Counselor Jobs in Tennessee
Counselor jobs in Tennessee are in strong demand, concentrated in behavioral health, school systems, substance use treatment, and community mental health settings, with openings at every level from recent graduates to licensed clinical supervisors. Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville anchor most of the hiring, with major employers like Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and Centerstone maintaining consistent counselor needs across the state. The most in-demand specialties right now are substance use disorder counseling, school counseling, and mental health counseling. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
Columbia, TN
Spring Hill, TN
Department
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, MAURY COUNTY
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.
This position is designed as Hybrid (In office and Remote).
For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/VRCM_Maury_11226.pdf/jcr:content/renditions/original
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling
OR
Master's or doctoral degree in a related field of study with course content that emphasizes rehabilitation, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness, or human development AND
- Within 90 days of hire, must submit an educational plan for approval and apply for admission to an accredited university for enrollment of additionally required courses. Must enroll, at their own expense, in the following courses in accordance with their education plan: Professional Orientation & Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling, Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities, Theories & Techniques of Counseling, and satisfactorily complete all within thirty-six months from the date of hire. Current State employees must enroll in their first course in an academic semester beginning within the first six months of appointment. Newly hired employees must enroll no later than the first academic semester beginning after completion of six months of employment. OR
- Within 90 days of hire, submit a request for a pre-review, at their own expense, to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) that results in confirmation that they meet the eligibility criteria to test for the Certified Rehab Counselor Certification and provide official notification from the CRCC. OR
- Have an active Certified Rehab Counselor Certification from the CRCC.
Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:
- Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority.
- Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority.
- Supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI based criminal history records check.
- Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment in some positions.
- All individuals will be required to produce a transcript at the time of application, which verifies their degree and courses completed. As a condition of employment, individuals who do not have a master's in Rehabilitation Counseling will be required to complete additional requirements as outlined in the above minimum qualifications in the timeframes specified.
Overview
An employee in this class is responsible for providing services to individuals with disabilities in the selection, preparation for, and planning of an individual rehabilitation program and arranges services for customers. This class differs from that of a VR Field Supervisor in that an incumbent of the latter supervises employees within this classification. This class differs from that of a Voc Rehab Case Manager in that the latter coordinates comprehensive services and acts as a liaison and advocate for adult students in a residential vocational training facility.
Responsibilities
- Collects customer's medical and psychological information and determines their eligibility for services. Monitors local labor market trends to facilitate effective job placement and maximize employment outcomes.
- Conducts assessments to evaluate customer's skills, abilities, occupational interests, and goals. Reviews assessment data to identify appropriate goals and opportunities and directs them toward suitable employment opportunities.
- Uses counseling and guidance to interpret and explains medical, psychological, and vocational information to customers. Empowers customers to make informed decisions concerning their goals.
- Collaborates with customers to develop and implement personalized rehabilitation and employment plans that align with their vocational and employment goals. Evaluates customer's progress and employment readiness and amends plans as needed to ensure successful outcomes.
- Arranges appointments, training sessions, and assessments to facilitate customer participation in vocational programs. Requests authorizations for services provided and ensures vendors receive payment.
- Investigates complaints to resolve customer and employer concerns. Documents customer data, process case expenditures, and monitor case progress in case management systems.
- Educates employers and the public on rehabilitation services and the employment of individuals with disabilities and promotes qualified applicants to employers.
- Cultivates professional relationships with internal staff, vendors, school systems, agencies, institutions, employers, and community organizations to identify potential applicants or available resources and promote rehabilitation services.
Competencies (KSA's)
Competencies:
- Decision Quality
- Resourcefulness
- Communicates Effectively
- Instills Trust
- Situational Adaptability
Knowledges:
- Customer and Personal Service
Skills:
- Active Learning and Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
Abilities:
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Problem Sensitivity
- Originality
Tools & Equipment
- General Office Equipment
- Computer/Laptop/Tablet
- Multifunction Printer (print/copy/scan/fax)
- Cell Phone
Job Information
State of Tennessee Job Information
Columbia, TN
Spring Hill, TN
Department
LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES, MAURY COUNTY
This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.
This position is designed as Hybrid (In office and Remote).
For more information, visit the link below:
https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/VRCM_Maury_11226.pdf/jcr:content/renditions/original
Qualifications
Education and Experience: Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling
OR
Master's or doctoral degree in a related field of study with course content that emphasizes rehabilitation, counseling, disability, therapy, health, employment, wellness, or human development AND
- Within 90 days of hire, must submit an educational plan for approval and apply for admission to an accredited university for enrollment of additionally required courses. Must enroll, at their own expense, in the following courses in accordance with their education plan: Professional Orientation & Ethics in Rehabilitation Counseling, Medical & Psychosocial Aspects of Disabilities, Theories & Techniques of Counseling, and satisfactorily complete all within thirty-six months from the date of hire. Current State employees must enroll in their first course in an academic semester beginning within the first six months of appointment. Newly hired employees must enroll no later than the first academic semester beginning after completion of six months of employment. OR
- Within 90 days of hire, submit a request for a pre-review, at their own expense, to the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC) that results in confirmation that they meet the eligibility criteria to test for the Certified Rehab Counselor Certification and provide official notification from the CRCC. OR
- Have an active Certified Rehab Counselor Certification from the CRCC.
Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must:
- Complete a criminal history disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority.
- Agree to release all records involving their criminal history to the appointing authority.
- Supply a fingerprint sample prescribed by the TBI based criminal history records check.
- Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license at the time of appointment in some positions.
- All individuals will be required to produce a transcript at the time of application, which verifies their degree and courses completed. As a condition of employment, individuals who do not have a master's in Rehabilitation Counseling will be required to complete additional requirements as outlined in the above minimum qualifications in the timeframes specified.
Overview
An employee in this class is responsible for providing services to individuals with disabilities in the selection, preparation for, and planning of an individual rehabilitation program and arranges services for customers. This class differs from that of a VR Field Supervisor in that an incumbent of the latter supervises employees within this classification. This class differs from that of a Voc Rehab Case Manager in that the latter coordinates comprehensive services and acts as a liaison and advocate for adult students in a residential vocational training facility.
Responsibilities
- Collects customer's medical and psychological information and determines their eligibility for services. Monitors local labor market trends to facilitate effective job placement and maximize employment outcomes.
- Conducts assessments to evaluate customer's skills, abilities, occupational interests, and goals. Reviews assessment data to identify appropriate goals and opportunities and directs them toward suitable employment opportunities.
- Uses counseling and guidance to interpret and explains medical, psychological, and vocational information to customers. Empowers customers to make informed decisions concerning their goals.
- Collaborates with customers to develop and implement personalized rehabilitation and employment plans that align with their vocational and employment goals. Evaluates customer's progress and employment readiness and amends plans as needed to ensure successful outcomes.
- Arranges appointments, training sessions, and assessments to facilitate customer participation in vocational programs. Requests authorizations for services provided and ensures vendors receive payment.
- Investigates complaints to resolve customer and employer concerns. Documents customer data, process case expenditures, and monitor case progress in case management systems.
- Educates employers and the public on rehabilitation services and the employment of individuals with disabilities and promotes qualified applicants to employers.
- Cultivates professional relationships with internal staff, vendors, school systems, agencies, institutions, employers, and community organizations to identify potential applicants or available resources and promote rehabilitation services.
Competencies (KSA's)
Competencies:
- Decision Quality
- Resourcefulness
- Communicates Effectively
- Instills Trust
- Situational Adaptability
Knowledges:
- Customer and Personal Service
Skills:
- Active Learning and Listening
- Complex Problem Solving
- Critical Thinking
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Time Management
Abilities:
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Problem Sensitivity
- Originality
Tools & Equipment
- General Office Equipment
- Computer/Laptop/Tablet
- Multifunction Printer (print/copy/scan/fax)
- Cell Phone
See All 88 Counselor Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Counselor JobsCounselor Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Counselor Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Youth Villages16
- Tennessee State Government7
- Behavioral Health5
- Crossroads3
- Mental Health Cooperative3
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in counselor jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Tennessee licensure such as LPC, LCSW, or LADAC issued by the state
- Master's degree in counseling, social work, or a closely related field
- Supervised clinical hours meeting Tennessee licensure board requirements
- Experience with evidence-based modalities such as CBT or motivational interviewing
- Proficiency in electronic health record systems used in behavioral health settings
- Valid Tennessee background check clearance for work with vulnerable populations
Counselor Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a counselor in Tennessee?
Most counseling roles in Tennessee require licensure through the Tennessee Department of Health's Board for Professional Counselors, Marital and Family Therapists, and Clinical Pastoral Therapists. The Licensed Professional Counselor credential requires a master's degree in counseling or a related field, completion of supervised clinical hours, and passing the National Counselor Examination. Substance use counselors may pursue the LADAC credential through the state's alcohol and drug abuse counselor board. School counselors are licensed separately through the Tennessee Department of Education.
Which companies hire counselors in Tennessee?
Employers hiring counselors in Tennessee right now include Youth Villages, Tennessee State Government, and Behavioral Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 2026. Tennessee's large nonprofit behavioral health networks, hospital systems, and county school districts consistently post counselor openings throughout the year.
Which Tennessee cities have the most counselor jobs?
Nashville, Knoxville, and Memphis have the most counselor openings in Tennessee. Nashville leads because of its dense concentration of hospital systems, community mental health centers, and private practices, while Memphis and Knoxville are home to large academic medical centers and regional behavioral health organizations that drive consistent hiring in surrounding suburban and rural communities.
Are there remote counselor jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they are less common than in purely desk-based fields because counseling work often involves in-person client sessions. About 38% of counselor openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of October 2026, with telehealth platforms and employee assistance program roles being the most consistently remote-eligible positions in the field.
How can I get hired as a counselor in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for associate or intern counselor roles while completing the supervised hours required for Tennessee licensure. Large employers like Centerstone and Volunteer Behavioral Health offer structured internship and post-graduate residency tracks for candidates still accumulating hours. Entry-level case manager and crisis specialist positions at Tennessee community mental health centers are also strong starting points, since they count toward licensure supervision and build clinical experience alongside credentialed staff.
Where can I find and apply to counselor jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to counselor jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state. Search for roles that match your license level, specialty, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 88 Counselor Jobs in Tennessee
Find roles in Tennessee that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Counselor Jobs