Boca Raton and West Palm Beach Palm Beach have it all. And by that we mean the scales here lay flat. Sure there’s pristine beaches and postcard-perfect upscale communities on one side, but on the other there’s some complex social issues that have persisted for generations. And in some cases those issues are getting worse.
Homelessness is one of the most pressing concerns here. A 2024 survey reported an increase in the number of homeless individuals county-wide, with 1,657 people identified as living without stable housing in Palm Beach County. Families, veterans, and kids make up a significant portion, highlighting the need for specialized social work services geared to the unique needs of different populations. Sure, they all need to be connected with stable housing, but the resources available to make it happen can be very different for a family with young children that it is for an aging veteran.
In Palm Beach County, the demand for mental health services continues to grow too, with the children and the elderly being most affected. The county has seen concerning trends, with suicide rates climbing to 15.1 deaths per 100,000 residents as of 2023. Social workers collaborate with organizations to provide life-saving interventions, from crisis counseling to long-term mental health treatment.
Social workers are hard at work here, addressing key issues head-on and making a real impact on the community through a genuine dedication to doing what’s right for people on the margins.
Social Worker Jobs: What Does a Social Worker Do in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Throughout Palm Beach County?
Social workers in Palm Beach County play a key role in uplifting the community by addressing critical issues like homelessness, mental health, and substance abuse. Whether working within local hospitals, schools, or outreach programs, social workers here form the safety net for the county’s most vulnerable people.
From West Palm Beach to Delray Beach, these professionals are putting their passion to work in countless ways, giving much-needed support to people who are often invisible to the rest of society. If you’re looking to start a social work career in Palm Beach County, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities to make a difference.
School Social Work Jobs in Palm Beach County
School social work in Palm Beach County isn’t just about navigating school policies—it’s about tackling the real, everyday challenges students face, from mental health crises to family instability. You’ll find social workers at schools like Palm Beach Lakes High or John I. Leonard High working closely with students, teachers, and even parents, making sure kids have the support they need to succeed both academically and socially.
With a youth population of over 315,000 across the county, school social workers are vital in a region where 16% of children live in poverty, and where far too many experience food insecurity and homelessness. The Palm Beach County School District works with the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, a nonprofit that’s leading the way in offering school social workers the chance to step in where they’re most needed. Their mission is to help children access the resources they deserve—whether that’s food, counseling, or intervention with family services. It’s demanding work, but for those who care about making a difference, it’s work that matters.
Substance Abuse Social Work Jobs in Palm Beach County
In Palm Beach County, substance abuse social workers are on the frontlines of tackling addiction, offering support in places like JFK Medical Center in Boynton Beach and the Hanley Center at Origins in Mangonia Park, where they work with patients dealing with drug and alcohol dependency. Palm Beach County has one of the highest overdose rates in Florida, with nearly 700 opioid overdoses reported in 2022 alone.
Social workers here don’t just stick to clinics—they’re active in local recovery programs, partnering with the Palm Beach County Substance Awareness Coalition to support people on the path to sobriety. Whether they’re connecting individuals with counseling, rehab, or other community resources, social workers are vital in curbing addiction’s toll on the area. And with nearly 10% of adults in Palm Beach County reporting substance abuse issues, the demand for qualified social workers specialized in substance use disorder treatment is more urgent than ever.
Medical and Healthcare Social Work Jobs in Palm Beach County
Healthcare social workers in Palm Beach County work at the heart of patient care, from St. Mary’s Medical Center to Wellington Regional Medical Center, both located in West Palm Beach. They’re the ones making sure patients and their families get the support they need, whether that’s planning for post-surgery care or understanding complex diagnoses. With a full quarter of the population being senior citizens, elder care is a big focus, especially in places like MorseLife Health System in West Palm Beach, where social workers tackle everything from chronic illness to dementia.
It’s not just hospitals either—these social workers are vital in home health agencies, hospice care, and rehabilitation centers. Their role? To ensure patients get the right care and resources, advocating for them every step of the way.
Mental Health Social Work Jobs in Palm Beach County
Mental health social workers in Palm Beach County are doing critical work, tackling everything from depression to PTSD at places like Jerome Golden Center for Behavioral Health in Riviera Beach and the Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County. With nearly 16% of adults in Florida experiencing some form of mental illness, the demand for these professionals has never been more pressing.
Social workers are found in crisis stabilization units, outpatient programs, and residential treatment centers, where they help individuals navigate the often-overwhelming landscape of mental health services. They collaborate with local agencies like the Palm Beach County Community Services Department , which has locations in West Palm Beach, Riviera Beach, Lake Worth, Delray Beach, and Belle Glade that work to connect patients with affordable care options. Whether it’s coordinating long-term care or providing short-term counseling, these social workers are on the frontlines, helping people find stability and support in a county where mental health needs are rising fast.
Unhoused Services Social Work Jobs in Palm Beach County
Social workers in Palm Beach County are battling homelessness from every angle, from coordinating with the Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County in Delray Beach to working in shelters like the Senator Philip D. Lewis Homeless Resource Center in Lake Worth Beach. With over 1,400 unhoused individuals counted during the county’s latest Point-in-Time survey, social workers are on the ground helping families, veterans, and individuals struggling with housing instability.
These jobs aren’t limited to emergency shelters. Social workers collaborate with places like Gulfstream Goodwill Industries in West Palm Beach and Adopt-A-Family in Lake Worth Beach, connecting people with more permanent housing solutions. They help clients navigate everything from mental health services to job training programs, offering personalized support to get them off the streets and into stable living situations. In a county facing an affordable housing crisis, this work couldn’t be more urgent, as local rent prices continue to soar beyond what many can afford.
Gerontology Social Work Jobs in Palm Beach County
In Palm Beach County, gerontology social workers are key players in helping seniors navigate the challenges that come with aging. With over 25% of the population aged 65 and older, demand is high in places like MorseLife Health System and the Palm Beach County Division of Senior Services. These social workers do more than just check in—they help older adults manage chronic health conditions, coordinate in-home care, and provide emotional support for families grappling with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
From nursing homes to assisted living facilities, social workers are creating care plans that tackle everything from healthcare access to elder abuse prevention. With an aging population that’s growing faster than the national average, gerontology social workers are on the frontlines, offering guidance, support, and solutions for Palm Beach County’s senior community.
Hospice Social Work Jobs in Palm Beach County
Hospice social workers in Palm Beach County are essential to providing compassionate care at life’s most difficult moments. You’ll find them working alongside medical teams at places like Trustbridge Hospice and VITAS Healthcare in West Palm Beach, supporting patients and families dealing with end-of-life decisions.
These social workers aren’t just there to help manage the emotional toll. They assist with everything from advance care planning to grief counseling, making sure families understand their options and have the resources they need. Hospice social workers are also advocates, helping patients access Medicare and Medicaid benefits and coordinating in-home care to provide comfort during a person’s final days.
Social Worker Salary in Palm Beach County
In Palm Beach County, social workers across different specialties are earning competitive salaries, with some roles surpassing the state average. For example, healthcare social workers enjoy an average salary of $65,900, which is well above Florida’s overall social worker average. Similarly, child, family, and school social workers here earn a median salary of $49,260, with top earners making upwards of $65,420. Meanwhile, those in mental health and substance abuse roles report a median income of $53,390, climbing to as much as $70,830 in the 90th percentile.
Occupation | Employment | Annual mean wage | Annual median wage | Annual 75th percentile wage | Annual 90th percentile wage |
Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 4,460 | $51,350 | $49,260 | $57,480 | $65,420 |
Healthcare Social Workers | 2,840 | $65,900 | $63,410 | $77,610 | $84,250 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 1,890 | $56,680 | $53,390 | $70,560 | $70,830 |
Social and Human Service Assistants | 860 | $63,470 | $51,520 | $83,450 | $106,500 |
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.