Pediatric social worker vs hospital social worker

The differences between pediatric social workers and hospital social workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a pediatric social worker and a hospital social worker. Additionally, a pediatric social worker has an average salary of $58,039, which is higher than the $54,774 average annual salary of a hospital social worker.

The top three skills for a pediatric social worker include social work, patients and mental health. The most important skills for a hospital social worker are social work, patients, and patient care.

Pediatric social worker vs hospital social worker overview

	Pediatric Social Worker	Hospital Social Worker
Yearly salary	$58,039	$54,774
Hourly rate	$27.90	$26.33
Growth rate	9%	9%
Number of jobs	58,217	105,520
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	2	2

What does a pediatric social worker do?

A pediatric social worker assists sick children and their families in the treatment and management of chronic conditions or illnesses. This role requires one to specialize in an area of pediatric care such as oncology, burns, etc. As a pediatric social worker, you must be ready to take up inpatient and outpatient responsibilities to advise and link your clients with the needed resources. They also offer emotional support, liaise with medical staff, and coordinate the child's care.

What does a hospital social worker do?

The job of a hospital social worker is one that constantly puts them in the limelight. They perform duties to help patients as they navigate the process of being sick and hospitalized. They assist patients in dealing with the effects of hospitalization. They function as the middleman between patients and the hospital staff. They must also connect patients to much-needed services and assist with coordinating insurance reimbursements.

Pediatric social worker vs hospital social worker salary

Pediatric social workers and hospital social workers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Pediatric Social Worker	Hospital Social Worker
Average salary	$58,039	$54,774
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $80,000	Between $38,000 And $77,000
Highest paying City	-	Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Medical Billing
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between pediatric social worker and hospital social worker education

There are a few differences between a pediatric social worker and a hospital social worker in terms of educational background:

	Pediatric Social Worker	Hospital Social Worker
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 48%
Most common major	Social Work	Social Work
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Pediatric social worker vs hospital social worker demographics

Here are the differences between pediatric social workers' and hospital social workers' demographics:

	Pediatric Social Worker	Hospital Social Worker
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 13.8% Female, 86.2%	Male, 22.9% Female, 77.1%
Race ratio	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%	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 Percentage	13%	13%

Differences between pediatric social worker and hospital social worker duties and responsibilities

Pediatric social worker example responsibilities.

Screen, identify, diagnose using DSM nomenclature, treat and manage mental health and/or substance abuse problems.
Monitor high risk neonatal pediatric hospital patients recently discharge, ensuring proper follow-up and clinical management.
Develop a plan for intervention that are consistent with the social/emotional/physical needs of patients and caregivers.
Perform advocacy and referral services to other social service agencies which include alcohol and drug rehabilitation programs.
Coordinate care with community providers for follow up if patient are discharged, prepare documentation for admission to inpatient psychiatry unit.
Analyze psychological / psycho-social evaluations, IEP's, and medical histories within a referral packet to determine eligibility.

Hospital social worker example responsibilities.

Screen, identify, diagnose using DSM nomenclature, treat and manage mental health and/or substance abuse problems.
Provide individual therapy, case management, and insurance coverage reviews for individuals undergoing short-term rehabilitation.
Provide orientation, support and information to patients and their families to facilitate active involvement in the rehabilitation environment.
Perform assessments/social history upon admission to better understand the patient's needs and personal circumstances as they relate to their rehabilitation.
Coordinate care with community providers for follow up if patient are discharged, prepare documentation for admission to inpatient psychiatry unit.
Analyze psychological / psycho-social evaluations, IEP's, and medical histories within a referral packet to determine eligibility.

Pediatric social worker vs hospital social worker skills

Common pediatric social worker skills

Social Work, 33%
Patients, 24%
Mental Health, 7%
Patient Care, 7%
MSW, 7%
Family Therapy, 2%

Common hospital social worker skills

Social Work, 28%
Patients, 21%
Patient Care, 7%
MSW, 6%
Behavioral Health, 5%
Acute Care, 4%

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Pediatric Social Worker
Pediatric Social Worker vs Hospital Social Worker

Updated January 8, 2025

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