Community Social Workers

Community social workers lead the charge when problems involving community members arise. They work with existing organizations or groups of concerned citizens to solve problems such as addressing inadequate living conditions or helping to fight the placement of a toxic landfill.

In many cases, community social workers must be aware of policy, engage in political advocacy, and encourage the community they’re working with to become politically aware too.

Organizations that employ community social workers include community centers, governmental agencies and advocacy groups. Programs that require community social workers often have titles such as organizational or community practice, community empowerment, or community development.

Just as the groups employing a community social worker vary, so do the day-to-day responsibilities. Much of what these social workers do depends on the type of organization he or she works for. Generally, responsibilities fall under the banner of community organization or outreach.

For example, a social worker employed by an advocacy group might spend time applying for grants, while someone employed to oppose the development of a waste treatment plant might spend more time researching alternatives and talking to local politicians and citizens.

If a community social worker works internationally, he or she might create programs to help the local community or research infrastructure that could benefit the area. Job titles vary immensely, but generally include director, coordinator or specialist.

Many community social work roles often start with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), though specific requirements vary by employer, setting, and state. Those seeking more advanced positions will require a Master of Social Work (MSW). There are some differences in what types of jobs someone with a BSW is eligible for versus someone with an MSW.

Generally, a BSW allows you to work in entry-level jobs. The degree allows students to become generalists in their field and might lead them to work for a nonprofit, the government, or a community. In the largest national survey of licensed social workers to date, ASWB estimated that more than 94% of licensed social workers were MSW holders, while about 6.45% were in the bachelor’s practice category.

An MSW is required for students interested in more specialized fields, advanced work, or work abroad. Those with a master’s degree are able to offer advanced mental health services to the community — assuming the program has a clinical focus, and the graduate obtains the appropriate license to practice. Individuals with MSWs are often the leaders of community movements, using their expertise to guide the community.

Graduates with a BSW more commonly play critical roles within community movements.

Salaries depend on a social worker’s employer, the geographical area they work in, their experience, and the role they hold.

Recent workforce data published from ASWB in July 2025 reports higher median earnings, and the gap between bachelor’s- and master’s-level social workers is larger than older studies suggested. In ASWB’s July 2025 workforce report (based on the 2024 Social Work Workforce Survey), the median annual gross earnings were $48,410 for bachelor’s-level nonlicensed social workers and $63,860 for master’s-level nonlicensed social workers.