Public Health Social Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

public health social worker job description

In an era where public health is paramount, the role of Public Health Social Workers is increasingly critical.

As society progresses, the demand for skilled individuals who can navigate, enhance, and safeguard our public health infrastructure grows.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a Public Health Social Worker?

Whether you are:

  • A job seeker trying to grasp the core responsibilities of this role,
  • A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
  • Or simply intrigued by the intricacies of public health social work,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Public Health Social Worker job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Public Health Social Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Public Health Social Workers combine social work skills with knowledge of public health to help individuals, families, and communities cope with a range of health related problems.

They may work at a micro level, providing direct services to individuals and families, or at a macro level, developing programs and policies that benefit larger communities.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

  • Evaluating the mental and physical health conditions of clients through discussions and assessments
  • Developing and implementing health improvement strategies and plans
  • Advising on public health policies and processes
  • Working closely with other health and social care professionals and agencies
  • Providing counseling and support services to clients facing health challenges
  • Advocating for better access to health care, including coordinating services with health care providers
  • Conducting research to identify and address public health issues
  • Educating individuals, families, and communities about health issues and prevention strategies
  • Supporting patients and their families in understanding and coping with a diagnosis
  • Collecting and analyzing data to monitor the health of communities and identify risk factors and health problems
  • Maintaining records and preparing reports to document activities and inform stakeholders

 

Public Health Social Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Public Health Social Worker to join our health organization.

This role involves developing and implementing strategies to improve public health, advocating for clients, and providing social support for individuals or communities.

The Public Health Social Worker will be responsible for coordinating healthcare programs, providing counseling services, and addressing social determinants of health among diverse populations.

Our ideal candidate has a deep understanding of social issues affecting health, excellent communication skills, and a strong commitment to community service.

 

Responsibilities

  • Assess individuals’ and communities’ health needs and develop strategies to address them
  • Provide social support and counseling services to clients and their families
  • Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to coordinate health care programs
  • Advocate for policies and services that improve public health
  • Document and maintain accurate records of clients’ cases
  • Conduct community outreach and education programs
  • Provide crisis intervention when necessary
  • Connect clients with necessary resources and services
  • Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of health programs and interventions

 

Qualifications

  • Master’s degree in social work, public health, or a related field
  • Proven work experience as a Public Health Social Worker or similar role
  • State-issued license to practice as a social worker
  • Strong understanding of social determinants of health and related issues
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work with diverse populations in a compassionate and respectful manner
  • Proficiency in using office software, including word processing and data management

 

Benefits

  • 401(k)
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

  • Job Title: Public Health Social Worker
  • Work Environment: This role may require a combination of office work, travel within the community, and remote work. Evening and weekend hours may be necessary.
  • Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Social Services or Public Health.
  • Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
  • Pay Range: $50,000 minimum to $70,000 maximum
  • Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
  • Employment Type: Full-time
  • Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
  • Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Public Health Social Worker Do?

Public Health Social Workers, also known as Medical Social Workers, work within the healthcare sector, typically in settings such as hospitals, clinics, and public health departments.

They play a pivotal role in helping individuals, families, and communities understand and cope with health-related issues.

This involves understanding the psychological, social, and emotional factors that influence health and wellness.

They assess patients’ conditions, including their psychological and social needs, and assist them in getting the necessary resources.

These resources might include home health care services, housing, food assistance, or financial aid.

Public Health Social Workers also counsel patients and their families, helping them navigate through complex medical systems, understand medical procedures and options, and make difficult decisions.

They play a vital role in bridging the gap between healthcare professionals and patients, ensuring that the patients’ needs are communicated and understood by the medical team.

Additionally, they often work in crisis intervention, providing emotional support and developing coping strategies with patients facing serious health issues.

They may also advocate for policy changes that improve public health or conduct research related to social work and public health.

 

Public Health Social Worker Qualifications and Skills

Public Health Social Workers should have a range of skills and qualifications to effectively serve communities, including:

  • Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with individuals and communities, helping them access health services, and provide support during challenging times.
  • Strong communication skills to effectively convey health information and services, advocacy, and support to individuals and communities.
  • Knowledge of public health principles and practices to address health issues that impact communities.
  • Ability to conduct needs assessments and develop strategies to address social determinants of health.
  • Problem-solving skills to help individuals and communities overcome barriers to health services.
  • Ability to work well in a team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals, government officials, and community members to promote public health.
  • Proficiency in record-keeping and reporting to monitor health trends, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.
  • Understanding and sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic diversity within communities to ensure that health services are accessible and appropriate.
  • Knowledge of health policy and law to advocate for health-promoting policies and services.

 

Public Health Social Worker Experience Requirements

To become a Public Health Social Worker, aspirants typically need to first obtain a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field.

This provides the foundational knowledge necessary for a career in public health social work.

Internships or relevant work experience during undergraduate studies are often beneficial and can offer real-world experience in various social work settings.

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, aspiring Public Health Social Workers generally need to pursue a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) or a related field, concentrating on public health and community service.

This advanced degree usually involves fieldwork or internships that provide practical experience.

The next step for many Public Health Social Workers is gaining 2 to 3 years of professional work experience in a public health setting.

This is where they begin to apply their academic knowledge in real-world situations and continue developing their skills.

Those with over 5 years of experience as a Public Health Social Worker have often had the opportunity to take on more complex case management and may be ready for supervisory or managerial roles.

Continuing education and staying updated on the latest developments in public health and social work is also an important part of the experience requirements.

Finally, many employers require Public Health Social Workers to hold a license, and the specific requirements for this vary by state.

They often include a certain number of supervised work hours and passing a state-administered exam.

 

Public Health Social Worker Education and Training Requirements

Public Health Social Workers typically require a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) as a minimum educational requirement.

The degree courses should be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

The curriculum includes studying human behavior, research methods, policy, and practice.

Students also undergo supervised fieldwork or internships to gain hands-on experience.

However, clinical social workers must hold a master’s degree in social work (MSW).

The MSW program focuses on advanced coursework in a specialized area, like public health.

These programs also involve a significant amount of field education.

After earning an MSW, clinical social workers are required to have two years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience to get licensed.

Every state requires clinical social workers to be licensed.

The licensing criteria vary by state, but generally require a master’s degree in social work, two years of post-master’s experience, and a passing score on a clinical exam.

Many social workers opt for further education and pursue a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or a Ph.D. in social work.

These advanced degrees can lead to administrative, research, or university teaching positions.

Additionally, certification through the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) can be beneficial.

This certification can demonstrate a social worker’s competence and dedication to the profession.

Continuing education is crucial for public health social workers to keep up with the latest research, theories, techniques, and ethical guidelines.

 

Public Health Social Worker Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Public Health Social Worker is $56,200 (USD) per year.

However, this can fluctuate depending on factors such as educational qualifications, years of experience in the field, and the geographical location of the job.

Moreover, those working for private organizations may command higher salaries compared to those in public service.

 

Public Health Social Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills are necessary for a Public Health Social Worker?

Public Health Social Workers should possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, as they’ll be constantly interacting with diverse individuals and communities.

They should have the ability to empathize with others, along with skills in problem-solving and crisis management.

They should also be culturally aware, ethical, and have a good understanding of public health principles.

 

What kind of education is required for a Public Health Social Worker?

To become a Public Health Social Worker, one must obtain a Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field.

However, most employers prefer candidates with a Master’s degree in social work or public health.

It’s also essential to be licensed in your state to practice social work.

 

What should I look for in a Public Health Social Worker resume?

When reviewing a Public Health Social Worker’s resume, look for a relevant degree and licensure to practice social work in your state.

Check for experience in public health initiatives and working with diverse communities.

Skills such as case management, crisis intervention, and community outreach are also important.

Any additional certifications related to public health can be an added advantage.

 

What qualities make a good Public Health Social Worker?

A good Public Health Social Worker is compassionate, empathetic, and dedicated to serving communities.

They should have strong communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with diverse individuals and groups.

They should also be capable of handling stress, as they often work in crisis or high-stress situations.

Lastly, an analytical mindset and problem-solving skills are crucial for assessing community needs and implementing effective interventions.

 

What are some challenges faced by Public Health Social Workers?

Public Health Social Workers often face challenges such as lack of resources, bureaucratic obstacles, and burnout due to high stress and emotional demands of the job.

They also often deal with societal issues like poverty, substance abuse, and mental health disorders, which require a great deal of patience, resilience, and perseverance to address effectively.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the heart of what it truly means to be a public health social worker.

Surprised?

It’s not just about helping individuals.

It’s about shaping healthier communities, one person at a time.

Armed with our go-to public health social worker job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your next career leap.

But why stop here?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for crafting precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every individual you help contributes to a healthier community.

Let’s build that future. Together.

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