Clinical Social Worker Jobs in Tennessee
Clinical Social Worker jobs in Tennessee are in steady demand, with openings concentrated in community mental health centers, hospital systems, and child welfare agencies and opportunities ranging from entry-level case management to senior clinical director roles. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville account for the largest share of hiring, where employers such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Centerstone, and Saint Thomas Health consistently bring on clinical social workers. The most sought-after specialties in Tennessee right now are behavioral health, substance use disorder treatment, and school-based services. 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 21 Clinical Social Worker Jobs in Tennessee
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Find Clinical Social Worker JobsClinical Social Worker Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Clinical Social Worker Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in clinical social worker jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Tennessee LCSW or LMSW license issued by the Tennessee Board of Social Work Examiners
- Master of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program required
- Minimum two years of post-graduate supervised clinical experience for licensure-level roles
- Experience delivering individual and group therapy using evidence-based treatment models
- Proficiency with electronic health records systems such as Epic or Cerner
- Ability to conduct psychosocial assessments, crisis intervention, and treatment planning
Clinical Social Worker Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a clinical social worker in Tennessee?
You become a clinical social worker in Tennessee by earning a Master of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program, completing supervised post-graduate hours, and passing the clinical-level ASWB exam, then applying to the Tennessee Board of Social Work Examiners for your Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential. The board requires a set number of supervised hours under a qualified supervisor before you can sit for the clinical exam. Completing a field placement at a Tennessee community mental health or hospital setting during your MSW strengthens your application.
Which companies hire clinical social workers in Tennessee?
Employers hiring clinical social workers in Tennessee right now include Exceptional Living Centers, Valor Healthcare, and LifeStance Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Tennessee's large integrated health systems, community mental health networks, and state child welfare agencies are among the most consistent sources of full-time clinical social worker openings across the state.
Which Tennessee cities have the most clinical social worker jobs?
Tennessee, Brentwood, and Crossville have the most clinical social worker openings in Tennessee. Nashville leads because of its concentration of major hospital systems, behavioral health organizations, and state agency offices, while Memphis and Knoxville anchor hiring in their regions through large medical centers and community mental health providers that serve both urban and surrounding rural populations.
Are there remote clinical social worker jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're less common than in desk-based fields because much of the work involves in-person assessment, crisis intervention, and direct client contact. About 40% of clinical social worker openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting a growing but still limited telehealth segment. Outpatient therapy and some care coordination roles are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid scheduling.
How can I get hired as a clinical social worker in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is securing a supervised clinical position while completing your post-graduate hours toward LCSW licensure, often starting as a Licensed Master Social Worker. Large Tennessee employers such as Centerstone, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and the Tennessee Department of Children's Services regularly hire MSW graduates for case management, crisis services, and outpatient therapy associate roles that count toward licensure hours. Moving from adjacent roles such as mental health technician or case coordinator is also a common stepping stone, and having your LMSW in hand before applying gives you a clear edge.
Where can I find and apply to clinical social worker jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to clinical social worker jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current Tennessee openings updated regularly. Search the listings for roles that match your license level, specialty, and preferred city, then apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 21 Clinical Social Worker Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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