Social work researcher
Also known as: social scientist, communities research worker, social work research assistant, social research interviewer, social research worker, social work research officer
About this occupation
Social work researchers manage research projects aiming to investigate and provide reports on social issues. They first perform research by gathering information through interviews, focus groups and questionnaires; followed by organising and analysing the gathered information using computer software packages. They analyse social problems and needs, and the different ways and techniques to respond to them.
A specialisation of sociologist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- apply decision making within social work
- work in a multicultural environment in health care
- manage ethical issues within social services
- meet standards of practice in social services
- undertake continuous professional development in social work
- apply anti-oppressive practices
- manage stress in organisation
- develop professional identity in social work
- contribute to protecting individuals from harm
- follow health and safety precautions in social care practices
- communicate with social service users
- apply person-centred care
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Survey Researchers (O*NET 19-3022.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Conduct surveys and collect data, using methods such as interviews, questionnaires, focus groups, market analysis surveys, public opinion polls, literature reviews, and file reviews.
- Prepare and present summaries and analyses of survey data, including tables, graphs, and fact sheets that describe survey techniques and results.
- Consult with clients to identify survey needs and specific requirements, such as special samples.
- Determine and specify details of survey projects, including sources of information, procedures to be used, and the design of survey instruments and materials.
- Support, plan, and coordinate operations for single or multiple surveys.
- Monitor and evaluate survey progress and performance, using sample disposition reports and response rate calculations.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 5 of 5
- Interests
- Investigative, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Writing, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Mathematics
US median pay: US$69,460 a year (2025), 8,290 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.6)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyVery important (3.9)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (3.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.6)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.5)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.5)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
- Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
- Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Data Scientists
- Social Science Research Assistants
- Management Analysts
- Statistical Assistants
- Statisticians
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
- Sociologists
- Business Intelligence Analysts
- Biostatisticians
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.