How To Write A Social Worker Resume (With Example)

Updated 16 February 2023

Social workers can make a positive impact on the clients they support by providing individuals with therapy, guidance and additional resources they may require. When you are pursuing a role as a social worker, it is important to understand what application documents to submit, such as a resume. Understanding what credentials to list in your resume can help you show an employer you have the qualifications to be a social worker and are a good fit for their organisation.

In this article, we define what a social worker resume is, describe how to write one and include a template and example to help guide you as you create your own.

Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are associated with Indeed.

What Is A Social Worker Resume?

A social worker resume is an application document individuals can submit to an employer to express their interest in a position and list their relevant credentials. Candidates can use their resumes to list the academic training they have received and outline the professional experience that has prepared them for their prospective role.

They can also add their skills and strengths to this document to distinguish themselves from others in their field and show the unique value they can bring to an employer and clients as a social worker. A strong resume can help a social worker find a new role with ease.

How To Write A Social Worker Resume?

Here are steps you can follow to write a resume for a social worker position:

1. Include your contact details at the top of the page

Begin writing your resume for a social work position by adding a header to the top of the page that lists your contact information. In bold font, list your full name and your degree or certificate title if applicable. On the next line, add your phone number, email address and the city and state or union territory where you live. This makes it easier for an employer to contact you to schedule an interview and discuss your candidacy.

2. Summarise why you are right for the role

Under your resume header, add a brief professional summary that provides an employer with an overview of your skills and credentials. You can include the number of years of relevant experience you possess and any degrees or diplomas you have earned related to your career as a social worker. A strong professional summary can help you gain a hiring manager's attention which may encourage them to keep reading your application documents.

3. Outline your experience as a social worker

Use the next section of your resume to describe your experience as a social worker. Adding your professional history can show an employer you have the industry experience they are looking for in a candidate and feel prepared to handle your prospective job duties. As a social worker, employers typically look for an individual who has completed a relevant internship and has entry-level experience in their field.

When adding your previous roles to your resume, begin by including the job title and the dates of your employment. On the next line, include the name of the company and its city and state or union territory location. Then, include a list of bullet points that outline the tasks and responsibilities you handled. You can also list any major accomplishments or milestones you achieved.

4. Include the hard and soft skills you possess

Use the next section of your resume to outline the role-related skills you possess. As a social worker, there are a variety of competencies your role requires and adding them to your application documents can show an employer that you are qualified. Here are some skills you may want to list on your resume:

Written and verbal communication
Active listening
Time management
Organisation
Empathy
Research
Patience
Patient advocacy

5. Outline your academic background

As a social worker, employers typically want to ensure you possess the required academic credentials to succeed in the role. The minimum education requirement is a bachelor's degree in social work, although some employers may look for candidates who have their master's. Review the job description to learn more about the exact education a hiring manager may look for and include these credentials on your resume if applicable. When listing your academic background, add the title of the degree or diploma, the subject you studied and the school or university you attended.

6. Proofread the document before submitting your application

Review your resume before submitting your application to make sure you identify and correct any grammatical errors or spelling mistakes. Proofreading the document allows you to ensure it is error free and highlights your attention to detail and professionalism. If you want a second opinion, consider asking a trusted friend or colleague to review it as well.

Resume Template For A Social Worker

Here is a resume template you can reference when applying for a position as a social worker:

[First name] [Last name], [Degree or certification if applicable]
[Phone number] | [Email address] | [City], [State or Union territory]

Professional Summary
[Two to three sentences that highlight your years of experience, relevant skills, education or certifications, and achievements as a social worker.]

Experience

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Union territory]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

[Job Title] | [Employment dates]
[Company Name] | [City], [State or Union territory]

(Strong verb) + what you did (more detail) + reason, outcome or quantified results
[Job duty]
[Job duty]

Education
[Degree] | [Name of School or University]

Certifications (optional)
[Certification Name], [Host Organisation] - [Year completed or expiration date]

Resume Example For A Social Worker

Here is an example of a resume for a social worker position:

Jay Patel, M.A. 8293-9912| Jay.Patel@email.com| Mumbai, Maharashtra

Professional Summary
Compassionate and attentive Social Worker passionate about patient advocacy and helping community members receive the assistance they deserve. Highly skilled in interpersonal communication and active listening with over four years of relevant experience and a master's degree in social work.

Experience
Social Worker, September 2018–Current
Singh Community Mental Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Manage a caseload of 29 clients, providing each of them with personalised care and resources
Review clients' intake information and collaborate with other members of the social work team to develop appropriate treatment plans
Implement over 25 treatment plans and discharge plans to ensure client success
Assist the client manager with a variety of tasks, including new patient documentation for over 45 clients
Maintain and organise client information to ensure confidentiality

Social Work Intern, August 2017–August 2018
Singh Community Mental Health, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Shadowed lead social workers and assisted clients independently
Helped create over 30 client treatment plans under the advisory of senior employees including social workers and the client manager
Provided support for clients with social-emotional issues to improve their quality of life and capacity to function

Education
Master of Arts in social work | Mumbai College of Arts and Science