Your job as a social worker puts you in touch with all kinds of resources to help people in need. Now that you need to put together your social work cover letter, we have some resources for you. We’ve compiled some tips and a social work cover letter example to get you started on your application package. Find out what to include in your cover letter, and see current job prospects and estimated salaries for social workers.

Do you know of an agency, mental health facility, or community organization you’d like to work for? You can wait for them to post a job opening, or you could send a “cold” social work cover letter. You might get lucky and find they have a job opening not yet advertised. Or perhaps the person who reads your social worker cover letter and resume might know someone at another organization who needs someone just like you.

If you are sending an email social worker cover letter and resume rather than filling out an online form, take advantage of the power of the subject line. Your first goal is to get them to open the email, so be specific about who you are and why you’re writing. “Subject: Social Work Job” will not be as compelling as “Subject: 10-year school social worker seeks supervisor position.”

Once they’ve opened your letter, summarize your social work experience in a concise sentence or two, identifying the types of cases you’ve work, your average case load, why you chose social work as a career, and why you want to work for that organization. Make your cover letter compelling so a hiring manager will want to learn more by inviting you to an interview.

Social Work Cover Letter Example

Chelsea Lyons, LCSW

San Diego, CA 55555 | (555) 555-5555 | chelsea@email.com

Month XX, 20XX

Dr. Bena Rollins
Director of Social Work Services
Organization One
55 Main St.
San Diego, CA 55555

Re: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Ref. #12345

Dear Dr. Rollins:

Organization One has earned a reputation for delivering on its mission to provide innovative clinical programming and unsurpassed patient care. I share this mission and would welcome the chance to discuss ways I can contribute to the continued success of your social work program.

As a dedicated LCSW, my background includes 15 years as a residential counselor, homeless shelter social worker, clubhouse assistant director, and crisis and family services specialist. Organization Two repeatedly recognized me for excellence in leading program development, service implementation, and supportive counseling. I have served populations presenting a range of neurological and psychological disorders as well as emotional, behavioral, substance abuse, and developmental challenges.

In all my experiences, I used a strengths-based approach in treatment planning and focused on providing optimal psychosocial care. Career highlights include:

  • Working with Hospital One’s social services director to implement Program One serving psychiatrically diagnosed adults experiencing a crisis. The program has helped 100+ patients, diverting them from hospitalization and reintegrating them into the community.
  • Contributing vision and direction to House One’s clubhouse model that helped a newly opened program in Sometown County attain and maintain Clubhouse International accreditation.
  • Increasing residential placements 64% by developing partnerships with area landlords to gain their support and agree to provide rental housing for homeless tenants.

After earning an MSW from University One, I recently returned to pursue a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree with a concentration in mental health. I am an LCSW in the State of California.

My experience providing guidance, assessment, and treatment for diverse patient populations, combined with an ability to manage programs and build alliances, would be valuable to your social work program. Please call me at (555) 555-5555 or email chelsea@email.com to schedule a meeting. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Chelsea Lyons, LCSW

 

You can read about resume tips and see a sample of a social worker resume in the Monster library. Once you’ve gotten your first interview invitation, we have some social worker interview questions and answers for you as well.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects jobs in social work will grow by 7% over the next 10 years. That’s faster than other jobs, with the most growth slated for hospital, mental health, and substance abuse social workers.

The median salary for a general social worker is $63,705. You can find out salary estimates for social workers in your area by looking at Monster’s Salary Tool.

Some areas of the country have a higher demand for social workers. The top five social work job locations are:

You can also take a look at all social work jobs on Monster to scan positions nationwide.

Let Monster Be Your Cover Letter Caseworker

Relax and let Monster Resume Services help you with that all-important social work cover letter. A certified resume writer will craft your cover letter, so it provides a compelling call to action to read your resume and schedule an interview. You’ll also get a professional summary to use in your resume and on LinkedIn that reflects your strengths to prospective employer

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Toni Frana is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers & Career Coaches, and career expert who empowers job seekers to take control of their career paths using Monster’s comprehensive job search and resume tools.

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