Social work supervisor
Also known as: social work team manager, social work programme manager, social work programme supervisor, social work team supervisor, social work team leader, social services coordinator
About this occupation
Social work supervisors manage social work cases by investigating alleged neglect or abuse cases. They make family dynamics assessment and provide assistance to sick people or with emotional or mental disorders. They train, assist, advise, evaluate and assign work to subordinate social workers making sure that all work is done according to the established policies, laws, procedures and priorities.
A specialisation of social worker.
Essential skills and knowledge
- supervision of persons
- contribute to protecting individuals from harm
- apply socially just working principles
- work in a multicultural environment in health care
- apply anti-oppressive practices
- organise social work packages
- negotiate with social service stakeholders
- protect vulnerable social service users
- apply quality standards in social services
- supervise students in social services
- have computer literacy
- tolerate stress
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Social and Community Service Managers (O*NET 11-9151.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Establish and oversee administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management.
- Direct activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers.
- Evaluate the work of staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are of appropriate quality and that resources are used effectively.
- Participate in the determination of organizational policies regarding such issues as participant eligibility, program requirements, and program benefits.
- Prepare and maintain records and reports, such as budgets, personnel records, or training manuals.
- Provide direct service and support to individuals or clients, such as handling a referral for child advocacy issues, conducting a needs evaluation, or resolving complaints.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Social, Conventional
Top skills: Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Active Learning, Monitoring
US median pay: US$80,390 a year (2025), 209,330 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).
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (4.4)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.3)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyVery important (4.1)
- SociologyO*NET: Sociology and AnthropologyImportant (3.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.3)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.3)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.2)
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 Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational 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.
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Rehabilitation Counselors
- Community Health Workers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors
- Social and Human Service Assistants
- Health Education Specialists
- Human Resources Managers
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education
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.