Pediatric social worker vs social worker

The differences between pediatric social workers and 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 social worker. Additionally, a pediatric social worker has an average salary of $58,039, which is higher than the $50,102 average annual salary of a social worker.

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

Pediatric social worker vs social worker overview

	Pediatric Social Worker	Social Worker
Yearly salary	$58,039	$50,102
Hourly rate	$27.90	$24.09
Growth rate	9%	9%
Number of jobs	58,217	77,340
Job satisfaction	-	4.5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
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 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.

Pediatric social worker vs social worker salary

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

	Pediatric Social Worker	Social Worker
Average salary	$58,039	$50,102
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $80,000	Between $37,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City	-	Portland, OR
Highest paying state	-	Oregon
Best paying company	-	Health Advocates
Best paying industry	-	Government

Differences between pediatric social worker and social worker education

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

	Pediatric Social Worker	Social Worker
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 53%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common major	Social Work	Social Work
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania

Pediatric social worker vs social worker demographics

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

	Pediatric Social Worker	Social Worker
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 13.8% Female, 86.2%	Male, 19.5% Female, 80.5%
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 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.

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.

Pediatric social worker vs 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 social worker skills

Social Work, 30%
Patients, 15%
Patient Care, 5%
MSW, 4%
Discharge Planning, 4%
Home Health, 4%

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Pediatric Social Worker
Pediatric Social Worker vs Social Worker

Updated January 8, 2025

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