Here along Florida’s east coast, folks might know Palm Bay and the broader Brevard County area for our picturesque beaches and the iconic Kennedy Space Center and aerospace industry. Yet, beneath the scenery and high-tech veneer lies a community grappling with significant social issues. The county faces challenges such as homelessness, mental health crises, and substance abuse, all of which call for the dedicated efforts of social workers.
- Homelessness is a pressing concern in Brevard County. According to the Brevard Homeless Coalition, there were an estimated 982 homeless individuals in 2023. This figure highlights a substantial need for comprehensive social services and support systems. The county's social workers are at the forefront of efforts to provide these services, working in shelters, outreach programs, and housing initiatives to help individuals and families secure stable housing and access essential resources.
- Mental health issues also pose a significant challenge in Brevard County. The Florida Department of Health in Brevard County reported that in 2022, there were approximately 16.5 deaths by suicide per 100,000 residents. This rate is higher than both the state and national averages, indicating a critical need for mental health services. Social workers in the county play a crucial role in addressing this crisis by providing counseling, crisis intervention, and connecting individuals with long-term mental health care.
- Substance abuse, particularly involving opioids, is another critical issue in Brevard County. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data shows that in 2022, there were 153 opioid-related overdose deaths in the county, which underscores the urgent need for intervention and support services. Social workers collaborate with healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community organizations to offer prevention programs, treatment referrals, and recovery support.
Social work in Brevard County is not just about addressing immediate needs but also about fostering long-term change. Whether through direct service, community organizing, or policy advocacy, social workers here are committed to creating a more equitable and supportive community. They embody the principle that everyone deserves a chance to thrive, regardless of their circumstances.
As Brevard County continues to grow and evolve, the need for skilled and compassionate social workers will only increase. These professionals are the backbone of efforts to tackle the county’s most pressing social issues, providing hope and support to those who need it most.
Brevard County’s Social Workers Operate Within a Network of Organizations
One such organization is the Brevard Family Partnership based out of Rockledge, which focuses on child welfare and family support. They provide services ranging from foster care and adoption to family preservation and reunification programs. Social workers here are integral to ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children and their families.
Another critical player is the Space Coast Health Foundation, also in Rockledge which addresses a range of health and social issues, including mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness. Through grants and community programs, they support initiatives aimed at improving health outcomes and enhancing the quality of life for Brevard residents. Social workers involved with the foundation are key to implementing and sustaining these programs.
Social Worker Jobs: What Does a Social Worker Do in Palm Bay and Throughout Brevard County?
In Brevard County, social workers play a critical role in supporting the community through various programs and services. They are found in a diverse range of settings, including hospitals, schools, mental health clinics, and community centers. Social worker jobs here are designed to address significant issues such as poverty, homelessness, mental health, domestic violence, and substance abuse.
Whether you’re in Melbourne, Titusville, or Palm Bay, social workers are dedicated to providing essential services to the underserved.
School Social Work Jobs in Brevard County
School social workers play a vital role in Brevard County’s educational system, which includes 83 public schools and numerous private institutions. These professionals are essential in addressing the diverse needs of nearly 75,000 students across the county. They conduct assessments, develop intervention plans, and provide counseling to improve student learning and well-being.
In Brevard County, school social workers often collaborate with teachers, parents, and other school staff to create supportive environments that foster academic success and personal growth. They are employed in various settings, including Brevard Public Schools, where they help address issues such as absenteeism, behavioral challenges, and family crises.
Organizations like the Brevard Schools Foundation also benefit from the expertise of school social workers. These professionals contribute to programs designed to enhance educational opportunities and support services for at-risk students. Their work is critical in ensuring that every child has the resources and support needed to succeed academically and personally.
Substance Abuse Social Work Jobs in Brevard County
Substance abuse social workers in Brevard County play a crucial role in providing assessment, counseling, and referral services to individuals and families affected by substance use disorders. These professionals are integral to the operations of various local facilities and programs aimed at combating addiction and supporting recovery.
In Brevard County, substance abuse social workers are employed at organizations such as Circles of Care with locations in Melbourne, Rockledge, and Titusville. The organization offers comprehensive behavioral health services, including substance abuse treatment. These social workers are involved in crisis intervention, case management, and therapeutic services to help individuals on their path to recovery.
Another significant employer is the Space Coast Health Foundation in Rockledge, which focuses on addressing community health needs, including substance abuse. Social workers here collaborate with healthcare providers and community organizations to create intervention plans and provide ongoing support to individuals in recovery.
Military and Veteran Social Work Jobs in Brevard County
Military and veteran social work jobs in Brevard County are vital in supporting the well-being of active duty service members, veterans, and their families. These social workers provide essential services, including counseling, crisis intervention, and case management, addressing a range of issues from mental health to reintegration into civilian life.
In Brevard County, the Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Viera is a key employer of military and veteran social workers. Here, social workers offer a variety of services, including individual and group therapy, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment, and support for substance abuse issues. They work closely with other healthcare providers to create comprehensive care plans tailored to the unique needs of veterans.
Organizations like the Space Coast Veterans Foundation operating out of Cocoa also provide community-based support, including job placement services, housing assistance, and educational programs for veterans. Social workers at these organizations help veterans navigate the complexities of benefits and resources available to them, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.
Medical and Healthcare Social Work Jobs in Brevard County
Healthcare social workers in Brevard County provide essential services that support the overall well-being of patients and their families. These professionals work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses both medical and psychosocial needs.
For instance, social workers at Health First’s Holmes Regional Medical Center in Melbourne offer a wide range of services, including assessments, case management, crisis intervention, and discharge planning. They play a critical role in helping patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system and ensuring a smooth transition from hospital to home care.
Additionally, social workers at Parrish Medical Center in Titusville assist patients with chronic illnesses, recovery from surgeries, and end-of-life care. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to create individualized care plans that address each patient’s unique needs. Their expertise helps improve patient outcomes and supports families during difficult times.
Brevard County also benefits from social workers in outpatient clinics and rehabilitation centers, where they provide counseling, resource connection, and ongoing support to improve patients’ quality of life. With the county’s growing population and healthcare needs, the demand for skilled healthcare social workers continues to rise.
Child Welfare Social Work Jobs in Brevard County
Child welfare social workers in Brevard County are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of children facing abuse, neglect, and other challenges. These professionals provide critical assessment, intervention, and support services designed to protect children and promote family stability.
In Brevard County, child welfare social workers are employed by agencies such as Brevard Family Partnership, which collaborates with the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF). These social workers conduct investigations, manage cases, and develop tailored service plans to meet the needs of vulnerable children and their families. Their work often involves coordinating with law enforcement, healthcare providers, and educational institutions to ensure comprehensive care and protection.
The Children’s Home Society of Florida with an office in Cocoa and many more around the state also employs child welfare social workers who offer support services including foster care, adoption, and family preservation programs. These professionals help families navigate the complexities of the child welfare system and provide resources to support children’s physical, emotional, and educational needs.
Mental Health Social Work Jobs in Brevard County
Mental health social workers in Brevard County are essential in providing comprehensive mental health services to individuals and families. These professionals work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community mental health centers, offering assessment, therapy, and case management.
For example, at Circles of Care, a leading mental health provider in Brevard County, social workers are integral to the treatment team. They offer crisis intervention, individual and group therapy, and support for individuals dealing with severe mental health issues. Their work helps stabilize patients and connect them with long-term resources.
Social workers are also employed at the Space Coast Mental Health Center, where they provide essential services such as psychosocial assessments, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions. They work closely with other healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive holistic care that addresses both their mental and physical health needs.
Unhoused Services Social Work Jobs in Brevard County
Unhoused services social workers in Brevard County are crucial in providing support and resources to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. These professionals offer assessment, case management, and referral services to help the unhoused population find stable housing and access essential services.
For instance, at organizations like Daily Bread located in Melbourne, social workers play a vital role in offering comprehensive support services aimed at reducing homelessness and promoting self-sufficiency. Daily Bread provides meals, showers, and case management services, helping over 1,500 individuals annually.
Social workers are also employed by the Brevard Homeless Coalition in Rockledge, which collaborates with local agencies to address homelessness through coordinated efforts. These social workers provide direct services, including housing assistance, mental health support, and employment counseling, ensuring that clients receive holistic care.
Social Worker Salary in Brevard County
Brevard County, known for its scenic Space Coast and thriving communities, offers competitive salaries for social workers. The compensation here is a reflection of both the area’s needs and the cost of living, which is generally lower than in Florida’s larger metropolitan areas.
For instance, child, family, and school social workers in Brevard County earn a median salary of $46,040, closely aligning with Florida’s overall median for this occupation. Healthcare social workers in the county enjoy a median salary of $59,310, comparable to the state median of $57,630.
Mental health and substance abuse social workers in Brevard County are particularly well-compensated, with a median salary of $61,600, exceeding the state median of $50,920. Licensed social workers with advanced degrees can expect to earn in the higher percentiles, while those with undergraduate degrees typically earn closer to the median.
Occupation | Employment | Annual mean wage | Annual median wage | Annual 75th percentile wage | Annual 90th percentile wage |
Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 250 | $47,240 | $46,040 | $53,810 | $64,960 |
Healthcare Social Workers | 280 | $60,130 | $59,310 | $64,480 | $78,320 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 140 | $81,490 | $61,600 | $142,000 | $142,000 |
Social and Human Service Assistants | 160 | $56,260 | $46,400 | $71,880 | $91,730 |
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.