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Pediatric social worker vs licensed social worker

The differences between pediatric social workers and licensed 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 licensed social worker. Additionally, a pediatric social worker has an average salary of $58,039, which is higher than the $57,005 average annual salary of a licensed social worker.

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

Pediatric social worker vs licensed social worker overview

Pediatric Social WorkerLicensed Social Worker
Yearly salary$58,039$57,005
Hourly rate$27.90$27.41
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs58,21766,130
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4545
Years of experience22

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 licensed social worker do?

Licensed Social Workers are duly and legally recognized to carry out activities related to social work. They identify individuals or groups of people in need and assess what kind of help they require. They may assist these people in connecting to agencies that would cater to their needs. Licensed Social Workers also help people cope with their challenges. They are responsible for crafting treatment plans or well-being improvement plans for the individuals they help. They may also be called on during times of crisis to provide emotional support to the individuals involved.

Pediatric social worker vs licensed social worker salary

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

Pediatric Social WorkerLicensed Social Worker
Average salary$58,039$57,005
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $80,000Between $41,000 And $78,000
Highest paying City-Sacramento, CA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Best paying industry-Health Care

Differences between pediatric social worker and licensed social worker education

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

Pediatric Social WorkerLicensed Social Worker
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorSocial WorkSocial Work
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Pediatric social worker vs licensed social worker demographics

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

Pediatric Social WorkerLicensed Social Worker
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 13.8% Female, 86.2%Male, 16.1% Female, 83.9%
Race ratioBlack 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 Percentage13%13%

Differences between pediatric social worker and licensed 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.

Licensed social worker example responsibilities.

  • Foster self-determination of patients by evaluating for vocational rehabilitation that includes employment, volunteering, or education opportunities.
  • Evaluate and provide psychotherapy services to patients diagnose with serious and persistent mental illness and/or chemical dependency within an inpatient setting.
  • Provide clinical supervision to MSW students.
  • Supervise and train MSW students during their final concentration practicum.
  • Plan and facilitate trainings that address trauma exposure and the impact of compassion fatigue on administrative staff.
  • Provide medically relate social services to residents in a sub-acute, short term rehabilitation unit.
  • Show more

Pediatric social worker vs licensed 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 licensed social worker skills
  • Social Work, 29%
  • Patients, 13%
  • Home Health, 11%
  • Rehabilitation, 5%
  • Substance Abuse, 5%
  • Crisis Intervention, 4%

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