Social Worker Resume Example
Professional Social Worker resume example with ATS-optimized template. Learn how to present your clinical skills, case management experience, and licensure to advance your social work career.
Last Updated: 2026-02-08 | Reading Time: 8-10 minutes
Quick Stats
Social Worker Resume Example
Priya Nair
priya.nair@email.com
(555) 367-9201
Chicago, IL
linkedin.com/in/priyanair
Skills
Certifications
Education
Profile
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with 6+ years of experience providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions and comprehensive case management to diverse populations. Managed caseloads of 45+ clients across child welfare, mental health, and substance abuse settings. Committed to trauma-informed care and culturally responsive practice.
Professional Experience
- —Provide individual, group, and family therapy to a caseload of 48 clients presenting with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use disorders
- —Develop and implement individualized treatment plans using CBT, DBT, and motivational interviewing techniques, achieving a 78% symptom reduction rate
- —Conduct biopsychosocial assessments and crisis interventions for walk-in clients, de-escalating 95% of crisis situations without hospitalization
- —Coordinate care with psychiatrists, primary care providers, and community agencies to ensure continuity of services for high-risk clients
- —Managed 30+ active child welfare cases involving abuse, neglect, and family reunification across a 4-county region
- —Conducted home visits, safety assessments, and family needs evaluations, documenting findings in compliance with state and federal guidelines
- —Facilitated 200+ family team meetings and court hearings, achieving a 72% reunification rate for assigned families
Why This Resume Works:
- Quantified achievements with specific metrics
- Keywords match common job descriptions
- Clean, ATS-compatible formatting
- Strong action verbs throughout
How to Write a Social Worker Resume
Professional Summary
Lead with your licensure level (LCSW, LMSW, LSW) and years of experience. Mention the populations you serve, your caseload size, and your therapeutic modalities. Include a measurable outcome to demonstrate effectiveness.
Work Experience
Quantify with caseload numbers, success rates, meeting counts, and outcome percentages. Specify the populations and settings you work in. Use clinical terminology that matches the job description.
Skills Section
List therapeutic modalities and assessment tools first, followed by case management competencies. Include evidence-based practices and any specialized training areas like trauma, substance abuse, or child welfare.
Action Verbs for Social Workers
Social Worker Resume Keywords
These keywords appear most frequently in Social Worker job descriptions. Include relevant ones in your resume:
Technical Keywords
Clinical Social WorkCase ManagementCrisis InterventionTreatment PlanningBiopsychosocial AssessmentEvidence-Based PracticeTrauma-Informed CareDSM-5 DiagnosisFamily TherapyGroup CounselingDischarge PlanningBehavioral HealthIndustry Keywords
Mental HealthChild WelfareSubstance AbuseHealthcare Social WorkCommunity ServicesNonprofitGovernment ServicesTools & Technologies
Electronic Health Records (EHR)CANS AssessmentPHQ-9GAD-7Columbia Suicide Severity Rating ScaleSACWIS DatabaseMicrosoft Office SuiteTelehealth PlatformsASAM CriteriaApricot SoftwareCommon Mistakes to Avoid
Not including your specific licensure level and state
Social work licensure is essential. Clearly display your credential (LSW, LMSW, LCSW, LICSW) and the state where you are licensed. If you hold licenses in multiple states, list all of them.
Writing vague descriptions of therapeutic work
Be specific about your modalities (CBT, DBT, EMDR), populations served (children, veterans, individuals with SUD), and measurable outcomes (symptom reduction rates, reunification percentages).
Forgetting to mention compliance and documentation skills
Social work roles require extensive documentation. Mention your experience with EHR systems, HIPAA compliance, court reports, and regulatory standards to show thoroughness.
Social Worker Resume FAQs
How should a Social Worker list licensure on a resume?
Place your licensure credentials after your name at the top of the resume (e.g., "Priya Nair, LCSW") and include the full license name, state, and number in a dedicated Licensure or Certifications section. If you are license-eligible but not yet licensed, note that clearly.
What if I have experience in multiple social work settings?
Tailor your resume to the target position. If applying for a clinical role, emphasize therapy and assessment experience. For case management roles, highlight caseload management, referrals, and documentation. Ensure your summary reflects the focus area.
Should I include volunteer or internship social work experience?
Yes, especially if you are early in your career. MSW field placements (practicum) are valuable clinical experience and should be listed with specific duties, caseload sizes, and populations served. Label them clearly as Field Placement or Internship.
How long should a Social Worker resume be?
One page is ideal for social workers with fewer than 10 years of experience. If you have extensive clinical experience, publications, or specialized training, a two-page resume is acceptable. Ensure every item directly supports your candidacy.
Do I need to include continuing education on my Social Worker resume?
Include continuing education that is directly relevant to the role you are applying for, such as specialized training in EMDR, play therapy, or substance abuse counseling. This shows commitment to professional development and can set you apart.
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Last updated: 2026-02-08 | Written by JobJourney Career Experts