In many ways, Peoria is the quintessential midwestern city. While its location along the Illinois River lends it a quaint, scenic quality, its population of about 110,000 people supports a robust economy and local culture. Whether you want to tour a historic distillery or need specialized medical treatment, Peoria is the place to be.
But life in a quintessential midwestern city isn’t all brunch and farmer’s markets. Like other cities across the region, Peoria’s history is marred with economic hardships and racial disparities that affect life in the city to this day.
Fortunately, Peoria is home to organizations that tackle these issues head-on and social workers are central to everything they do. Learning about salaries and career opportunities for social workers in Peoria is the first step to joining them.
Social Work Jobs in Peoria, IL
While Peoria is much smaller than Chicago, its social service network is surprisingly large. The city’s main government social service provider is the Peoria County branch of the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS). They have divisions dedicated to child welfare, supporting people with disabilities, healthcare assistance, and more.
Additionally, the Heart of Illinois United Way is headquartered in Peoria and is one of central Illinois’ biggest social service providers. They fund local food banks, education initiatives, and other community-based organizations. If you’re looking for social worker jobs in Peoria, IL, United Way and their partner organizations could be a valuable resource.
But social work jobs in Peoria, IL, don’t end with these agencies. In the following sections, we’ll cover some of the city’s most unique opportunities for social service professionals, the problems they’re committed to solving, and what agencies often employ them.
Homeless Outreach Social Worker and Other Poverty-related Roles
According to the US Census Bureau, almost 20% of Peoria residents live below the federal poverty line. For context, the poverty rate for the nation as a whole is about 12%.
Bringing equity to this struggling community requires a diverse team. Some social work jobs in Peoria in this specialty include:
- Homeless outreach social worker.
- Housing specialist.
- Family welfare worker.
- Community health specialist.
- Career counselor.
- Volunteer coordinator or manager.
These types of roles can be found in a wide range of agencies. The DHS, the Peoria Housing Authority, and local charities all employ people who combat poverty in the community. But given how widespread the issue is, just about any social work job in Peoria will likely involve serving the city’s homeless and those teetering on the edge.
Police Social Worker
After the Illinois General Assembly authorized the creation of emergency social service response programs, cities across the state formed their own. As of early 2024, Peoria’s Co-Responder Social Services Unit is still a work in progress. However, local news outlets report that the city is hiring forensic social workers to fill the unit’s ranks.
The Peoria Co-Responder Social Services Unit is a collaboration between Peoria PD, addiction recovery center Trillium Place, and Carle Health (one of the area’s biggest healthcare networks). Members of the unit will be dispatched to diffuse fragile situations after law enforcement has already arrived. The hope is that these professionals can help vulnerable members of the community find help instead of being arrested when possible.
Not all forensic social workers work for police departments, though. Many work for courts, law offices, and similar organizations as victims’ rights advocates and counselors.
Military Social Worker
After returning home, veterans face unique battles. Many suffer from PTSD, have trouble finding employment and housing, and struggle to adjust to civilian life. But despite being entitled to benefits, countless veterans get stuck in a hopelessly tangled web of bureaucracy. Fortunately, Peoria is equipped to navigate these issues.
At the Peoria Vet Center, veterans can receive no-cost counseling and other support. Those with specialized healthcare needs can visit the Bob Michel VA Outpatient Clinic. And through the Veterans Assistance Commission of Peoria County, vets who fall through the cracks of the VA system can get assistance from informed advocates as well as emergency financial aid. Military social work jobs in Peoria can be found through these agencies and charities like Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Social Justice Social Worker
While Peoria’s problems affect every member of the community, some groups are more vulnerable than others. For instance, while poverty is a widespread issue, the county government reports that 36% of black residents live below the poverty line. The report also highlights racial inequities in education, housing, and healthcare access.
Racial justice social work jobs in Peoria can be found through many kinds of agencies. The county government’s website lists partners like the NAACP of Peoria, multiple community centers, and the local chapter of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). These organizations each have their own role in closing Peoria’s racial gap, but everyone in the social service workforce can make a difference.
Other Social Work Jobs in Peoria, IL
Our list of social service roles in Peoria is by no means exhaustive. Like other cities, Peoria is home to hundreds of social workers in different specialties.
If you want to become a social worker in Peoria, you may also want to consider a role as a:
- School social worker. Peoria Public Schools employs about 2,700 people to serve the 13,000 students enrolled in the system. In addition to supporting students, teachers, and families, school social workers are also instrumental to addressing the community’s issues with poverty and racial inequity.
- Healthcare social worker. Headquartered in Peoria, OSF Healthcare is one of the region’s biggest employers meaning the city may have some dynamic opportunities for healthcare social workers. But no matter what provider you work for, you’ll be a valuable resource for patients suffering from chronic disorders, struggling financially, or who just need some emotional support.
- Mental health and substance abuse social workers. While Peoria is home to many mental health and substance abuse support organizations, the Tri-County Illinois branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is based in the city. Like United Way, NAMI supports local agencies and connects Peoria residents to services that could very well save their lives.
In this vast network, social service professionals have room to explore different aspects of their careers and find niches they’re passionate about.
Social Work Salaries in Peoria, IL
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that Peoria is home to just under 1,000 social workers. Their average salary ranges between $46,080 and $61,530 depending on specialty. However, not every social worker’s pay falls into this range.
According to BLS data, Peoria’s most well-paid social workers make $20,000 to $30,000 more than average. Many of these professionals have advanced degrees like Masters of Social Work (MSWs) and years of experience. Some are also Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) in high-level frontline or administrative positions. Your own salary potential may vary based on education, location, employer, and other factors.
Social Work Specialty | 10% | 25% | 50% (Median) | 75% | 90% |
Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $38,570 | $39,970 | $46,840 | $58,130 | $73,310 |
Healthcare Social Workers | $32,710 | $32,710 | $47,700 | $60,010 | $74,180 |
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $38,390 | $38,390 | $38,390 | $47,610 | $60,430 |
Social Workers (All Other) | $36,630 | $46,450 | $50,800 | $76,340 | $92,580 |
Table data taken from 2022 BLS reports for Peoria.
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures for child, family, and school social workers, healthcare social workers, mental health and substance abuse social workers, and social workers (all other) are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed February 2024.