Are There Remote Social Work Jobs?
- Roles in case management, crisis response and intervention, counseling, and therapy are examples of remote social work jobs.
- State licensing rules and professional regulation guidelines may impact the remote social work opportunities available in your area.
- Despite an increase in remote employment opportunities, most social work professionals operate in face-to-face settings.
While social work professionals typically provide community support services in face-to-face settings, remote employment opportunities in the field have increased significantly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the percentage of remote healthcare and social assistance jobs more than doubled from 2019 to 2022, rising from about 5% to 11%. While this increase is mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, remote opportunities still exist for social workers.
Explore this guide to gain insights into what types of remote social work jobs are available.
Remote Social Work Jobs
While most social worker roles revolve around face-to-face client interactions, some may offer remote options. Remote service delivery can improve accessibility and cost efficiency.
Case Manager
Social work case management involves helping clients obtain specific services within complex delivery networks. The role can involve coordinating the various services a client requires, directing clients to relevant resources, and providing additional support to clients navigating the social service delivery landscape.
Average Annual Salary (October 2025): $50,350
Mobile Crisis Responder
Also known as crisis intervention specialists, crisis responders specialize in providing compassionate and responsive services to individuals with acute and intense care or service needs. Crisis responders may conduct assessments, provide counseling, or connect clients with situation-specific resources.
Average Annual Salary (April 2025): $49,370
Telehealth Therapist
In many states, licensed clinical social workers can provide mental health services as therapists, helping clients navigate and overcome complex challenges related to their behavioral and emotional health. You need a state licensed to practice as a clinical social worker. Depending on state rules, you may be able to provide services using online telehealth platforms.
Average Annual Salary: $73,125
How To Become a Social Worker
To become a social worker, you will need a state-issued license. Social worker licensing requirements vary by state and professional practice level, but they generally require:
- At least a bachelor’s degree in social work
- A passing score on the Association of Social Work Boards licensing examination that applies to your practice level
- Field-based experiential training
If you want to get licensed as a clinical social worker capable of providing mental health services, you will likely need supervised experience training before and after completing your social work program. In some states, you may also need post-degree supervised experience to earn a non-clinical master’s-level social work license.
A master’s degree in social work (MSW) supports multiple licensing levels and therefore offers a flexible and transferable educational background. Notably, some MSW programs do not require a bachelor’s degree in social work. You may have the option of pursuing this pathway if you majored in another field as an undergraduate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Remote Social Work Jobs
Roles in case management, crisis intervention and response, mental health counseling, and therapy can translate well to remote service delivery models. However, it depends on your state’s professional regulation policies for social workers, counselors, and therapists.
