Pediatric social worker vs social work case manager

The differences between pediatric social workers and social work case managers 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 social work case manager takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a pediatric social worker has an average salary of $58,039, which is higher than the $45,321 average annual salary of a social work case manager.

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

Pediatric social worker vs social work case manager overview

	Pediatric Social Worker	Social Work Case Manager
Yearly salary	$58,039	$45,321
Hourly rate	$27.90	$21.79
Growth rate	9%	12%
Number of jobs	58,217	49,793
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age	45	43
Years of experience	2	12

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 social work case manager do?

A Social Work Case Manager counsels groups or individuals in dealing with chronic illness, loss of a loved one, or substance abuse. They evaluate the needs of each individual client and maintain detailed records of their progress in the healing process.

Pediatric social worker vs social work case manager salary

Pediatric social workers and social work case managers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Pediatric Social Worker	Social Work Case Manager
Average salary	$58,039	$45,321
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $80,000	Between $33,000 And $61,000
Highest paying City	-	San Leandro, CA
Highest paying state	-	California
Best paying company	-	Tenet Healthcare
Best paying industry	-	Health Care

Differences between pediatric social worker and social work case manager education

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

	Pediatric Social Worker	Social Work Case Manager
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common major	Social Work	Social Work
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	California State University - Fullerton

Pediatric social worker vs social work case manager demographics

Here are the differences between pediatric social workers' and social work case managers' demographics:

	Pediatric Social Worker	Social Work Case Manager
Average age	45	43
Gender ratio	Male, 13.8% Female, 86.2%	Male, 19.4% Female, 80.6%
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, 12.9% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.0% Asian, 6.4% White, 55.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 2.1%
LGBT Percentage	13%	11%

Differences between pediatric social worker and social work case manager 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.

Social work case manager example responsibilities.

Collaborate with partners including public and private agencies to achieve permanency for children.
Facilitate resource management by making appropriate referrals to community agencies that help patients remain safe and independent in their home environment.
Review inpatient hospital medical records using InterQual criteria to determine that patient admission meet quality and utilization standards.
Adhere to rules and regulations pertinent to inpatient rehabilitation as defined by Medicare/Medicaid and other licensing and accrediting organizations.
Coordinate and schedule in home physician visits and transportation arrangements for patients to receive medical services in hospitals and clinics.
Respond to high volume telephone and walk-in inquiries regarding long-term placement, government entitlements, rehabilitation, and services provide.

Pediatric social worker vs social work case manager skills

Common pediatric social worker skills

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

Common social work case manager skills

Social Work, 38%
Patients, 20%
Social Services, 5%
Discharge Planning, 4%
Acute Care, 4%
Patient Care, 3%

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Pediatric Social Worker
Pediatric Social Worker vs Social Work Case Manager

Updated January 8, 2025

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