume. Most openings are on-site roles across Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Government & Public Sector, with employers like California State University, McLaren Health Care, and City of Philadelphia, PA hiring at this level now.
Find Entry Level Social Work JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 41+ Entry Level Social Work jobs
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Los Angeles
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Faculty - Social Sciences, Probationary, Full Time
College: Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services
Position Title: LA- 2026-27 AY Assistant Professor Tenure Track Position – Social Work (3)
School of Social Work
Instructional Faculty – Tenure/Tenure-Track
Position Details:
The School of Social Work in the Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services at Cal State LA, is seeking to fill three full-time, academic year, assistant professor tenure track position in Social Work, with appointment beginning Spring Term 2027, Summer Term 2027, or Fall Term 2027.
The successful candidate will be committed to the academic success of our students and to an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates diversity and differences. To this end, the successful candidate will work effectively, respectfully, and collaboratively in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings. In addition, the successful candidate will be ready to join faculty, staff, students, and administrators in our University’s shared commitment to the principles of engagement, service, and the public good.
Minimum Qualifications:
- An earned Ph.D. or Doctorate in Social Work or other closely related field (e.g., EdD) from an accredited institution is required at the time of appointment. Doctoral candidates with ABD status may be considered. The doctorate must be completed by the start date of appointment. Applicants with academic experience may qualify for up to two years of service credit.
- An earned Master of Social Work degree (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Evidence of successful teaching experience with courses in a CSWE-accredited social work program.
- Evidence of research and scholarly activity, including publications in scholarly refereed journals, potential for funded research projects, and presentations at scholarly meetings.
- A strong commitment to working with diverse students, faculty and staff.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Evidence of successful teaching at the graduate level and undergraduate level in the following areas: behavioral health (mental health and/or substance use), social work direct practice with children, youth, and their caregivers and family members, and/or related macro policy and macro social work practice.
- Evidence of experience mentoring students on master’s thesis/projects.
- Evidence of current clinical licensure in Social Work (LCSW).
Duties:
The primary professional responsibilities of instructional faculty members are: teaching, research, scholarship and/or creative activity, and service to the University, social work profession, and to the community. These responsibilities generally include but not limited to: advising students, participation in campus and system-wide committees, maintaining office hours, working collaboratively and productively with colleagues, and participation in traditional academic functions.
Salary:
Initial salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience (anticipated hiring range: $86,886 – 96,540 annually.
The University:
California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is one of 22 campuses within the California State University system. The University is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the U.S. for the upward mobility of its students, and is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good. We offer nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, ethnic studies, and the humanities. Our faculty have a strong commitment to scholarship, research, creative pursuits, community engagement, and service.
Our 240,000 alumni reflect the City and County’s dynamic mix of populations. The University has one of the most diverse student populations of any college or university in the nation. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, and Asian-American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, Cal State LA recognizes the transformative power of education and embraces its duty to identify and serve the needs of all of its students. The University is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live, work and learn in an atmosphere of civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual.
The School of Social Work:
Our program educates urban generalist social workers in diverse settings who are committed to social and economic justice to facilitate change and growth at all levels of practice. This program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (http://www.cswe.org/).
Some of the strengths of our program include:
- Excellent and affordable education serving a wide range of diverse student populations including first-generation college students.
- One of the most ethnically diverse universities in the country including students and faculty.
- Opportunity for students to collaborate with faculty and contribute to social work research with the completion of thesis or research project.
The undergraduate program offers a BA degree in Social Work. The BASW degree is designed to be completed in two years of upper division course work. Courses are offered during the day and in the evening (Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) | Cal State LA).
The Master of Social Work program is an Advanced Generalist practice program that prepares professional social workers to work with diverse populations and settings. We offer a 1-year Advanced Standing Program (ASP), a 2-year full-time program, and a 3-year program. In the 3-year program, courses are offered in the evening and Saturdays. These programs are cohorted, i.e., all students take the same courses in the same sequence (Master of Social Work (MSW) | Cal State LA).
Field work is an integral part of a social work education. BASW students are placed in professional social work internships for 14 hours per week in the senior year of the program. MSW students have internships of 16 hours per week in the first year and 20 hours per week in the second year of the program. In the 3-year MSW program, internships will be taken in the second and third years (Field (Practicum) Education | Cal State LA). ASP students have internships of 24 hours per week.
Required Documentation:
- A cover letter specifically addressing minimum and preferred qualifications.
- A curriculum vitae.
- A narrative statement describing your commitment to working effectively with faculty, staff, and students in a multicultural/multiethnic urban campus environment with a substantial population of first-generation students.
- Unofficial transcripts.
Finalists for the position will be required to:
- Official transcripts of highest degree.
Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
- A United States (US) Equivalency certification is required for earned/awarded/conferred foreign terminal degrees. The US Equivalency certification is used to validate foreign studies by an academic credential evaluation agency and is evaluated on foreign studies and deemed to be equivalent to degrees from the United States. The certification must translate the information in English, and confirm that your highest terminal degree is US Equivalent to a US terminal degree (i.e., Master’s, Doctorate’s, Doctor’s of Philosophy).
Application:
Deadline: Review of applications will begin September 1, 2026. Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled. Applications received after this date may be considered.
To apply: please click the icon on this page or visit Faculty Positions or https://careers.calstatela.edu.
Please address all questions to the search committee chair, Dr. James Simon at: jsimon7@calstatela.edu.
Note: The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Beginning January 1, 2022, campuses may not hire or reappoint an Employee to perform CSU-related work outside of California. Requests for exceptions are very limited based on CSU Policy and must have prior written approval from the University President.
Background Check: A background check (including a criminal records check) must be satisfactorily completed. Offers of employment are conditional and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last seven years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment:
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, California State University, Los Angeles provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. California State University, Los Angeles complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. California State University, Los Angeles is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At California State University, Los Angeles, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/TITLE IX EMPLOYER
Upon request, reasonable accommodation will be provided to individuals with protected disabilities to (a) complete the employment process and (b) perform essential job functions when this does not cause undue hardship.
Advertised: Aug 13 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
Work type: Instructional Faculty – Tenured/Tenure-Track
Location: Los Angeles
Categories: Unit 3 - CFA - California Faculty Association, Faculty - Social Sciences, Probationary, Full Time
College: Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services
Position Title: LA- 2026-27 AY Assistant Professor Tenure Track Position – Social Work (3)
School of Social Work
Instructional Faculty – Tenure/Tenure-Track
Position Details:
The School of Social Work in the Rongxiang Xu College of Health and Human Services at Cal State LA, is seeking to fill three full-time, academic year, assistant professor tenure track position in Social Work, with appointment beginning Spring Term 2027, Summer Term 2027, or Fall Term 2027.
The successful candidate will be committed to the academic success of our students and to an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates diversity and differences. To this end, the successful candidate will work effectively, respectfully, and collaboratively in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings. In addition, the successful candidate will be ready to join faculty, staff, students, and administrators in our University’s shared commitment to the principles of engagement, service, and the public good.
Minimum Qualifications:
- An earned Ph.D. or Doctorate in Social Work or other closely related field (e.g., EdD) from an accredited institution is required at the time of appointment. Doctoral candidates with ABD status may be considered. The doctorate must be completed by the start date of appointment. Applicants with academic experience may qualify for up to two years of service credit.
- An earned Master of Social Work degree (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Evidence of successful teaching experience with courses in a CSWE-accredited social work program.
- Evidence of research and scholarly activity, including publications in scholarly refereed journals, potential for funded research projects, and presentations at scholarly meetings.
- A strong commitment to working with diverse students, faculty and staff.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Evidence of successful teaching at the graduate level and undergraduate level in the following areas: behavioral health (mental health and/or substance use), social work direct practice with children, youth, and their caregivers and family members, and/or related macro policy and macro social work practice.
- Evidence of experience mentoring students on master’s thesis/projects.
- Evidence of current clinical licensure in Social Work (LCSW).
Duties:
The primary professional responsibilities of instructional faculty members are: teaching, research, scholarship and/or creative activity, and service to the University, social work profession, and to the community. These responsibilities generally include but not limited to: advising students, participation in campus and system-wide committees, maintaining office hours, working collaboratively and productively with colleagues, and participation in traditional academic functions.
Salary:
Initial salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience (anticipated hiring range: $86,886 – 96,540 annually.
The University:
California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is one of 22 campuses within the California State University system. The University is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the U.S. for the upward mobility of its students, and is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good. We offer nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, ethnic studies, and the humanities. Our faculty have a strong commitment to scholarship, research, creative pursuits, community engagement, and service.
Our 240,000 alumni reflect the City and County’s dynamic mix of populations. The University has one of the most diverse student populations of any college or university in the nation. As a federally recognized Hispanic-Serving Institution, and Asian-American, Native American, and Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, Cal State LA recognizes the transformative power of education and embraces its duty to identify and serve the needs of all of its students. The University is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live, work and learn in an atmosphere of civility and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual.
The School of Social Work:
Our program educates urban generalist social workers in diverse settings who are committed to social and economic justice to facilitate change and growth at all levels of practice. This program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (http://www.cswe.org/).
Some of the strengths of our program include:
- Excellent and affordable education serving a wide range of diverse student populations including first-generation college students.
- One of the most ethnically diverse universities in the country including students and faculty.
- Opportunity for students to collaborate with faculty and contribute to social work research with the completion of thesis or research project.
The undergraduate program offers a BA degree in Social Work. The BASW degree is designed to be completed in two years of upper division course work. Courses are offered during the day and in the evening (Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) | Cal State LA).
The Master of Social Work program is an Advanced Generalist practice program that prepares professional social workers to work with diverse populations and settings. We offer a 1-year Advanced Standing Program (ASP), a 2-year full-time program, and a 3-year program. In the 3-year program, courses are offered in the evening and Saturdays. These programs are cohorted, i.e., all students take the same courses in the same sequence (Master of Social Work (MSW) | Cal State LA).
Field work is an integral part of a social work education. BASW students are placed in professional social work internships for 14 hours per week in the senior year of the program. MSW students have internships of 16 hours per week in the first year and 20 hours per week in the second year of the program. In the 3-year MSW program, internships will be taken in the second and third years (Field (Practicum) Education | Cal State LA). ASP students have internships of 24 hours per week.
Required Documentation:
- A cover letter specifically addressing minimum and preferred qualifications.
- A curriculum vitae.
- A narrative statement describing your commitment to working effectively with faculty, staff, and students in a multicultural/multiethnic urban campus environment with a substantial population of first-generation students.
- Unofficial transcripts.
Finalists for the position will be required to:
- Official transcripts of highest degree.
Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
- A United States (US) Equivalency certification is required for earned/awarded/conferred foreign terminal degrees. The US Equivalency certification is used to validate foreign studies by an academic credential evaluation agency and is evaluated on foreign studies and deemed to be equivalent to degrees from the United States. The certification must translate the information in English, and confirm that your highest terminal degree is US Equivalent to a US terminal degree (i.e., Master’s, Doctorate’s, Doctor’s of Philosophy).
Application:
Deadline: Review of applications will begin September 1, 2026. Review of applications will continue until the positions are filled. Applications received after this date may be considered.
To apply: please click the icon on this page or visit Faculty Positions or https://careers.calstatela.edu.
Please address all questions to the search committee chair, Dr. James Simon at: jsimon7@calstatela.edu.
Note: The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Beginning January 1, 2022, campuses may not hire or reappoint an Employee to perform CSU-related work outside of California. Requests for exceptions are very limited based on CSU Policy and must have prior written approval from the University President.
Background Check: A background check (including a criminal records check) must be satisfactorily completed. Offers of employment are conditional and may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the continued employment of a current CSU employee who was conditionally offered the position.
Education Code 89521 Requirements: Applicants will be required to disclose whether they have received a final administrative decision or final judicial decision determining that they have committed sexual harassment within the last seven years only after a determination is made that they meet the minimum qualifications for the position, and before an offer of employment is extended. Applicants who reach the final stages of the application process must sign a release form that authorizes the release of information by the applicant’s current and/or former employers to the CSU concerning any substantiated allegations of misconduct.
Equal Opportunity and Excellence in Education and Employment:
All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, California State University, Los Angeles provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. California State University, Los Angeles complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices. California State University, Los Angeles is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At California State University, Los Angeles, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/TITLE IX EMPLOYER
Upon request, reasonable accommodation will be provided to individuals with protected disabilities to (a) complete the employment process and (b) perform essential job functions when this does not cause undue hardship.
Advertised: Aug 13 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:
See All 41 Entry Level Social Work Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Entry Level Social Work JobsEntry Level Social Work Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Education24
- Healthcare & Medical Services11
- Government & Public Sector3
- Non-Profit & Social Services1
Entry Level Social Work Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an entry level social work job?
Entry level social work employers look for completed field placement hours, a relevant bachelor's or master's degree in social work, and familiarity with case management or client documentation. Candidates who can show direct client contact experience from internships, practicum rotations, or volunteer work have a clear edge. Tailoring your resume to highlight specific populations you have worked with, such as youth, older adults, or families in crisis, also strengthens your application.
Which companies hire entry level social works?
Companies hiring entry level social works right now include California State University, McLaren Health Care, and City of Philadelphia, PA, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. At this level, hiring tends to come from community health organizations, government agencies, school districts, and nonprofit service providers who regularly onboard new graduates into supervised roles.
Are there remote entry level social work jobs?
Yes, though most positions at this level are still on-site given the hands-on nature of the work. About 10% of entry level social work openings are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, with those roles most often found in case management, care coordination, or telephone-based counseling support rather than direct in-person services.
Are these new grad social work jobs?
Yes, the listings here include new grad, recent graduate, and junior roles designed for people early in their social work career. A posting is new-grad friendly when it welcomes zero to two years of experience, counts internships or supervised practicum hours toward requirements, or explicitly states that a strong academic background or volunteer history can substitute for paid work experience.
Which industries hire the most entry level social works?
Entry Level social work roles concentrate in Education, Healthcare & Medical Services, and Government & Public Sector, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Those sectors drive the most entry level hiring because they rely on a steady pipeline of new graduates to fill frontline case management, crisis intervention, and client support positions that require direct practice skills over seniority.