Director of Social Work

Career Guide
The Director of Social Work is responsible for leading and managing social work services within an organization. This role involves overseeing the development and implementation of social work programs, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and providing leadership to a team of social workers to effectively support clients' needs.

Key Responsibilities

  • Develop and implement strategic plans for social work services.
  • Supervise and mentor a team of social workers.
  • Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and ethical standards.
  • Collaborate with other departments to integrate social work services.
  • Evaluate program outcomes and implement improvements.

Top Skills for Success

Leadership
Clinical expertise in social work
Program development and evaluation
Regulatory compliance
Interpersonal communication

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Vice President of Social Services
Chief Operations Officer
Transition Opportunities
Consultant in Social Services
Policy Advisor

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
Advanced data analyticsGrant writing
Development SuggestionsDirectors of Social Work can benefit from courses in data analysis and grant writing workshops to enhance their strategic planning and funding capabilities.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$80,000 - $90,000
Mid Level$90,000 - $110,000
Senior Level$110,000 - $150,000
Growth Trend
The demand for Directors of Social Work is expected to grow as healthcare and social services expand, with a particular emphasis on mental health and community services.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
Kaiser PermanenteUnitedHealth Group
Industry Sectors
HealthcareNon-profit Organizations

Recommended Next Steps

1
Pursue continuing education in advanced social work practices and leadership.
2
Network with other social work leaders through professional associations and conferences.

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