Clinical Lead Jobs in Tennessee
Clinical Lead jobs in Tennessee are in strong demand, concentrated in health system administration, behavioral health, home health, and outpatient care, with openings at every level from newly promoted team lead through senior clinical director. The largest hiring activity is in Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, where anchor employers such as HCA Healthcare, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and Tennova Healthcare consistently staff clinical lead roles across multiple service lines. Behavioral health leadership, care coordination, and population health management are among the most sought-after specializations across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to serve as the Startup Clinical Lead / Clinical Director Track. This leadership role involves overseeing clinical operations, providing mental health services, and supervising social service program staff. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in clinical social work, mental health counseling, and working with individuals with substance use disorders, while also demonstrating strong leadership in social services administration. This position offers an opportunity to shape innovative mental health programs within a dynamic startup environment, ensuring high-quality care and effective team management.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct mental health services, including mental health counseling and health services social work, to diverse client populations.
- Supervise and support social service program staff, ensuring adherence to clinical standards and best practices.
- Lead clinical supervision efforts, mentoring team members to develop their skills and maintain quality care delivery.
- Work closely with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, developing tailored treatment plans and interventions.
- Collaborate with families to facilitate engagement and support throughout the treatment process.
- Oversee the implementation and utilization of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) / Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems for documentation and reporting purposes.
- Lead the development and administration of social service programs, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and organizational goals.
- Foster a collaborative team environment focused on continuous improvement in clinical practice and client outcomes.
- Stay informed about current trends in mental health services, social work practices, and healthcare regulations to ensure program excellence.
Experience
- Licensed as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with current certification/license in good standing.
- Proven experience in clinical social work, particularly within mental health services and health services social work settings.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in social services administration or supervisory roles overseeing clinical staff or programs.
- Extensive experience working with individuals with substance use disorders, including developing treatment plans and conducting counseling sessions.
- Strong background in mental health counseling, with the ability to manage complex cases involving diverse populations.
- Experience working directly with families to provide support and facilitate treatment engagement.
- Familiarity with EMR/EHR systems for documentation, data tracking, and reporting purposes.
This role offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned social work professional to lead innovative mental health initiatives within a startup environment while making a meaningful impact on clients' lives through compassionate care and effective leadership.
Pay: From $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience in working in a Treatment Center Facility for Substance Use and Mental Health?
Experience:
- JCAHO Accredited Facility: 3 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Licensed Certified Social Worker (Required)
Work Location: In person
See All 12 Clinical Lead Jobs in Tennessee
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Find Clinical Lead JobsClinical Lead Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Lead Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring


Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Insurance
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical lead jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Tennessee licensure in a relevant clinical discipline such as RN, LPC, or LCSW
- Bachelor's degree or higher in nursing, social work, psychology, or a related clinical field
- Minimum two to three years of direct patient care or clinical practice experience
- Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, or leading clinical staff teams
- Proficiency with electronic health record systems such as Epic or Meditech
- Strong knowledge of Joint Commission standards and Tennessee Department of Health regulations
Clinical Lead Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical lead in Tennessee?
The path depends on your clinical background, but most clinical leads in Tennessee hold an active state license from the Tennessee Department of Health, the Tennessee Board of Nursing, or the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, depending on their discipline. Employers typically expect a bachelor's degree at minimum and several years of frontline clinical experience before considering candidates for lead roles. Earning a specialty certification and completing any required continuing education through your Tennessee licensing board strengthens your candidacy considerably.
Which companies hire clinical leads in Tennessee?
Employers hiring clinical leads in Tennessee right now include Ascension, American Heart Association, and AWAREMED, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Tennessee's large integrated health systems and behavioral health networks drive consistent demand, particularly for leads who can manage cross-functional teams across multiple clinic sites.
Which Tennessee cities have the most clinical lead jobs?
Tennessee, Nashville, and Johnson City have the most clinical lead openings in Tennessee right now. Nashville dominates because it serves as the headquarters for several of the country's largest for-profit hospital systems, while Memphis anchors major academic medical and regional safety-net hiring, and Knoxville reflects sustained growth in outpatient and behavioral health networks serving East Tennessee's expanding population.
Are there remote clinical lead jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're rare. Clinical lead roles are largely on-site by nature because they involve direct staff oversight, patient rounding, and hands-on quality management. About 60% of clinical lead openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, and those positions tend to sit in care management, utilization review, or telehealth program leadership rather than in facility-based clinical operations.
How can I get hired as a clinical lead in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point is applying for a charge nurse, senior clinician, or team coordinator role at a large Tennessee health system, then building toward a lead title from within. HCA Healthcare and Vanderbilt University Medical Center both run structured new-graduate and clinical ladder programs in Tennessee that create a progression path. Earning your Tennessee state license early, completing a specialty certification, and volunteering for preceptor or committee work signals readiness before you have a formal lead title on your resume.
Where can I find and apply to clinical lead jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to clinical lead jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings updated regularly. Search by city, specialty, or experience level to narrow the results to roles that match your background, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 12 Clinical Lead Jobs in Tennessee
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