In the heart of Florida’s northeastern coast, here in Jacksonville and throughout Duval County we have a vibrant mix of urban and suburban areas and the kind of genuine cultural diversity that makes Florida a place that lives and breathes. But it’s not all sunshine and beaches down here. Duval County also faces significant social challenges. Substance abuse, homelessness, and economic disparity are pressing issues that demand the expertise and dedication of social workers. These professionals are integral to providing support and resources to the county’s most vulnerable populations.
Duval County’s public school system serves a large and diverse student body, with over 129,000 students enrolled across 196 schools. Unfortunately, about 47.7% of these students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This economic hardship often correlates with other social issues, such as food insecurity and lack of access to healthcare, which social workers tirelessly address through school-based programs and community outreach initiatives. They provide counseling, connect families with resources, and advocate for policies that support educational equity and student well-being.
The opioid crisis has hit Duval County hard, with more than 500 residents succumbing to drug overdoses in 2020 alone. This staggering number highlights the critical need for social workers in addiction services. These professionals engage in various roles, from providing direct counseling and intervention to developing and implementing prevention programs. The local initiative, Project Opioid Jacksonville, supported by Florida Blue, exemplifies the community’s proactive approach to this crisis. This project aims to reduce overdose deaths by enhancing public awareness, increasing access to treatment, and improving data collection on drug use trends.
Social workers in Duval County operate across numerous settings, including hospitals, schools, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Their work is vital in addressing the multifaceted needs of the community, from mental health services and substance abuse treatment to housing assistance and educational support.
Empowering Communities: The Clara White Mission’s Enduring Impact
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or over a century, the Clara White Mission in Duval County has been a beacon of hope and transformation. Founded by Eartha M. M. White, a dedicated social worker, humanitarian, and advocate for the underserved, the mission has continuously adapted to meet the evolving needs of Jacksonville’s most vulnerable populations.
Eartha White’s vision for the Clara White Mission began with a profound commitment to addressing the immediate and long-term needs of the homeless and impoverished. This commitment stemmed from her own experiences growing up in post-Civil War Florida, where she witnessed the profound impact of poverty and inequality. Inspired by her mother, Clara English White, Eartha expanded the mission’s services to include housing, education, and employment opportunities.
Today, the Clara White Mission is a multifaceted organization offering a range of programs designed to empower individuals and families to achieve self-sufficiency. One of its standout initiatives is the Clara White Culinary Arts Program, which provides culinary training to homeless and low-income individuals. This program not only equips participants with valuable job skills but also helps them secure employment in Jacksonville’s thriving hospitality industry.
In addition to culinary training, the mission offers comprehensive support services, including transitional housing, job placement assistance, and mental health counseling. The mission’s holistic approach ensures that clients receive the support they need to rebuild their lives and become contributing members of the community.
The Clara White Mission also plays a crucial role in advocating for systemic change, addressing issues such as affordable housing and healthcare access. By partnering with local businesses, government agencies, and other nonprofits, the mission leverages community resources to maximize its impact.
Eartha White’s legacy lives on through the Clara White Mission, which remains a testament to the power of compassion, resilience, and community collaboration. Her unwavering dedication continues to inspire new generations of social workers and advocates in Duval County and beyond.
Social Worker Jobs: What Does a Social Worker Do in Jacksonville and Throughout Duval County?
Social worker jobs in Duval County, Florida, play a critical role in the well-being of the community, addressing the diverse needs of its residents. Social workers in this area are dedicated to helping vulnerable populations, including children and families, individuals dealing with healthcare issues, those experiencing mental health challenges, and many others. Whether working in Jacksonville’s bustling urban centers or in more suburban areas like Mandarin or Arlington, social workers in Duval County are making a significant impact.
School Social Work Jobs in Duval County
School social workers in Duval County play a critical role in supporting the well-being and academic success of students in the Jacksonville area. Working in the Duval County Public Schools system, which serves over 129,000 students across 196 schools, these professionals provide assessment, counseling, and intervention services tailored to each student’s needs. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to create supportive environments that address issues such as bullying, absenteeism, and behavioral challenges. School social workers are essential in implementing programs that promote social-emotional learning, helping students develop skills to manage emotions, set goals, and establish positive relationships.
Jobs for school social workers in Duval County are also found in private and charter schools, offering similar services to diverse student populations. In these settings, they provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals to community resources. Their work is vital in addressing barriers to education and ensuring all students have the opportunity to thrive academically and personally.
Substance Abuse Social Work Jobs in Duval County
Professionals specializing in substance abuse social work are essential in Duval County, providing critical services to individuals struggling with substance use disorders. In 2021, the Jacksonville area saw a significant increase in overdose deaths, highlighting the need for skilled social workers in this field. These social workers are employed in various settings, including Gateway Community Services in Jacksonville, where they offer counseling, case management, and recovery support.
Additionally, substance abuse social workers collaborate with organizations like the Drug Free Duval Coalition, focusing on community outreach and prevention programs to address substance misuse. Their expertise is also crucial in inpatient rehabilitation facilities like Lakeview Health, where they facilitate group therapy sessions, develop treatment plans, and support patients throughout their recovery journey.
Military and Veteran Social Work Jobs in Duval County
The role of military and veteran social workers in Duval County is crucial in providing support to the area’s significant veteran population. As of 2020, Duval County is home to over 100,000 veterans, many of whom face unique challenges related to mental health and reintegration into civilian life. At the Jacksonville VA Outpatient Clinic, social workers offer comprehensive services, including readjustment counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health evaluations, tailored to the needs of veterans.
In addition to the VA clinic, organizations like Five Star Veterans Center in Jacksonville provide essential support to homeless veterans and those struggling with substance abuse. Social workers here engage in case management, provide referrals to community resources, and offer therapeutic services to help veterans regain stability and independence.
Medical and Healthcare Social Work Jobs in Duval County
Healthcare social workers play a pivotal role in Duval County’s medical community, offering a range of vital services to patients and their families. At UF Health Jacksonville, these professionals are essential for providing case management, patient advocacy, and discharge planning to ensure that patients receive coordinated and continuous care. They facilitate communication between medical teams and patients’ families, addressing the psychosocial aspects of patient care.
At the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, healthcare social workers support patients undergoing complex medical treatments by conducting biopsychosocial assessments, offering counseling, and connecting patients with community resources to aid in their recovery and rehabilitation.
In community clinics like the Sulzbacher Center, healthcare social workers engage in outreach programs to assist homeless individuals with accessing medical services. They help navigate the healthcare system, provide crisis intervention, and ensure that vulnerable populations receive the necessary support for their physical and mental health needs.
Child Welfare Social Work Jobs in Duval County
Child welfare social workers in Duval County are dedicated to protecting and supporting vulnerable children and families. These professionals are essential in agencies like the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), where they investigate reports of child abuse and neglect and develop safety plans. In 2021, there were over 16,000 child abuse reports in Duval County alone, highlighting the critical need for skilled child welfare social workers.
In addition to their work with DCF, child welfare social workers collaborate with nonprofit organizations such as Family Support Services of North Florida located in Jacksonville. Here, they provide case management, coordinate foster care placements, and offer counseling services to ensure the well-being and stability of children in the foster system.
Mental Health Social Work Jobs in Duval County
In Duval County, mental health social workers play a crucial role in providing comprehensive care to individuals dealing with mental health issues. At the Mental Health Resource Center (MHRC) located in Jacksonville, these professionals offer crisis intervention, individual and group therapy, and case management services to individuals experiencing acute mental health crises. The MHRC is a key provider of mental health services in Jacksonville, ensuring that those in need receive immediate and effective support.
Inpatient and outpatient facilities like UF Health Jacksonville also employ mental health social workers as part of interdisciplinary teams to deliver psychiatric care. They conduct assessments, develop treatment plans, and provide therapeutic interventions to patients facing a range of mental health conditions.
Unhoused Services Social Work Jobs in Duval County
Addressing the needs of the unhoused population in Duval County, social workers provide essential services through various programs and organizations. The Sulzbacher Center, a leading provider of comprehensive services for the homeless, employs social workers to offer case management, mental health counseling, and housing assistance. In 2020, Duval County reported over 1,500 individuals experiencing homelessness, underscoring the vital role of these professionals.
Additionally, social workers at the Clara White Mission on Ashley Street in Jacksonville engage in outreach activities to connect homeless individuals with necessary resources, including food, shelter, and employment training. This organization is instrumental in helping clients transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency through personalized support and rehabilitation programs.
Social Worker Salary in Duval County
Social workers in Duval County earn competitive salaries that often surpass the state median, reflecting the region’s demand for skilled professionals. According to recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual median wage for social workers in various specializations in Jacksonville generally exceeds the state median for these professions.
Healthcare social workers in Duval County boast a median annual salary of $61,430, notably higher than the state’s median. Mental health and substance abuse social workers in the area earn a median of $50,090 annually, also aligning well with state averages. Meanwhile, child, family, and school social workers have a median salary of $47,310. This competitive pay underscores the region’s commitment to attracting and retaining qualified social work professionals.
Occupation | Employment | Annual mean wage | Annual median wage | Annual 75th percentile wage | Annual 90th percentile wage |
Child, Family, and School Social Workers | Â Â Â Â 1,150 | Â Â Â Â $52,060 | Â Â Â Â $47,310 | Â Â Â Â $63,580 | Â Â Â Â $78,640 |
Healthcare Social Workers | Â Â Â Â Â 930 | Â Â Â Â $60,500 | Â Â Â Â $61,430 | Â Â Â Â $71,580 | Â Â Â Â $79,340 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | Â Â Â Â Â 480 | Â Â Â Â $52,830 | Â Â Â Â $50,090 | Â Â Â Â $62,390 | Â Â Â Â $69,400 |
Social and Human Service Assistants | Â Â Â Â Â 370 | Â Â Â Â $57,120 | Â Â Â Â $49,190 | Â Â Â Â $71,410 | Â Â Â Â $89,810 |
2023 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Social Workers reflect local data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed July 2024.