Everyone out here in Lakeland and the greater Polk County area knows this as a place with a laid-back vibe where the sun shines bright. And just about everyone knows it’s also a place that isn’t free of some serious socioeconomic challenges for people at the margins.
Homelessness has been on the rise, with recent reports showing that Polk County saw a record number of people experiencing homelessness in the past year. According to the Homeless Coalition of Polk County, more than 1,500 residents are without permanent housing, a crisis impacting not just individuals, but families and children as well. Local organizations like Talbot House Ministries are doing their part, but the issue requires a concerted effort to make meaningful progress.
Mental health struggles are also an ongoing concern in Polk County. A study by Polk Vision highlighted the growing number of residents facing mental health issues like depression and anxiety, with limited access to care. In fact, in 2022 alone there were 5,000 case referrals under the Florida Mental Health Act (commonly known as the Baker Act), underscoring the urgent need for services, while offering a glimmer of hope in the fact that so many people are now getting the help they need. Social workers are stepping in as the frontline defenders in this crisis, providing counseling, resources, and a lifeline to those in their darkest moments.
The work of Polk County’s social workers is vital—they are the heartbeat of the community, helping to address these challenges head-on.
Social Worker Jobs: What Does a Social Worker Do in Lakeland, Poinciana, Four Corners, Winter Haven, and Throughout Polk County?
Social workers in Polk County are the unsung heroes of the community, tackling everything from mental health crises to helping families in need find stability. Jobs for social workers here are as diverse as the county itself, spanning roles in schools, hospitals, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.
Whether you’re in Lakeland, Winter Haven, or Haines City, social work in Polk County means rolling up your sleeves and making a tangible difference. From assisting the elderly to supporting young adults facing tough transitions, social workers here are changing lives every single day.
School Social Work Jobs in Polk County
Here in Polk County, school social workers are at the forefront of supporting students, families, and teachers in public schools across Lakeland, Winter Haven, and Haines City. You’ll find them woven into daily life at Polk County Public Schools, where they’re tasked with addressing everything from mental health issues to housing instability and family crises. They work hand-in-hand with community organizations like Heartland for Children in Bartow, coordinating interventions that make a real impact on the lives of Polk’s most vulnerable youth.
Their role? It’s as dynamic as it is essential. Whether they’re helping students navigate the emotional turmoil that comes with tough home situations or advocating for kids at risk of dropping out, school social workers here are the safety net. They’re not just filling out paperwork or attending meetings—they’re at the heart of student success, making sure no one slips through the cracks.
Substance Abuse Social Work Jobs in Polk County
In Polk County, substance abuse social workers are stepping up to confront the addiction crisis head-on. From Lakeland Regional Health to Tri-County Human Services, which has locations in both Winter Haven and Lakeland, they’re embedded in the community, helping people rebuild their lives after addiction has torn them apart. Whether it’s counseling at outpatient centers or providing support in rehab programs, they’re right in the thick of it.
These social workers don’t just sit behind desks—they’re out there meeting people where they are, whether that’s in Winter Haven recovery programs or local halfway houses. Their job is to guide individuals through the most difficult parts of their journey, from detox to long-term recovery. And it’s not just about helping with addiction—it’s about restoring dignity, reconnecting families, and helping people find their way back to stability. Every success story is another life changed in Polk County.
Medical and Healthcare Social Work Jobs in Polk County
Medical and healthcare social workers are everywhere in Polk County, from Lakeland Regional Health to Winter Haven Hospital. They play a crucial role in helping patients navigate the complexities of healthcare, whether it’s figuring out how to pay for treatment, coordinating care, or providing emotional support through difficult diagnoses. These social workers are the glue that holds everything together for patients who might otherwise fall through the cracks.
You’ll also find them working in nursing homes like Consulate Health Care and rehab centers, crafting individualized care plans for seniors and those in recovery. They’re there to guide patients through the maze of healthcare services and make sure their needs don’t go unmet, whether it’s securing access to home care or finding long-term treatment options. This kind of work isn’t just about treatment—it’s about changing lives, one patient at a time.
Child Welfare Social Work Jobs in Polk County
In Polk County, child welfare social workers are on the front lines, working with nearly 2,000 children in foster care as of recent data. From Lakeland to Winter Haven, they’re busy at agencies like Heartland for Children, stepping in to make sure kids in unstable situations get the protection they need. Polk County has one of the highest rates of children in foster care in Florida, which means these social workers are constantly advocating for kids, making sure they have safe homes and support systems.
They collaborate with local schools, health clinics, and organizations to tackle the deeper issues that lead to family breakdowns—whether it’s substance abuse or economic hardship. Social workers here are the heart of the effort, connecting families with resources that can stabilize homes, reduce the need for foster care, and keep children safe. It’s tough, urgent work that impacts every community in the county.
Mental Health Social Work Jobs in Polk County
Mental health social workers in Polk County are tackling some of the most pressing issues head-on. With over 15% of adults in the county reporting symptoms of depression or anxiety, the demand for mental health services is high. Social workers are busy at places like the Lakeland Regional Health and the Winter Haven Hospital, providing crucial support to those struggling with mental health challenges.
They’re also working with community organizations such as the Peace River Center, where they’re involved in everything from crisis intervention to long-term therapy. Social workers here are essential, connecting people to resources and therapies that can make a real difference in their lives. They’re on the front lines, dealing with everything from acute mental health crises to ongoing therapy needs, making sure that help is always within reach for those who need it most.
Unhoused Services Social Work Jobs in Polk County
In Polk County, social workers focusing on unhoused services are on the front lines of a critical issue. With over 1,500 individuals experiencing homelessness in the county, these professionals are essential in providing support and solutions.
Local organizations like the Heartland for Children and the Florida Baptist Children’s Home play a huge role, offering everything from emergency shelter to long-term housing assistance. Social workers here don’t just connect people to services; they’re advocates, helping individuals navigate the maze of support systems and working tirelessly to find lasting solutions. They tackle immediate needs like food and shelter and help clients access critical resources for mental health and employment.
Gerontology Social Work Jobs in Polk County
In Polk County, social workers focusing on gerontology have their hands full with a growing senior population. With nearly 25% of residents aged 65 and over, the demand for gerontological expertise is booming.
These social workers are crucial in settings like the Lakeland Regional Health’s Senior Behavioral Health Unit and the Winter Haven Health Care Center, where they help seniors navigate complex health and social services. They’re not just providing care—they’re advocates, ensuring older adults get the support they need for everything from medical management to emotional well-being.
Social Worker Salary in Polk County
In Polk County, Florida, social workers enjoy competitive salaries that often surpass state averages. For instance, healthcare social workers in the area earn an average annual salary of $58,770, well above the Florida state median of $55,880. Mental health and substance abuse social workers also fare well, with an average salary of $58,100, reflecting a robust compensation structure for these professionals.
Child, family, and school social workers in Polk County make an average of $43,200, and social and human service assistants earn $52,440 on average. These figures align closely with or exceed the state medians, indicating that Polk County provides a favorable salary environment for social workers across various specialties.
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 Â 250 | Â Â Â Â $43,200 | Â Â Â Â $39,000 | Â Â Â Â $50,610 | Â Â Â Â $65,200 |
Healthcare Social Workers | Â Â Â Â Â 200 | Â Â Â Â $58,770 | Â Â Â Â $61,990 | Â Â Â Â $75,390 | Â Â Â Â $78,270 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | Â Â Â Â Â 100 | Â Â Â Â $58,100 | Â Â Â Â $57,360 | Â Â Â Â $70,050 | Â Â Â Â $76,560 |
Social and Human Service Assistants | Â Â Â Â Â 170 | Â Â Â Â $52,440 | Â Â Â Â $45,640 | Â Â Â Â $65,100 | Â Â Â Â $76,900 |
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.