Orlando has always had its fair share of societal problems, but they haven’t always been as visible as they are now. The city’s reputation has been changing in recent years as some of these problems have become too big to ignore. The tragedy of the unhoused and all the accompanying issues, from mental health crises to the fallout of substance use disorder, become impossible to hide as the number of people living outside has skyrocketed to a level that nobody could’ve predicted just a few years ago.
In the two-year period leading up to 2024, Orange County saw a staggering 28% increase in its unhoused population, with more than 7,000 individuals now without homes as of the latest census. The problem is only compounded by the fact that affordable housing stock is shrinking in Orlando and throughout the greater Orange County area, making it harder than ever for lower-income families to find stable housing.
Social work here in Orlando and throughout Orange County isn’t just about addressing immediate needs; it’s about creating lasting, sustainable change in people’s lives by empowering them to become the best versions of themselves. Whether it’s working with the county’s growing senior population, supporting at-risk youth, or helping veterans transition back to civilian life, Orange County’s social workers are a lifeline to many, and the work they do is interwoven right into the fabric of the community.
Social Worker Jobs: What Does a Social Worker Do in Orlando, Alafaya, and Throughout Orange County?
In Orlando and throughout Orange County, social workers are the backbone of countless community efforts, ensuring that everyone—from the homeless population to at-risk youth—receives the support they need. Whether they’re connecting people to mental health resources, assisting families in crisis, or working in schools and hospitals, social workers here are dedicated to lifting up the most vulnerable members of the community. From Orlando to Winter Park, these professionals make a real difference every day, showing up with heart, grit, and a commitment to helping others navigate life’s toughest challenges.
School Social Work Jobs in Orange County
In Orange County, school social workers are the ones stepping into classrooms and counseling offices at schools like Orange County Public Schools (OCPS) and smaller districts like Apopka, helping students navigate some of the toughest parts of their young lives. From dealing with issues like poverty, homelessness, and mental health struggles, they’re on the frontlines of helping kids not just survive but thrive.
Social workers here work alongside teachers and administrators to tackle everything from behavior problems to family crises. For example, OCPS employs social workers to link students with local resources, like food pantries and mental health services, ensuring no child falls through the cracks. According to the Florida Department of Education, the county has one of the highest student populations in the state, making school social work here critical to shaping the developmental years for a significant proportion of future Floridians.
Substance Abuse Social Work Jobs in Orange County
Substance abuse social workers in Orange County are working at places like Aspire Health Partners in Orlando, helping people fight through addiction. With opioid overdose rates rising 19% in Florida in 2023, it’s a crisis that’s hitting close to home. These social workers aren’t just helping with detox and recovery; they’re providing a lifeline through counseling, connecting clients to resources, and working with families to heal the deeper wounds that lead people to addiction.
At facilities like Central Florida Recovery Centers in Orlando, social workers craft individualized care plans, tackle the underlying issues behind substance use, and help clients navigate the maze that is the recovery process. With substance abuse services more in demand than ever, their roles have never been more critical in breaking the cycle of addiction.
Medical and Healthcare Social Work Jobs in Orange County
In Orange County, medical and healthcare social workers are found at major hospitals like Orlando Health and AdventHealth on East Rollins and Lake Underhill Road, providing support where it’s needed most. They work with patients in critical care, helping families cope with illness and loss, while navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Florida saw a 7% increase in healthcare demands last year, making social workers in this sector vital to ensuring no patient slips through the cracks.
These social workers also have a presence in nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, offering emotional support, navigating insurance, and arranging follow-up care after discharge. In this fast-growing county, their role is essential to making sure patients receive more than just medical care—they provide the support that brings true healing.
Child Welfare Social Work Jobs in Orange County
Child welfare social workers in Orange County are out there every day, protecting the county’s most vulnerable. With more than 1,500 children in foster care in the area, these social workers are on the front lines, working for agencies like Children’s Home Society of Florida and the Florida Department of Children and Families. They investigate cases of abuse and neglect, connect families with the support they need to heal, and work toward reuniting kids with their parents whenever possible.
At group homes like Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health, social workers craft care plans and coordinate therapy for kids facing tough situations. With Florida having one of the highest rates of child maltreatment in the nation, the stakes are high, and every decision social workers make can be life-changing. In Orange County, their work is all about keeping families intact and ensuring kids have the chance to thrive in safe, loving environments.
Mental Health Social Work Jobs in Orange County
Mental health social workers in Orange County are tackling the mental health crisis head-on, working at facilities like Aspire Health Partners and Lakeside Behavioral Healthcare. With one in five adults in Florida experiencing mental illness, the need for these professionals is growing. They provide counseling, crisis intervention, and connect clients to long-term care, helping people deal with everything from anxiety to severe depression.
These social workers are not just stationed at mental health clinics—they’re also found in schools, hospitals, and even mobile crisis units, making sure people in need get immediate support. For example, the Orange County Mobile Crisis Team responds to mental health emergencies right in the community, delivering care when it’s needed most. Their work is all about breaking the stigma and making mental health services accessible to everyone in the area.
Unhoused Services Social Work Jobs in Orange County
In Orange County, social workers focused on unhoused services are tackling one of the region’s most pressing challenges—homelessness. With over 2,000 people experiencing homelessness on any given night, according to the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness, the need for dedicated professionals is critical. These social workers are found in shelters like the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida located on Terry Ave in Orlando, where they connect individuals with housing programs, mental health services, and employment opportunities.
They’re also hitting the streets with organizations like the City of Orlando Hope Team, providing outreach and immediate assistance to those living without shelter. In a county where the affordable housing crisis is pushing more people into homelessness, these social workers are key players in getting folks back on their feet and into stable living conditions. Their work is all about making sure no one gets left behind, especially when the stakes are this high.
Gerontology Social Work Jobs in Orange County
With nearly 14% of the population aged 65 and older, Orange County’s growing senior community is driving a high demand for gerontology social workers. These professionals are key players at places like Orlando Health’s Center for Aging and Wellness and senior living facilities such as the Alwyn C. Cash State Veterans’ Nursing Home in Orlando, where they help older adults navigate complex healthcare systems, housing transitions, and mental health needs.
As Florida’s aging population continues to grow, these social workers are stepping in to provide support, advocate for seniors’ rights, and connect families with essential resources. Whether it’s assisting with dementia care or arranging long-term care plans, they play an essential role in ensuring that the county’s elderly receive the care and dignity they deserve.
Social Worker Salary in Orange County
Social workers in Orange County, particularly in areas like Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, benefit from competitive salaries that largely align with or exceed the state average. For example, the annual median wage for child, family, and school social workers here is about $50,090, which compares favorably to the state median for similar roles. Mental health and substance abuse social workers in Orange County, meanwhile, earn a median of $48,440, with those in the 90th percentile taking home up to $70,230 annually. Social workers specializing in healthcare fare even better, with median salaries reaching $60,430, reflecting the strong demand for specialized social work professionals in the region.
Occupation | Employment | Annual mean wage | Annual median wage | Annual 75th percentile wage | Annual 90th percentile wage |
Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 1,530 | $51,200 | $50,090 | $54,140 | $70,590 |
Healthcare Social Workers | 1,100 | $60,750 | $60,430 | $72,820 | $79,280 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 550 | $52,850 | $48,440 | $62,650 | $70,230 |
Social and Human Service Assistants | 560 | $59,280 | $50,210 | $76,000 | $92,520 |
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers reflect state data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2024.