Social Worker Jobs in Illinois
Social Worker jobs in Illinois are in strong and sustained demand, concentrated in child welfare, behavioral health, healthcare, and school-based services across every level from entry-level case aide to licensed clinical social worker. Chicago drives the largest share of openings, with the broader metro, Rockford, and Springfield accounting for most postings, and major employers such as the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Advocate Health Care, and Sinai Chicago consistently recruiting across multiple specialties. The most sought-after areas include child protective services, substance use counseling, and psychiatric social work. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Explore opportunities with [agency name], a part of LHC Group, a leading post-acute care partner for hospitals, physicians and families nationwide. As members of the Optum family of businesses, we are dedicated to helping people feel their best, including our team members who create meaningful connections with patients, their families, each other and the communities we serve. Find a home for your career here. Join us and embrace a culture of Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
As the Social Worker - Hospice Per Diem, provides medical social services under the direction of a physician and Interdisciplinary Group to assist in the understanding of significant social and emotional factors related to the patient's health status and in development of coping mechanisms.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Assists the patient, significant others, physician and health care team staff to understand significant personal, emotional, environmental and social factors related to the patient's health status on an as needed basis
- Contributes as a health care team member to the development of a comprehensive, integrated Plan of Care for patients on a daily basis
- Instructs health care team members on community resources available to assist patients on a as needed basis
- Able to function as Bereavement Coordinator and supervise the provision of bereavement services reflective of patient family if needed. Establishes a Plan of care that addresses bereavement needs with clear delineation of services to be provided
You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:
- Master's Degree from a school of Social Work accredited by the Council of Social Work
- 1+ years of social work experience in a health care setting
- Current Driver's License, vehicle insurance, and access to a dependable vehicle or public transportation
Preferred Qualifications:
- Licensed Social Worker in the state of practice
- Current CPR certification or ability to complete within 90 days of hire
- 1+ years of social work experience in a health care setting
- Bereavement Coordination experience
- Experience with establishing a plan of care for bereavement needs
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $33.50 to $50.30 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
See All 89 Social Worker Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Social Worker JobsSocial Worker Jobs by City in Illinois
Where Illinois roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Social Worker Job Market in Illinois
A snapshot from current Illinois openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Insurance
- Education
What Illinois Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in social worker jobs across Illinois.
- Active Illinois licensed social worker (LSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) credential required
- Bachelor's or master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Experience with case management, documentation, and client service plans
- Familiarity with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services protocols and reporting requirements
- Strong communication skills for collaboration with multidisciplinary teams and community partners
- Valid Illinois driver's license and reliable transportation for field-based or home-visit positions
Social Worker Jobs in Illinois: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a social worker in Illinois?
To practice as a social worker in Illinois, you must hold a license issued by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. A bachelor's in social work from a CSWE-accredited program qualifies you for the LSW, while a master's degree plus supervised clinical hours is required for the LCSW. Both licenses require passing the Association of Social Work Boards exam. Illinois also requires background clearance through the DCFS Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System for roles involving children.
Which companies hire social workers in Illinois?
Employers hiring social workers in Illinois right now include Northwestern Medicine, Brave Health, and Advocate Aurora Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Illinois's large public-sector agencies, integrated health systems, and nonprofit community organizations create consistent openings across child welfare, behavioral health, and hospital settings throughout the state.
Which Illinois cities have the most social worker jobs?
Chicago, Peoria, and Wheaton have the most social worker openings in Illinois. Chicago dominates due to its concentration of hospital systems, county agencies, and nonprofit service organizations, while cities like Rockford and Springfield generate steady demand through state government offices, regional medical centers, and community mental health centers that serve surrounding rural populations.
Are there remote social worker jobs in Illinois?
Yes, but they're limited. Social work is fundamentally a relationship-driven and often field-based profession, so fully remote roles are less common than in desk-focused fields. About 43% of social worker openings tied to Illinois are remote or hybrid as of August 2026. Telehealth counseling, care coordination, and utilization review positions are the sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements.
How can I get hired as a social worker in Illinois with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a case aide, family support specialist, or social services assistant role, which Illinois employers including DCFS, Heartland Alliance, and Catholic Charities of Chicago use as structured entry points for candidates without licensure. Completing a field placement at a DCFS-affiliated site or community mental health center during your BSW program gives you documented Illinois-specific experience. Obtaining your LSW immediately after graduation signals readiness to hiring managers and removes the main barrier to a full case manager title.
Where can I find and apply to social worker jobs in Illinois?
You can find and apply to social worker jobs in Illinois on Migrate Mate, which lists current Illinois openings updated regularly. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your license level and specialty, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 89 Social Worker Jobs in Illinois
Find roles in Illinois that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Social Worker Jobs