Psychiatric Social Worker Jobs
Psychiatric Social Worker jobs are open across hospitals, community mental health centers, correctional facilities, and schools, at every level from entry-level associate to licensed clinical supervisor, with specializations in crisis intervention, substance use treatment, and child and adolescent mental health. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
Find JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 42+ Psychiatric Social Worker jobs
Job Posting: Supervising Social Worker
Department of State Hospitals
SUPERVISING PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER I
$8,881.00 - $11,048.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 10/6/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under general direction, to provide supervision to the Clinical Social Worker (Health Facility-Safety), working with and on behalf of mentally and emotionally disturbed, mentally deficient or physically disabled patients in a State institution or in a clinic or assigned district and where there is no higher level psychiatric social work supervisor, to plan, organize, and direct the psychiatric social work program; and do other related work.
**For more information regarding the duties for this particular classification, please refer to the Duty Statement attached to this Job Bulletin**
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
The employee is required to work any shift and schedule in a variety of settings throughout the hospital and may be required to work overtime and float to other work locations as determined by the operational needs of the hospital. All employees are required to have an annual health review and repeat health reviews whenever necessary to ascertain that they are free from symptoms indicating the presence of infection and are able to safely perform their essential job duties.
Position Details
Department Information
DSH-Coalinga opened in 2005 and began treating forensically committed patients, mostly of which are sexually violent predators. It is a self-contained psychiatric hospital constructed with a security perimeter. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) provides perimeter security as well as transportation of patients to outside medical services and court proceedings.
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
To be considered for this Job Opportunity, applicants must have permanent civil service status, be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ELIGIBILITY, YOU MUST TAKE THE EXAM.
Please visit the CalHR website to find information on the Supervising Psychiatric Social Worker I Exam (Exams scores must be posted before the Final Filing Date).
The Exam Bulletin is located on the CalCareer Website:
https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1316
All state civil service employees are currently subject to a mandatory Personal Leave
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 10/6/2026Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Desirable Qualifications
Knowledge of SVP Commitments (WIC 6600), PC 2684 and PC 2972 Commitments.
Knowledge of DSM-IV TR and DM V based mental illnesses and evidence based skills/interventions
Benefits
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Cassandra Leon
(559) 935-7138
cassandra.leon@dsh.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:Natalie Osekowsky
(559) 935-7215
natalie.osekowsky@dsh.ca.gov
Lateral Transfer Candidates
Employees applying for the positon who wish to be considered on a transfer basis must meet the minimum qualifications for the classification per DPA Rule 250. You may be required to provide copies of your Training and Development Assignment or Out of Class Experience verification (approved and documented in your departments Personnel Office)), college transcripts or a copy of your degree if applicable
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Job Posting: Supervising Social Worker
Department of State Hospitals
SUPERVISING PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER I
$8,881.00 - $11,048.00 per Month
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
Final Filing Date: 10/6/2026
Job Description and Duties
Under general direction, to provide supervision to the Clinical Social Worker (Health Facility-Safety), working with and on behalf of mentally and emotionally disturbed, mentally deficient or physically disabled patients in a State institution or in a clinic or assigned district and where there is no higher level psychiatric social work supervisor, to plan, organize, and direct the psychiatric social work program; and do other related work.
**For more information regarding the duties for this particular classification, please refer to the Duty Statement attached to this Job Bulletin**
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement.
Working Conditions
The employee is required to work any shift and schedule in a variety of settings throughout the hospital and may be required to work overtime and float to other work locations as determined by the operational needs of the hospital. All employees are required to have an annual health review and repeat health reviews whenever necessary to ascertain that they are free from symptoms indicating the presence of infection and are able to safely perform their essential job duties.
Position Details
Department Information
DSH-Coalinga opened in 2005 and began treating forensically committed patients, mostly of which are sexually violent predators. It is a self-contained psychiatric hospital constructed with a security perimeter. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) provides perimeter security as well as transportation of patients to outside medical services and court proceedings.
Special Requirements
- The position(s) require(s) a Drug Screening be passed prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) a Background Investigation be cleared prior to being hired.
- The position(s) require(s) Medical Clearance prior to being hired.
To be considered for this Job Opportunity, applicants must have permanent civil service status, be reachable on an employment list, have transfer eligibility, or have reinstatement eligibility. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE ELIGIBILITY, YOU MUST TAKE THE EXAM.
Please visit the CalHR website to find information on the Supervising Psychiatric Social Worker I Exam (Exams scores must be posted before the Final Filing Date).
The Exam Bulletin is located on the CalCareer Website:
https://calcareers.ca.gov/CalHrPublic/Exams/ExamBulletin.aspx?ExamControlId=1316
All state civil service employees are currently subject to a mandatory Personal Leave
Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 10/6/2026Who May Apply
Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is optional. It may be included, but is not required.
Desirable Qualifications
Knowledge of SVP Commitments (WIC 6600), PC 2684 and PC 2972 Commitments.
Knowledge of DSM-IV TR and DM V based mental illnesses and evidence based skills/interventions
Benefits
Contact Information
The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Cassandra Leon
(559) 935-7138
cassandra.leon@dsh.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:Natalie Osekowsky
(559) 935-7215
natalie.osekowsky@dsh.ca.gov
Lateral Transfer Candidates
Employees applying for the positon who wish to be considered on a transfer basis must meet the minimum qualifications for the classification per DPA Rule 250. You may be required to provide copies of your Training and Development Assignment or Out of Class Experience verification (approved and documented in your departments Personnel Office)), college transcripts or a copy of your degree if applicable
Equal Opportunity Employer
The State of California is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.
It is an objective of the State of California to achieve a drug-free work place. Any applicant for state employment will be expected to behave in accordance with this objective because the use of illegal drugs is inconsistent with the law of the State, the rules governing Civil Service, and the special trust placed in public servants.
Psychiatric Social Worker Jobs by Experience Level
See All 42 Psychiatric Social Worker Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsPsychiatric Social Worker Job Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
- Science & Research
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in psychiatric social worker jobs.
- Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- Active LMSW or LCSW licensure in the state of employment
- Experience conducting biopsychosocial assessments and individual therapy
- Proficiency with electronic health records such as Epic or Credible
- Knowledge of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and treatment planning
- Crisis intervention training including safety planning and de-escalation techniques
Tips for Your Psychiatric Social Worker Job Search
Tailor your licensure to each listing
Job postings distinguish between LMSW and LCSW requirements, and some require both. Check each listing carefully and list your exact license abbreviation, state, and expiration date prominently at the top of your resume so hiring managers don't have to hunt for it.
Document supervised clinical hours precisely
Many psychiatric social worker postings require a specific number of post-degree supervised hours. List the total hours completed, the supervision format, and your supervisor's credential type on your resume. Vague descriptions like 'extensive clinical experience' won't satisfy screeners who need a number.
Target settings that match your population focus
Inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient community clinics, and forensic settings each favor different clinical competencies. Filter your job search by setting type before applying so your cover letter can speak directly to the patient population and documentation systems that employer uses.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists psychiatric social worker openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for scenario-based interview questions
Psychiatric social worker interviews routinely include crisis simulation questions, such as how you would manage a patient expressing active suicidal ideation. Rehearse structured responses using a real case from your supervised experience, focusing on risk assessment steps and interdisciplinary coordination rather than just your emotional reaction.
Negotiate continuing education support upfront
License renewal in most states requires a set number of continuing education units, and employers vary widely on whether they cover those costs. Ask during the offer stage whether CE reimbursement, supervision hours toward licensure upgrade, and paid conference days are included before you compare compensation packages.
Psychiatric Social Worker Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most psychiatric social workers?
The companies hiring the most psychiatric social workers right now include County of Los Angeles, California Correctional Health Care Services, and UC Health, with the largest share of openings in New York, Ohio, and California, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Health systems, community behavioral health organizations, and correctional health contractors consistently post the highest volume of openings nationwide.
How many psychiatric social worker jobs are remote?
About 0% of psychiatric social worker openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting broader adoption of telehealth across behavioral health settings. Outpatient therapy, care coordination, and utilization review roles are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid schedules, while inpatient and crisis stabilization positions almost always require on-site presence.
How do you become a psychiatric social worker?
You earn a Bachelor of Social Work or a related undergraduate degree, then complete a Master of Social Work from a CSWE-accredited program with a clinical concentration. After graduating, you accumulate supervised post-degree clinical hours under a licensed clinical social worker and pass your state's licensure examination to earn your LMSW or LCSW credential before practicing independently.
Can you get a psychiatric social worker job with little or no experience?
Yes, entry-level psychiatric social worker roles exist specifically for new graduates who hold an MSW and are working toward full licensure. Employers hiring at the associate or LMSW level expect you to work under clinical supervision, so emphasize your field placement settings, the populations you worked with, and any crisis or inpatient rotation experience from your graduate program to stand out.
What does the psychiatric social worker interview process look like?
Most hiring processes include an initial phone or video screen with HR, followed by a clinical interview with the department supervisor that focuses on your assessment approach, documentation habits, and how you handle high-risk situations. Some employers add a panel interview with the interdisciplinary team or a written case vignette you respond to before a final offer is extended.
Where can I find and apply to psychiatric social worker jobs?
You can find and apply to psychiatric social worker jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States. Search the listings to find roles that match your licensure level, clinical focus, and preferred setting, then apply directly to each one that fits.
See All 42 Psychiatric Social Worker Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Jobs