10 Best Opportunities For International Social Work Jobs (2024)

Here are 10 Best Opportunities For International Social Work Jobs to help social workers address injustices faced across the globe. The World Bank reports that 12.7 percent (896 million) of Earth’s population lives at or below $1.90 per day. Furthermore, poverty, disease, war, natural disaster, trafficking, and forced labor are just a few of the problems for many international social workers strive to eradicate. They work primarily for non-government organizations (NGOs) to coordinate human service projects across borders. It’s their mission to alleviate suffering for the world’s most vulnerable and oppressed civilians. Working domestically to resolve societal problems in the United States isn’t the only option for Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work graduates. So, if you’re interested in applying your education and skills outside the US, the 10 Best International Social Work Job Opportunities are below.

1. United Nations

10 Best Opportunities For International Social Work Jobs (2)

Established in 1945, the United Nations is one of the foremost social work organizations striving to maintain international peace and human rights across 193 member countries. In 2001, the United Nations received the Nobel Peace Prize for their public service. The UN’s global workforce consists of over 41,000 altruistic staff at field offices from Baghdad and Nairobi to Port-au-Prince. Worldwide job opportunities are listed for social workers on political, humanitarian, emergency relief, and also peacekeeping missions. Entry-level (P1-P3) positions have base salaries from $37,000 to $80,000. Post adjustments of 65.7 percent are added to cover abroad living costs. The UN looks for proactive, impartial candidates with both respect for diversity and language fluency.

Learn more.

2. International Rescue Committee

10 Best Opportunities For International Social Work Jobs (3)

In over 40 nations, the International Rescue Committee provides lifesaving assistance to refugees forced to flee from war, natural disaster, and also other humanitarian crises. Since 1933, IRC’s passionate post-conflict network has grown to 8,000+ staff. Currently, there are 320 job openings. Some of these positions are protection coordinator, refugee youth advocate, resettlement manager, and also emergency health officer. IRC hires candidates with a bachelor’s degree in social work or similar fields from various educational programs. They need at least two years of human service experience. Bilingual ability in local languages like Swahili or Urdu is preferred. According to PayScale, the International Rescue Committee’s average salary range is $35,422 to $71,778. In addition, benefits typically include flights, relocation shipping allowances, and also temporary housing.

Learn more.

3. Save the Children

Rated four stars on Charity Navigator, Save the Children is an international NGO working in 120 nations to protect the welfare of over 55 million youth annually. Recent missions have included delivering hygiene kits to Ebola-stricken Liberia and repairing classrooms destroyed in Typhoon Haiyan. Founded in 1919 by Eglantyne Jebb, Save the Children is located in London, England, with job opportunities worldwide. Social workers could work full-time as child protection managers, migration advisers, and also nutrition advocates. CVs must include a bachelor’s degree in social work or human services from various educational programs. With a minimum of five years of experience. Base salaries from $30,691 to $62,751 are average with full benefits.

Learn more.

4. World Health Organization

10 Best Opportunities For International Social Work Jobs (5)

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the World Health Organization is a specialized international organization aiming to help global citizens attain the highest possible level of health. The WHO’s diverse workforce includes over 8,500 professionals working in 147 countries. Job vacancies in clinical social work, mental health, disability rehabilitation, and also emergency relief are prevalent. Only smoke-free candidates aged 20 to 62 are considered for WHO positions. Entry-level (P1) jobs require either a bachelor’s or equivalent work experience. Advancement to P4 or higher will mandate a master’s degree in social work or public health from various educational programs. Base salaries can range from $31,000 to $90,000 based on service level. In addition, there’s also an Internship Programme for college juniors and seniors.

Learn more.

5. International Justice Mission

Endowed for $47.1 million, the International Justice Mission is a non-profit human rights organization employing over 600 full-time staff at 18 field offices from Guatemala to Rwanda. The IJM combats global issues like sex trafficking, slavery, and also assault. In 2010, the U.S. News and World Report named IJM among the top 10 world-changing service groups. Grounded in Christianity, the International Justice Mission requires submitting a statement of faith. Most 10 to 12-month deployments overseas will mandate holding a master’s degree in social work or counseling and experience with trauma victims from various educational programs. Along with healthcare and a 403B, IJM workers report an average salary of $56,480.

Learn more.

6. Danish Refugee Council

Since the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956, the Danish Refugee Council has been a well-known non-profit, aid organization working in conflict zones across 30 countries. Currently, the DRC is providing emergency relief to over 500,000 refugees from Syria every month! From its headquarters in Copenhagen, the DRC organizes housing, food, social rehabilitation, and also healthcare missions to internationally displaced peoples. Humanitarian jobs are abundant, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. Interested applicants should have a Bachelor of Social Work or similar degree and 2+ years of experience. Entry-level officers earn a monthly base salary of 7,500 DKK, but management positions garner up to 27,500 DKK.

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7. Women for Women International

As the 2006 Conrad Hilton Humanitarian Award winner, Women for Women International is an NGO founded by Zainab Salbi to support female survivors after the war’s devastation. Regularly featured on CNN, the WfWI headquarters are in New York City. In addition, the organization maintains eight field offices from Nigeria and Afghanistan to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since 1993, WfWI has provided social work services to empower the Middle East’s marginalized women. Women for Women International employs both advocacy coordinators and also change agents who hold a bachelor’s degree in social sciences. Preference is to applicants with both five years of experience and local language fluency. In addition, team members receive exceptional benefits packages with yearly salaries from $49K to $75K.

Learn more.

8. Oxfam International Secretariat

Led by Director Winnie Byanyima, Oxfam International Secretariat is a global confederation of 18 NGOs working across 94 countries to end injustices that cause poverty. Supporting people impacted by conflict to grow food and earn a living has been their duty since 1995. Oxfam affiliates can find job opportunities in Jordan, Hong Kong, Belgium, Ethiopia, and more. Social worker positions will require holding a bachelor’s degree with one to two years of experience and fluency in host languages like Arabic. More advanced positions like development officer and regional director may require 10+ years in social work. In general, Oxfam pays salaries from $42,000 to $81,224 with paid holidays, insurance, and also pensions.

Learn more.

9. HelpAge International

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Geriatric social workers should consider joining HelpAge International, an NGO with 200+ partners serving older adults in over 70 global nations. Since 1983, HelpAge has coordinated community projects to address issues affecting the elderly, including discrimination, health, poverty, HIV/AIDS, and also natural disaster. Dedicated staff runs nine regional centers with sponsors like AARP, USAID, and also Pfizer. Job vacancies are posted frequently for professionals with at least five years of humanitarian experience. Bachelor’s degrees in social work, nutrition, public health, and also nursing are preferred. Current listings provide an average annum salary of £34,031 ($44,070). However, opportunities are growing because more than one in five world citizens will be 60+ by 2050.

Learn more.

10. Food for the Hungry International

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Founded by Dr. Larry Ward in 1971, Food for the Hungry International is a Christian relief organization based in Phoenix, Arizona, to combat hunger in over 25 countries. In 2005, FH received a $8.3 million grant from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief. With over 2,000 staff members, FH provides Christ-centered missions that empower vulnerable communities to overcome poverty. Social workers can find employment and church mission opportunities in the world’s most devastated countries, including Bangladesh, Haiti, Peru, and also Mozambique. Salaried jobs generally require a master’s degree in sociology, social work, and also international relations. However, three years of previous experience is suggested. In addition, salaries range from $33,374 to $60,493 each year.

Learn more.

Education for An International Social Work Job

Many accredited schools offer the education needed to become an international social worker. An MSW with a global or international concentration is a common path to an international social work job. The scope of international social work is broad. So, students interested in a career should also read about the job and the qualities of a global social worker for more information.

Your International Social Work Job

These ten top-notch organizations represent just a smidgen of the service groups making efforts to fight social injustices abroad. We suggest visiting the International Federation of Social Workers (IFWS) website for more international social work job opportunities.

Related:

  • 15 Best International Social Work Degree Programs
  • What Are The Best International Social Work Degree Programs Abroad?
  • What Qualifications Do I Need To Work In International Social Work?
10 Best Opportunities For International Social Work Jobs (2024)

FAQs

Which country is best for social work jobs? ›

USA. The United States is the best country to study social work because it has some of the top programs in the world.

Can you work overseas as a social worker? ›

Many social workers feel the pull of an international experience and want to take their domestic experience abroad. The skills and qualities needed to be a successful domestic social worker are applicable in an international setting and can be particularly valuable for nonprofit and humanitarian organizations.

What country pays the most for social workers? ›

Countries with the highest paid social workers in 2022
  • Germany.
  • Australia.
  • Russia.
  • Vietnam.
  • Hong Kong.
  • France.
  • Italy.
  • Netherlands.

What are the highest paying social work jobs? ›

50 Highest Paying Jobs in Social Work
  • #1 Director of Corporate Social Responsibility. ...
  • #2 Professor of Social Work. ...
  • #3 Employee Assistance Program Counselor. ...
  • #4 Veteran's Affairs Social Worker. ...
  • #6 Social Science Researcher. ...
  • #7 Director of Development of a NPO. ...
  • #8 Housing & Community Development Director.

Are social workers in demand UK? ›

The social worker turnover rate in adult social services departments was 15.0% in 2021, equivalent to around 2,400 leavers in the previous 12 months. There were around 1,600 vacant social worker jobs in local authorities as at September 2021, which is a rate of 9.5%.

Does Canada need social workers? ›

Since there is such a shortage of social workers in various Canadian provinces, you'll be able to find the areas in need and apply to this in-demand job in Canada to be able to help bridge the gap.

How do I move to Australia as a social worker? ›

Social Workers (along with most occupations in this unit group) need to have a level of skill commensurate with a bachelor degree or higher qualification. The specified skill level is Skill Level 1. Aside from the qualification relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.

How can a social worker move to the UK? ›

In order to apply for a skilled visa, a Social Worker needs to have a job offer from an approved employer. An approved employer/sponsor will provide the applicant a certificate of sponsorship with a reference number that the applicant will use for the visa application.

Can I move to New Zealand as a social worker? ›

If you hold an overseas social work qualification, and wish to apply to register in New Zealand, there are two pathways: An Australian social work qualification, accredited by the AASW (Australian Association of Social Workers) or. Other overseas social work qualifications.

Who is the most famous social worker? ›

Jane Addams (1860-1935)

Perhaps the most famous and decorated female social worker, Jane Addams founded one of the world's first settlement houses – the renowned Hull House in Chicago – and received the 1931 Nobel Peace Prize.

What is a social worker salary in UK? ›

There are no fixed national salary scales, but salaries for newly qualified social workers are typically between £24,000 and £30,000 depending on the local authority and location. If your first job is within the NHS, you'll typically start on band 6 with a salary between £32,306 to £39,027.

How much do social workers get paid in Europe? ›

1.584 € (EUR)/yr

An entry level health care social worker (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of 48.775 €. On the other end, a senior level health care social worker (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of 85.287 €.

What are the top 3 industries that employ social workers? ›

The highest paying industries for Social workers, by average wage, are Drugs, sundries, & chemical & allied products merchant wholesalers , Pharmaceutical & medicine manufacturing, and Architectural, engineering & related services.

How can a social worker make a lot of money? ›

Practice clinical social work

Typically, the highest paying social work roles are clinical. This means you'll find yourself working for hospitals, insurance companies, or doing therapy. You should also prioritize licensure if you want to practice social work, even if you don't want to be a therapist.

What is the easiest social work job? ›

5 Easy Entry-Level Social Work Jobs
  • Group Home Workers.
  • Substance Abuse Counselors.
  • Community Social Workers.
  • Healthcare Social Workers.
  • Case Managers.

What countries have a shortage of social workers? ›

Throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, many citizens have faced long-term poverty, natural disasters, and a lack of access to quality healthcare. As a result, these countries need social workers in all types of fields.
...
Countries in need of social workers:
  • Venezuela.
  • Cuba.
  • El Salvador.
  • Puerto Rico.
  • Belize.

What field of social work pays the most UK? ›

What's The Most A Social Worker Can Earn? Experienced Social Workers can often earn up to around £40,000 a year. But team managers and senior specialists can earn well in excess of this amount. For higher salaries, further qualifications or changes in specialism would probably be required.

Why do social workers quit? ›

Thus, the answer to the second research question was that social workers leave the profession for four reasons: due to caretaking responsibilities, because they were discontented with their social work education, because they were discontented with the effectiveness of the profession, and because they were discontented ...

Do social workers get paid well in Canada? ›

Social and community service workers (NOC 4212) usually earn between $16.00/hour and $34.19/hour in Canada. People working as a "social services worker" are part of this group.

How can I apply as a social worker in Canada? ›

You need to apply directly to the appropriate provincial regulatory authority to become licensed as a social worker or registered social worker in Canada. And to find a job, it's vital to know the employment and social work job requirements in Canada.

How much does social worker get paid in Canada? ›

The average social worker salary in Canada is $59,866 per year or $30.70 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $40,559 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $82,103 per year.

Do Australia need social workers? ›

Qualified Social Workers can Immigrate to Australia. This is because Australia has deemed Social Worker to be an occupation that the nation is in need of. The list of the most in need Occupations is called the Medium & Long Term Strategic Skills List or (MLTSSL).

Can social worker get PR in Australia? ›

As a graduate of Bachelor of Social Work, you can apply for permanent residency in Australia as it's included in the Medium to Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).

What qualifications do I need to be a social worker in Australia? ›

To work as a Social Worker in Australia, you need to complete a Bachelor of Social Work. This course provides both theory and clinical placement experiences. Complete a bachelor degree in social work. Alternatively, if you already have a tertiary qualification you can complete a two-year Master of Social Work.

How do I become a social worker in the UK from overseas? ›

You can use your Social Work England account to: apply to be a registered social worker. pay your scrutiny and registration fee, and.
...
Once registered, you can:
  1. record your continuing professional development (CPD)
  2. renew your registration annually.
  3. update some of your personal details when you need to.

Can I use my social work degree in America? ›

Currently, all 50 states recognize and regulate master's degree level practice, 35 states recognize and regulate baccalaureate level practice, a few states license at an associate level, and a small number offer more than four licensure categories.

What qualifications do you need to be a social worker UK? ›

To register with Social Work England, you first need to successfully complete an approved degree or postgraduate programme in social work.
...
Or you could have alternative qualifications, including:
  1. BTEC, HND or HNC.
  2. relevant NVQ.
  3. health- or social care-based access course.
  4. equivalent Scottish or Irish qualifications.

Can a foreigner be a social worker in USA? ›

Selective social work degree programs readily admit foreign degree holders who can demonstrate that they meet all of the academic admission requirements, including prior education.

How do I become a licensed social worker in New Zealand? ›

There are four pathways to registration: NZ social work qualification, recognised by the SWRB. Experience pathway: S13. Australian social work qualification, accredited by the AASW.
...
  1. Step 1: Check your eligibility. ...
  2. Step 2: Apply for registration. ...
  3. Step 3: apply for Practising Certificate.

Can UK social worker work abroad? ›

If you are thinking about practising as a social worker in another country, you will need to apply for registration in that country. You do not need to tell us if you are planning to practise as a social worker outside England, but please keep your contact details up-to-date on your online account.

What does international social workers do? ›

What does an international social worker do? International social workers provide resources, counseling, education and other forms of assistance to combat certain international issues, such as child labor, gender inequality, environmentally harmful development, poverty, wars and natural disasters.

Who is the mother of social work? ›

Known as the “mother” of social work, Jane Addams was the founder of Hull-House in Chicago.

Who is the father of social worker? ›

Social work grew out of social reform movements. One of the most important movements in the United States was the Settlement House Movement which was led by social reformer Jane Addams. Jane Addams is often given credit for being one of the founders of modern-day social work.

How much are social workers paid in Australia? ›

The average annual salary for Social Worker jobs in Australia ranges from $80,000 to $95,000.

What are the 7 roles of a social worker? ›

Responsibilities of a Social Worker
  • Assess Your Client. ...
  • Create and Implement A Treatment Plan. ...
  • Secure and Refer Needed Resources. ...
  • Evaluate and Monitor Improvement. ...
  • Serve as a Client's Advocate.

What do social workers earn in London? ›

The average salary for Social Worker is £43,950 per year in the London Area. The average additional cash compensation for a Social Worker in the London Area is £2,048, with a range from £598 - £7,011.

How much is a Social Worker paid in Germany? ›

The average salary for a Social Worker is €3,303 per month in Germany. The average Social Worker salary in Germany is €39,636 per year. Entry level Social Worker positions start at €30,000 per year. Experienced senior Social Worker positions can get up to €119,652 per year.

How much do social workers earn in France? ›

The average pay for a Social Worker is €35,419 a year and €17 an hour in France. The average salary range for a Social Worker is between €25,679 and €42,432.

How can a Social Worker move to Germany? ›

Documents required
  1. Application. ...
  2. Curriculum vitae. ...
  3. Identity document. ...
  4. Evidence of the intention to perform gainful activities in the State of Berlin. ...
  5. Evidence of your foreign professional qualification. ...
  6. Certificate of marriage, if applicable. ...
  7. Other evidence of work experience, if applicable.

Is social work a good career in the UK? ›

Starting salaries for social workers in the UK are very attractive. If you want to be a social worker, then a degree will put you in a better position for a strong starting salary. Depending on your position, you can expect an annual salary between 16,371 GBP and 25,111 GBP according to job hunt websites.

How much a social worker earns in UK? ›

How much does a Social worker make in United Kingdom? The average social worker salary in the United Kingdom is £37,747 per year or £19.36 per hour. Entry level positions start at £33,000 per year while most experienced workers make up to £62,400 per year.

Where do social workers get paid the most in Canada? ›

Highest paying cities for Social Workers near Canada
  • London, ON. $39.63 per hour. 66 salaries reported.
  • Toronto, ON. $39.43 per hour. 290 salaries reported.
  • Sarnia, ON. $34.29 per hour. 22 salaries reported.
  • Winnipeg, MB. $31.38 per hour. 188 salaries reported.
  • Vancouver, BC. $31.10 per hour. ...
  • Show more nearby cities.
5 days ago

Are social workers in demand in USA? ›

Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 9 percent from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.

What can you do after social work? ›

What can I do with my degree in Social Work?
  • Social Worker. ...
  • Care Home Manager. ...
  • Education Welfare Officer. ...
  • Family Support Worker. ...
  • Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner. ...
  • Probation Officer. ...
  • Youth Offending Team Officer. ...
  • Advice Worker.
5 Feb 2021

What are the 7 roles of a social worker? ›

Responsibilities of a Social Worker
  • Assess Your Client. ...
  • Create and Implement A Treatment Plan. ...
  • Secure and Refer Needed Resources. ...
  • Evaluate and Monitor Improvement. ...
  • Serve as a Client's Advocate.

What are some career opportunities for social workers? ›

10 career paths in social work
  • Therapist or counselor. ...
  • Medical social worker. ...
  • School social worker. ...
  • Hospice social worker. ...
  • Community outreach worker. ...
  • Human services specialist. ...
  • Probation officer. ...
  • Behavioral management aide.
2 Jun 2020

What type of social worker gets paid the most UK? ›

What's The Most A Social Worker Can Earn? Experienced Social Workers can often earn up to around £40,000 a year. But team managers and senior specialists can earn well in excess of this amount.

How much are social workers paid in Australia? ›

The average annual salary for Social Worker jobs in Australia ranges from $80,000 to $95,000.

What do social workers earn in London? ›

The average salary for Social Worker is £43,950 per year in the London Area. The average additional cash compensation for a Social Worker in the London Area is £2,048, with a range from £598 - £7,011.

What country needs social workers? ›

Throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, many citizens have faced long-term poverty, natural disasters, and a lack of access to quality healthcare. As a result, these countries need social workers in all types of fields.
...
Countries in need of social workers:
  • Venezuela.
  • Cuba.
  • El Salvador.
  • Puerto Rico.
  • Belize.

How much does a social worker earn per hour in Canada? ›

Social and community service workers (NOC 4212) usually earn between $16.00/hour and $34.19/hour in Canada.

How much does a social worker make per hour in Canada? ›

The average social worker salary in Canada is $59,866 per year or $30.70 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $40,559 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $82,103 per year.

What are the top 3 industries that employ social workers? ›

The highest paying industries for Social workers, by average wage, are Drugs, sundries, & chemical & allied products merchant wholesalers , Pharmaceutical & medicine manufacturing, and Architectural, engineering & related services.

Do social workers get paid well UK? ›

Salary. There are no fixed national salary scales, but salaries for newly qualified social workers are typically between £24,000 and £30,000 depending on the local authority and location. If your first job is within the NHS, you'll typically start on band 6 with a salary between £32,306 to £39,027.

What is the easiest social work job? ›

5 Easy Entry-Level Social Work Jobs
  • Group Home Workers.
  • Substance Abuse Counselors.
  • Community Social Workers.
  • Healthcare Social Workers.
  • Case Managers.

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