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Casework specialist vs child welfare specialist

The differences between casework specialists and child welfare specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a casework specialist and a child welfare specialist. Additionally, a child welfare specialist has an average salary of $50,377, which is higher than the $40,044 average annual salary of a casework specialist.

The top three skills for a casework specialist include social work, vulnerable adults and social services. The most important skills for a child welfare specialist are social work, foster care, and child safety.

Casework specialist vs child welfare specialist overview

Casework SpecialistChild Welfare Specialist
Yearly salary$40,044$50,377
Hourly rate$19.25$24.22
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs33,16076,508
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age4242
Years of experience44

What does a casework specialist do?

A Casework Specialist advises the public about how to maintain the well-being of their children and family life. They work for schools, social services agencies, healthcare facilities, or government departments.

What does a child welfare specialist do?

Child welfare specialists are professionals who are responsible for protecting children and youngsters from harm by visiting their homes and other residential facilities to investigate their living conditions. These specialists are required to determine the suitability of the homes and resources of foster and adoptive parents for child placement. They must serve as child advocates by attending court proceedings to provide inclusive court proceedings. Child welfare specialists must also work closely with local enforcement to ensure the safety of children.

Casework specialist vs child welfare specialist salary

Casework specialists and child welfare specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Casework SpecialistChild Welfare Specialist
Average salary$40,044$50,377
Salary rangeBetween $29,000 And $53,000Between $35,000 And $71,000
Highest paying City-Cherry Hill, NJ
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-University of California
Best paying industry-Technology

Differences between casework specialist and child welfare specialist education

There are a few differences between a casework specialist and a child welfare specialist in terms of educational background:

Casework SpecialistChild Welfare Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorSocial WorkSocial Work
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaSUNY at Albany

Casework specialist vs child welfare specialist demographics

Here are the differences between casework specialists' and child welfare specialists' demographics:

Casework SpecialistChild Welfare Specialist
Average age4242
Gender ratioMale, 23.4% Female, 76.6%Male, 20.2% Female, 79.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%Black or African American, 13.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage10%10%

Differences between casework specialist and child welfare specialist duties and responsibilities

Casework specialist example 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.

Child welfare specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage TANF program, in turn this help clients develop skills to enter the workforce.
  • Provide comprehensive case management to DCFS clients and their families to achieve case goals as outlined in the client service plan.
  • Manage a caseload TANF clients, assess clients eligibility to receive benefits, assist with placement of clients in various programs.
  • Complete behavior, mood and communication sections assign to social services on the MDS.
  • Advocate for the rights of incapacitate adults who are the alleged victims in APS referrals.
  • Assist clients in resolving conflicts with DHS workers or service providers while maintaining professionalism in an emotionally charge climate.
  • Show more

Casework specialist vs child welfare specialist skills

Common casework specialist skills
  • Social Work, 47%
  • Vulnerable Adults, 16%
  • Social Services, 15%
  • Protective Services, 11%
  • Child Abuse, 2%
  • Mental Health, 1%
Common child welfare specialist skills
  • Social Work, 30%
  • Foster Care, 16%
  • Child Safety, 4%
  • Child Welfare, 4%
  • Court Hearings, 3%
  • Community Resources, 3%

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