Social Worker Cover Letter and Resume Sample

Teenager with social worker
BURGER/PHANIE / Getty Images
By Alison Doyle
Updated on 06/17/20

Do you need to write a cover letter or a resume for a social worker position? Review information on what to include in your letter, along with an example of a cover letter you can edit to fit your ​employment history and skills. You’ll also find a sample resume specifically targeted to the social work career field.

What to Include in Your Cover Letter

In your cover letter, be sure to highlight your most relevant experience and skills. That way the employer can see at a glance why you are a good match for the position.

Expanding on previous work experiences in your cover letter is a great way to provide a narrative on how you would be an asset to the job and organization.

Don’t forget to also include certifications you've received or related workshops you've attended.

The following is a sample cover letter, along with a resume, to use when applying for a job as a social worker. Remember to adjust the details to fit your situation and the position you are applying for.

Social Worker Cover Letter Example

This is an example of a cover letter for a social worker. Download the social worker cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Sample cover letter for social worker
@ The Balance 2020

Social Worker Cover Letter Example (Text Version)

Aidan Applicant
123 Main Street Stamford, CT 06902
555-555-5555
aidan.applicant@email.com

June 17, 2020

Elanor Lee
Director, Human Resources
Acme High School
123 Business Rd. Stamford, CT 06902

Dear Ms. Lee,

Please accept my enthusiastic application for the school social worker position at Acme High School, listed on Monster.com. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations of adolescents, both inside and outside of the classroom, and I believe I would be an ideal fit for your innovative school.

My two social work internships have given me extensive and varied experiences as a social worker in an educational setting. At XYZ Charter School, I provided both individual and group psychotherapy to a socioeconomically diverse population of teenagers. At my internship at ABC Elementary School, I led group play therapy activities for students with a variety of behavioral disorders. My experience in individual and group therapy will allow me to successfully act as both an individual and group counselor at Acme High School.

You state that you want a social worker who will be able to serve as a leader for your summer outdoor program. As a former camp counselor with extensive experience leading hiking, biking, and camping trips, I know I would be an ideal leader in your program. Having served as a leader for a counselor-in-training program, I know what kinds of outdoor activities help build both self-confidence and teamwork in students.

I am confident that my experience and skills will make me a valuable member of the Acme High School social work team.

I have enclosed my resume and will call within the week to see if we might arrange a time to speak together. Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Aidan Applicant

Social Worker Resume Example

This is an example of a resume for a social worker position. Download the social worker resume template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online) or see below for more examples.

Screenshot of a social worker resume sample
@ The Balance 2020 

Social Worker Resume Example (Text Version)

Aidan Applicant  
123 Main Street, Stamford, CT 06902   (555) 555-5555  aidan.applicant@email.com

CAREER OBJECTIVE

Postgraduate student, soon to obtain a master’s degree in social work, with several years of experience in the field, seeks an entry-level position as social worker with a high school or social services agency.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS

  • Demonstrated ability to work with and motivate youngsters and high school students with behavioral disorders.
  • Have managed a variety of in-school and afterschool programs for teens and preteens.
  • Ability to collaborate with psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and school officials to develop treatment plans for individual students.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

XYZ CHARTER SCHOOL, Stamford, CT
Social work intern, September 2019-Present Provide individual assessment, treatment planning, and psychotherapy services to diverse teenage population diagnosed with learning disabilities and behavioral disorders.

  • Co-lead afterschool mentoring program for teen boys to encourage self-esteem and teamwork among classmates.
  • Collaborate with team of social workers, psychiatrists, and psychologists to develop individualized treatment plans for students.

ABC ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Stamford, CT
Social work intern, September 2017-September 2019
Ran afterschool program for small groups of youth, ages 5 to 10, diagnosed with attention disorder, anxiety, and depression.

  • Developed and implemented various forms of games and play to develop participants’ self-confidence and social skills.
  • Participated in meetings between parents, faculty, psychiatrists, and social workers to develop individualized academic plans for students.

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Science in Psychology (2017); GPA 3.9
XYZ University, Stamford, CT
Dean’s List; Graduated Summa Cum Laude

Master of Social Work (Expected May 2021)
XYZ University, Stamford, CT                                              
Named “Top Social Work Student”           

Licensure: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Expected June 2020

Emailing Your Cover Letter and Resume

When applying for jobs using email, include your name and the job title in the subject line. Here's an example of a subject line to use when sending your cover letter by email: 

Subject: School Social Worker Position - Your Name