Library Social Worker

Salt Lake City Public Library; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 69,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Health and life insurance

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Salt Lake City Public Library is seeking a Social Worker (CSW or LCSW) for its Salt Lake City location. The role focuses on outreach, direct services, crisis intervention, and collaboration with community agencies to support patrons in need.

The position requires an MSW and Utah licensure (CSW or LCSW), with at least one year of direct service experience and strong cultural competency. On-site, full-time work with comprehensive benefits is provided.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) required.
• Current Utah CSW or LCSW licensure required.
• At least 1 year direct service experience with at-risk populations.
• Knowledge of local social services and resources.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct social services and crisis intervention within the library.
• Coordinate with community agencies and library teams to connect patrons with services.
• Develop psychoeducational programming and staff training.
• Document case notes and outcomes; track services provided.

Skills

Community Resources

Crisis Intervention

Direct Services

Case Management

Cultural Competency

Communication Skills

Technology Proficiency

Team Collaboration

Education

MSW Degree

Utah CSW/LCSW Licensure

Job description

Library Social Worker (CSW or LCSW) needed for a Salt Lake City public library. **Salary: ** CSW (Grade 17): Starting at $31.36/hour ($65,228.80 annually); LCSW (Grade 18): Starting at $33.35/hour ($69,368.00 annually) Dependent on experience. **Posted: ** July 31, 2026 **Closes: ** Priority is given to candidates that apply before August 14, 2026. **FLSA Status: ** Full-time/ Exempt **About the Position** The City Library has an exciting opportunity to grow its Social Services team. This team will address immediate needs of library patrons who are in need of social services, provide crisis de‑escalation, and provide training for staff. The Social Worker will collaborate with community agencies providing services within the library, as well as with other library teams/departments. The Social Worker will work under the direction of the Social Services Coordinator. **Core Responsibilities**

• **Direct Services. ** Identifies and engages with individuals who may benefit from social service support through outreach, direct observation, or referral by Library staff/Safety team. Evaluates individuals' needs through an intake assessment; needs may include but are not limited to housing, mental health, primary care, substance use, light case management, etc. Develops rapport and strives to establish and maintain positive professional relationships with patrons. Provides short‑term case management for individuals who require it. Provides current and relevant information and referral to patrons in need of services. Provides crisis intervention and Library suspension diversion, as necessary. Develops and facilitates psychoeducational programming to patrons of all ages. Engages in conflict resolution, as needed.
• **Professionalism. ** Demonstrates professionalism by adhering to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. Enters data in a timely manner, including relevant case notes. Completes Consent for Services and Release of Information with each patron engaged in ongoing services other than outreach. Prepares reports on services provided which may include statistics, outcomes, and impacts. Maintains positive working relationships with Library staff and community partners. Demonstrates prompt, predictable, and regular attendance. Completes required trainings in a timely manner. Takes direction from Social Work Specialist, Director of Safety & Social Services, and other Library staff when appropriate.
• **Cultivating Relationships: ** Contributes to a positive work environment by being helpful, respectful, and approachable to both staff, the public, and our partner agencies. Serves as a resource and model to Library staff in working effectively with patrons experiencing life challenges. Collaborates with the Safety team in working with patrons. Provides consultation to Library staff, as needed, in regard to issues relating to social service needs of patrons.
• **Staff Professional Development.** Works with the Director of Safety & Social Services to provide training relevant to social services needs, including working with mental health issues and vulnerable populations. Assesses and recommends training opportunities to support staff work.
• **Other duties as assigned.**

**Minimum Qualifications**

• Masters Degree in Social Work
• Current Licensure with the State of Utah as either a Certified Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
• At least one year experience providing direct service to at-risk, marginalized individuals.
• Knowledge of community resources and social service agencies serving the Salt Lake Valley.
• Knowledge of and ability to use current technology and ability to adapt to new technologies.
• Ability to plan and present groups/programs for all ages.
• Demonstrated commitment to developing and contributing to an inclusive and equitable work environment.
• Demonstrated commitme t to integrating cultural competency practices into daily work.
• Demonstrated ability to positively work with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• Superior organizational skills, time management skills, and detail orientation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Required to maintain professional knowledge, skills and licensure.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with staff, partners, community members, and the public.
• If travel is required for library purposes, must have transportation. If using a personal vehicle, must maintain state required insurance.
• Ability and stamina to physically perform all of the necessary tasks assigned to the position which may include long periods of sitting, standing, and moving throughout the Library and its grounds.
• Ability to work in a noisy and stressful environment.
• Ability and initiative to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to use sound judgment to effectively problem‑solve.

**Preferred Qualifications**

• Spanish language and/or other non-English language skills.
• A robust network of positive relationships throughout Salt Lake City.
• Experience with library operations, programs, and services.

**Working Environment**

• Work is performed in a busy, urban public library environment.
• Subject to repetitive movement. May be subject to standing or sitting for extended periods of time.
• Considerable exposure to stressful situations as a result of human behaviors.
• Subject to intermittent periods of inclement weather when participating in library outreach programs.

**Schedule**

• Full-time, 40 hours per week. Schedule is typically Monday - Friday, 9am to 6pm, with flexibility to provide services during the evenings or on weekends, if needed. Due to the nature of this position, working on‑site in a library location will be required.

**Other Information**

• Completion of criminal background check will be required if the candidate is over eighteen (18) years of age.
• The City Library participates in the federal Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify). Employment is contingent upon confirmation of your employment eligibility through the E-verify system.
• The City Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

**Compensation**

• Certified Social Worker (CSW): Candidates hired with a current Utah Certified Social Worker (CSW) license will be hired as a CSW Social Worker at Grade 17. The starting rate is $31.36 per hour ($65,228.80 annually). Placement within the grade may be above the minimum dependent upon experience.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Candidates hired with a current Utah Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license will be hired as an LCSW Social Worker at Grade 18. The starting rate is $33.35 per hour ($69,368.00 annually). Placement within the grade may be above the minimum dependent upon experience.
• Career Progression: A CSW Social Worker who obtains a Utah Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license while employed in this position will automatically be reclassified to the LCSW Social Worker position at Grade 18, effective in accordance with Library policy. The employee will not be required to apply or compete for the position.

• This is a full-time position and includes excellent benefits, including paid vacation, health and life insurance, and retirement benefits.