Social Worker & Human Services Jobs in NJ
NJ social worker and human services jobs: family service specialist, human services specialist, caseworker, and child welfare titles with salary ranges.
Category: Social Services
Social work and human services is one of the largest job families in New Jersey civil service. Titles include Family Service Specialist, Human Services Specialist, psychiatric and medical social workers, caseworkers, and child-welfare staff, working across the Department of Human Services, the Department of Children and Families, county welfare and social-services boards, and state institutions. Roles range from entry-level human services aides through licensed clinical social workers and supervisory titles.
Typical Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in social work or related field
- LSW or LCSW licensure for some positions
- Experience with diverse populations preferred
- Valid NJ driver's license for field positions
Career Progression
- Family Services Specialist 1
- → Family Services Specialist 2
- → Social Worker
- → Senior Social Worker
- → Supervising Social Worker
Available Social Worker & Human Services positions in New Jersey
New Jersey civil service has 124 social worker & human services titles, paying from $38,928 at entry level to $162,870 at the top step. The 40 highest-paying are below; see all in search.
Which employers actually hire social worker & human services titles
State payroll records show 19,316 people in these titles across 23 state agencies, concentrated at Department of Children and Families. This is where the work exists today, not a list of current openings.
- Department of Children and Families — 14,760 employees
- Department of Health — 2,540 employees
- Department of Human Services — 1,305 employees
- Juvenile Justice Commission — 196 employees
- Department of Environmental Protection — 122 employees
- Veterans Affairs — 94 employees
- Department of Community Affairs — 56 employees
- Department of Transportation — 44 employees
Local employers file their payroll separately and are not counted here, so county, municipal and school-district jobs in these titles are additional to the figures above.
About NJ Civil Service Employment
Working in NJ civil service means a published salary schedule rather than individual negotiation, state health benefits, PERS or PFRS pension credit, and civil service tenure once you complete probation. Entry is typically through a competitive exam and eligibility list, with promotional exams opening the next step up the ladder.
Positions may be available at state agencies, county governments, municipal governments, or school districts. Local government positions follow the same civil service rules as state positions and use the same job titles and specifications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a social worker in New Jersey?
To work as a social worker in NJ civil service, you typically need to: Bachelor's degree in social work or related field; LSW or LCSW licensure for some positions; Experience with diverse populations preferred. Most positions require passing a civil service examination and placement on an eligibility list.
What is the salary range for Social Worker & Human Services positions?
Social Worker & Human Services salaries in NJ civil service range from $38,928 at entry level to $162,870 for senior positions. Actual salary depends on the specific title, experience, and step level.
Are Social Worker & Human Services positions available at state and local level?
Availability varies by position. Use the job listings below to see jurisdiction-specific opportunities.
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