How To Become A Casework Specialist: What It Is and Career Path

What is a casework specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted experts

Virginia Schwindt,

Dr. T. Thao Pham Ph.D.

Casework specialists help families and individuals by getting them the services they need. They are usually employed by the government and may work in various departments and with multiple individuals. Casework specialists work with disabled adults, children and families, and even individuals with substance abuse.

The job of a casework specialist involves providing counseling and assistance, meeting clients, and connecting them to the necessary resources. Caseworks specialists may also evaluate clients' psychosocial health, schedule home visits, and report domestic abuse. While performing their duties, casework specialists may experience unwelcoming reception, as well as uncomfortable situations.

Because they work for the government, they have to submit detailed reports about their progress with current cases. Most casework specialists have a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, although a master's degree would be preferred. Casework specialists also need to be licensed and registered with the National Association of Social Workers to practice in their state.

What general advice would you give to a casework specialist?

Virginia Schwindt

MSW Field Director/Associate Professor, Union University

Take the licensing test as soon as you are able to, and be open to where you work. It is great to want a specific population or employer, but being open to other experiences may be where God wants you to be. Don't limit yourself because, as a social worker, you can do so many different things.

ScoreCasework SpecialistUS Average

Salary

3.1

Avg. Salary $40,044

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

10.0

Growth rate 9%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

9.3

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.51%

Asian 2.67%

Black or African American 13.37%

Hispanic or Latino 15.12%

Unknown 4.19%

White 63.14%

Gender

female 76.58%

male 23.42%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.5

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a casework specialist

Explore casework specialist education requirements

Most common casework specialist degrees

Bachelor's

58.6 %

Master's

27.2 %

Associate

9.4 %

Start to develop specific casework specialist skills

Skills	Percentages
Social Work	46.54%
Vulnerable Adults	16.00%
Social Services	15.17%
Protective Services	11.44%
Child Abuse	1.73%

Complete relevant casework specialist training and internships

Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New casework specialists learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a casework specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real casework specialist resumes.

Research casework specialist duties and responsibilities

Provide comprehensive case management to DCFS clients and their families to achieve case goals as outlined in the client service plan.
Review applicant documentation to determine eligibility for state and federal aid programs, including Medicaid, food stamps and emergency assistance.
Participate in transition educational meetings IEP.

Prepare your casework specialist resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your casework specialist resume.

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Choose from 10+ customizable casework specialist resume templates

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