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Elementary school counselor vs social worker

The differences between elementary school counselors and social workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a social worker has an average salary of $50,102, which is higher than the $34,984 average annual salary of an elementary school counselor.

The top three skills for an elementary school counselor include social work, professional development and crisis intervention. The most important skills for a social worker are social work, patients, and patient care.

Elementary school counselor vs social worker overview

Elementary School CounselorSocial Worker
Yearly salary$34,984$50,102
Hourly rate$16.82$24.09
Growth rate10%9%
Number of jobs92,18477,340
Job satisfaction-4.5
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age4245
Years of experience-2

What does an elementary school counselor do?

An elementary school counselor is primarily in charge of providing support and counseling to students as they navigate through their academic, social, and personal lives. Their responsibilities typically revolve around developing and executing programs for students' welfare, conducting student evaluations and interviews, mediating on various issues, and assisting students in preparing and processing scholarship applications. Furthermore, there are instances when an elementary school counselor must refer students and parents to social services and conduct interventions when necessary. Should there be any signs of abuse or neglect, It is essential to report to the authorities right away.

What does a social worker do?

Social workers help their clients get through problems that they may be facing. Social workers help identify individuals or groups of people, usually families, who may need assistance, generally through a set of pre-determined criteria. They then determine the best ways to help their clients by interviewing them, getting to know them, and understanding the context of their lives. They create plans that will help their clients become better, such as integrating into a new environment, assisting them in their needs, or even rescuing them from their current place. Social workers have good interpersonal skills and communication skills.

Elementary school counselor vs social worker salary

Elementary school counselors and social workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Elementary School CounselorSocial Worker
Average salary$34,984$50,102
Salary rangeBetween $18,000 And $64,000Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying CityDaly City, CAPortland, OR
Highest paying stateCaliforniaOregon
Best paying companySuccess Academy Charter SchoolsHealth Advocates
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between elementary school counselor and social worker education

There are a few differences between an elementary school counselor and a social worker in terms of educational background:

Elementary School CounselorSocial Worker
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 58%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorPsychologySocial Work
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Elementary school counselor vs social worker demographics

Here are the differences between elementary school counselors' and social workers' demographics:

Elementary School CounselorSocial Worker
Average age4245
Gender ratioMale, 25.0% Female, 75.0%Male, 19.5% Female, 80.5%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 3.8% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 3.7% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 19.9% Unknown, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 12.3% Asian, 3.3% White, 58.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage11%13%

Differences between elementary school counselor and social worker duties and responsibilities

Elementary school counselor example responsibilities.

  • Select to serve as the tier 2 PBIS coach and serve on district PBIS tier 1 team.
  • Train entire staff on PBIS theories, data and methodology.
  • Prepare and present Microsoft PowerPoint presentation on treating the grief and loss issues of incarcerate students.
  • Prepare and deliver PowerPoint presentations.
  • Serve as administrative representative for IEP meetings.
  • Participate and collaborate with administrators about RTI design and implementation.
  • Show more

Social worker example responsibilities.

  • Assist clients in achieving treatment goals such as anger, ADHD, grief, social skills, and manners.
  • Lead and co-le CBT and DBT skills-base groups with participants, as well as relapse prevention, mindfulness and process groups.
  • Support patient questions and issues regarding Medicare ESRD entitlement and Medicaid and assist in the completion of the appropriate documentation.
  • Coordinate IPU discharge planning patients to SNF, ALF, PCH or in-home care with necessary support for care.
  • Facilitate relationships with AKF and other patient assistance programs, VA, Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance providers.
  • Complete Medicaid and Medicare applications as needed.
  • Show more

Elementary school counselor vs social worker skills

Common elementary school counselor skills
  • Social Work, 14%
  • Professional Development, 9%
  • Crisis Intervention, 7%
  • Math, 7%
  • Community Resources, 6%
  • Kids, 5%
Common social worker skills
  • Social Work, 30%
  • Patients, 15%
  • Patient Care, 5%
  • MSW, 4%
  • Discharge Planning, 4%
  • Home Health, 4%

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