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Social Worker - MSW

GHR HealthcarePalo Alto, CATravel
Agency
GHR Healthcare
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Job type
Travel
Profession
Social Worker / Counselor
Industry
Nursing & Healthcare
Posted
Sep 23, 2026

Pay breakdown

Hourly
$56.08
Weekly
$2,243
Yearly (full-time)
$116,636
Contract length
13 weeks
Start date
January 4, 2027

This job pays about $56.08/hour — 30% above the median for Social Worker / Counselor jobs in California ($43.11/hour). The total includes tax-free housing and meal stipends, which staff jobs don't pay, so take-home pay is usually higher than the hourly figure suggests.

Estimated from the weekly pay in the listing, 40 hours a week; yearly = 52 weeks. Median wage: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.

Social Worker / Counselor jobs in California right now

  • 22 open Social Worker / Counselor jobs in California from 4 agencies.
  • Pay in these listings: $49.55 – $160/hour, median $64.40/hour.
  • Typical Social Worker / Counselor pay in California: $43.11/hour ($89,669/year, BLS).
  • Highest median pay: Health Advocates Network ($121/hour across 10 jobs).

All Social Worker / Counselor jobs in California →

Job description

Social Worker - MSW Travel Assignment in Palo Alto, California

Join a patient-centered pediatric healthcare team in Palo Alto, CA as a Social Worker - MSW on a 13-week on-site travel assignment. This is an excellent opportunity for a compassionate medical social worker who thrives in collaborative clinical settings, supports children and families through complex psychosocial needs, and values meaningful hands-on work in healthcare.

Located in the heart of Palo Alto, this Bay Area opportunity offers access to one of Northern California’s most desirable communities, known for its tree-lined neighborhoods, vibrant dining and cultural scene, and convenient access to Silicon Valley and outdoor recreation.

Job Details

  • Position: Social Worker - MSW
  • Assignment Type: Travel Assignment
  • Setting: On-site pediatric healthcare environment
  • Location: Palo Alto, California
  • Start Date: January 4, 2027
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • Schedule: 5 shifts per week, 8-hour day shifts
  • Weekly Hours: 40
  • Estimated Weekly Pay: $2,243 - $2,492
  • Employment Type: W2

Job Requirements

  • Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from a CSWE-accredited program or an equivalent approved pathway
  • At least 1 year of experience in medical social work, case management, behavioral health, or a related clinical setting
  • Strong knowledge of psychosocial assessment, counseling techniques, and community social services resources
  • Ability to manage a caseload, maintain confidentiality, and respond effectively in urgent or stressful situations
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including documentation and patient hand-offs
  • Experience working collaboratively with interdisciplinary healthcare teams
  • Understanding of family dynamics, child development, and the impact of illness or injury on patients and caregivers

Responsibilities

  • Complete psychosocial assessments to identify patient and family needs, barriers to care, and support resources
  • Develop and implement individualized psychosocial treatment plans in collaboration with the care team
  • Provide supportive counseling, grief counseling, crisis intervention, and psychoeducation to patients and families
  • Coordinate referrals to specialty services, community resources, entitlement programs, and other support systems
  • Document care accurately in the electronic medical record and provide clear written and verbal updates
  • Participate in interdisciplinary rounds, team conferences, and continuity-of-care planning
  • Help patients and families navigate illness, treatment changes, and transitions in care
  • Contribute to quality improvement efforts and support social work best practices across the care setting

Apply now to join a collaborative pediatric healthcare team in Palo Alto, California and make a meaningful impact as a Social Worker - MSW.

Benefits

401K with Matching, Healthcare, Dental and Vision

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity across our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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