Tampa is hurting. But it’s a place where dedicated social workers are working hard to help in the healing process. There’s no simple solutions when you’re dealing with the complex problems that come with being unhoused or supporting people struggling with substance use disorder or helping kids living below the poverty line feel some basic sense of security with the necessities of daily living. But that doesn’t mean there’s no solutions at all, and it definitely doesn’t mean you don’t try. Throughout Hillsborough County, social workers are on the front line in those efforts.
Hillsborough County has been battling a persistent crisis of the unhoused, but there’s a strong push to turn things around. New initiatives, like the recent construction of tiny cottages in Tampa, are giving people a fresh start. These cottages, part of a broader effort to reduce homelessness, offer safe, stable housing to those who need it most. It’s a big step in the right direction, providing not just shelter but also a sense of community and hope for a better future.
Mental health is another area where social workers in Hillsborough County are stepping up. Gracepoint, offering integrated mental health services in Tampa for more than 70 years, is set to open a new hospital for women in 2025, focusing on providing specialized care in a safe environment. This facility will be a game-changer for many women in the area, offering the kind of tailored resources and support that would be hard to find anywhere else.
Whether it’s helping people find a place to call home or providing essential mental health services, social workers in Tamp and throughout Hillsborough County are at the heart of these efforts. They’re not just addressing the symptoms of social issues—they’re working to create long-term solutions that uplift individuals and strengthen the community as a whole. And as Tampa continues to grow and change, the need for compassionate, dedicated social workers is only going to grow along with it.
Social Worker Jobs: What Does a Social Worker Do in Tampa, Lakeland, Brandon, and Throughout Hillsborough County?
Social worker jobs in Hillsborough County are all about making a difference in the lives of people on the margins who need it most. Whether it’s offering support to families in crisis, helping individuals navigate the challenges of mental health, or working with veterans to access the services they deserve, social workers here are the backbone of community care.
From Tampa’s bustling urban centers to the quieter neighborhoods of Brandon and Plant City, opportunities for social workers are diverse and impactful. If you’re ready to put your passion for helping others into action, Hillsborough County is the place to do it.
School Social Work Jobs in Hillsborough County
School social workers are vital players in Hillsborough County Public Schools, the third-largest school district in Florida, serving over 200,000 students across more than 250 schools. These professionals work closely with students, families, and educators to address barriers to learning, from social and emotional challenges to behavioral issues. Whether it’s developing intervention plans, providing counseling services, or linking families to community resources, school social workers here are all about ensuring every student has the support they need to thrive academically and socially.
The demand for school social workers in Hillsborough County is strong, reflecting the district’s commitment to student well-being. For example, they often collaborate with school psychologists and counselors to address issues like bullying, absenteeism, and mental health concerns, making a real impact on students’ lives every day. With a diverse student population, the role of a school social worker in Hillsborough County is as dynamic as it is rewarding, offering plenty of opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
Medical and Healthcare Social Work Jobs in Hillsborough County
Healthcare social work in Hillsborough County offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and families across the region. At Tampa General Hospital, one of Florida’s top medical facilities, social workers play a critical role in crisis intervention, discharge planning, and ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care.
The demand for healthcare social workers in Hillsborough County is steadily increasing, driven by a growing population and the expansion of healthcare services. Hillsborough County has seen its population grow by more than 20% over the past decade, highlighting the need for dedicated professionals who can support patients through complex health challenges.
Mental Health Social Work Jobs in Hillsborough County
Mental health social workers are at the forefront of tackling some of the toughest issues facing our community here in Hillsborough County. Whether it’s offering support at Tampa General Hospital’s behavioral health unit or working with youth at the Northside Mental Health Center, these professionals are doing the hard, day-to-day work that keeps our community together.
In Hillsborough County, the demand for mental health social workers is only growing. The area has seen a significant rise in mental health-related hospital visits, with the Tampa Bay Times reporting a 35% increase in just the last five years. Social workers here are vital in providing counseling, crisis intervention, and ongoing support to individuals dealing with everything from anxiety and depression to more severe mental health challenges.
Opportunities are abundant, whether you’re looking to work in a hospital, a community clinic, or even in schools where mental health support is more critical than ever. Social work jobs in Hillsborough County are not just jobs—they’re lifelines for those in need.
Substance Abuse Social Work Jobs in Hillsborough County
Substance abuse social workers in Hillsborough County are the backbone of our fight against addiction. From the treatment programs at ACTS (Agency for Community Treatment Services) in Tampa to the recovery support provided by DACCO Behavioral Health, these professionals are making a real difference where it matters most.
The opioid crisis has hit Florida hard, and Hillsborough County is no exception. According to the Florida Department of Health, Hillsborough County has seen a 25% increase in drug overdose deaths over the past three years. Substance abuse social workers are critical in providing counseling, rehabilitation, and ongoing support to individuals and families battling addiction.
These jobs are found everywhere—from hospitals to community health centers to specialized treatment facilities. If you’re passionate about making a tangible impact in the lives of those struggling with substance use disorder, Hillsborough County offers numerous opportunities to dive in and get to work.
Unhoused Services Social Work Jobs in Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County’s unhoused services social workers don’t just work in shelters. They’re out there on the front lines—connecting with people where they live, whether it’s on the streets of Tampa or in makeshift camps around Brandon. From the Housing Authority’s emergency assistance programs to Metropolitan Ministries’ support services, these social workers are fighting the good fight. They link the unhoused to crucial mental health care at Gracepoint, navigate barriers to housing with the help of organizations like Tampa Homeless Outreach, and even partner with law enforcement through initiatives like Tampa’s HOPE team to make sure no one falls through the cracks. Every day, they’re putting together the pieces, helping people find not just shelter but stability.
Military and Veteran Social Work Jobs in Hillsborough County
In Hillsborough County, military and veteran social work isn’t just about addressing trauma—it’s about rebuilding lives. At the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, social workers are on the ground every day, helping veterans navigate the complexities of healthcare, housing, and mental health services. They also work with organizations like Veterans Counseling Veterans, providing peer-to-peer support that speaks directly to the unique struggles of those who’ve served. From helping veterans access benefits to tackling homelessness head-on with groups like Liberty Manor for Veterans, these social workers are in the trenches, advocating for the people who’ve sacrificed the most.
Social Worker Salary in Hillsborough County
Social workers in Hillsborough County are paid salaries that reflect their vital role in the community, with earnings that often surpass statewide averages. For instance, healthcare social workers here earn a median salary of $62,640, which is higher than many other social work specialties. Child, family, and school social workers, while slightly lower at a median salary of $47,460, are compensated comparably to statewide figures. Meanwhile, social workers in mental health and substance abuse roles earn around $47,380, reflecting the county’s unique demand for specialists in this field.
Occupation | Employment | Annual mean wage | Annual median wage | Annual 75th percentile wage | Annual 90th percentile wage |
Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 2,250 | $51,560 | $47,460 | $62,660 | $79,660 |
Healthcare Social Workers | 1,790 | $63,290 | $62,640 | $71,960 | $83,820 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 900 | $48,950 | $47,380 | $58,610 | $67,850 |
Social and Human Service Assistants | 580 | $70,350 | $73,690 | $91,100 | $99,380 |
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 August 2024.