Post job

Pediatric social worker vs school social worker

The differences between pediatric social workers and school social workers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a pediatric social worker, becoming a school social worker takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a pediatric social worker has an average salary of $58,039, which is higher than the $54,856 average annual salary of a school social worker.

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

Pediatric social worker vs school social worker overview

Pediatric Social WorkerSchool Social Worker
Yearly salary$58,039$54,856
Hourly rate$27.90$26.37
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs58,217122,376
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Master's Degree, 51%
Average age4542
Years of experience24

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 school social worker do?

A school social worker specializes in counseling students, families, and faculty members. They are responsible for coordinating with the school to develop programs that prioritize the students' emotional and psychological well-being, respond to any issues and concerns, build rapport to identify their needs, and communicate with support services to provide necessary assistance to any students or families. There are also instances when a school social worker must assist teachers in handling students with behavioral issues, investigating the underlying reasons. Moreover, it is crucial to identify any signs of neglect or abuse, conducting interventive measures right away.

Pediatric social worker vs school social worker salary

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

Pediatric Social WorkerSchool Social Worker
Average salary$58,039$54,856
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $80,000Between $40,000 And $73,000
Highest paying City-Washington, DC
Highest paying state-Washington
Best paying company-Boston Public Schools
Best paying industry-Education

Differences between pediatric social worker and school social worker education

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

Pediatric Social WorkerSchool Social Worker
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Master's Degree, 51%
Most common majorSocial WorkSocial Work
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaBoston College

Pediatric social worker vs school social worker demographics

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

Pediatric Social WorkerSchool Social Worker
Average age4542
Gender ratioMale, 13.8% Female, 86.2%Male, 17.5% Female, 82.5%
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, 13.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 2.7% White, 63.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.5%
LGBT Percentage13%10%

Differences between pediatric social worker and school 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.

School social worker example responsibilities.

  • Case manage in-district and out-of-district students with emotional disabilities, autism, other health impair and physical disabilities.
  • Provide individual, group and family therapy to patients suffering from substance abuse/dependence.
  • Prepare APS reports as needed and present them to the state.
  • Prepare IEP's, set goals, and objectives consistent with CSE standards.
  • Train college interns, new employees, and volunteers on APS policies and procedures.
  • Design school-wide and individual PBIS programs and incentives; as well as compiled data relate to PBIS.
  • Show more

Pediatric social worker vs school 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 school social worker skills
  • Social Work, 26%
  • Social Emotional, 6%
  • IEP, 6%
  • Community Resources, 5%
  • Professional Development, 5%
  • Behavioral Issues, 4%

Browse community and social services jobs