Social Services Specialist Jobs in Rhode Island
Social Services Specialist jobs in Rhode Island are consistently active, with demand concentrated in child welfare, behavioral health, and elder care services across state agencies, hospital systems, and community-based organizations. Providence and Pawtucket anchor most of the hiring, with additional openings in Woonsocket, where employers like the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families, Care New England, and Thundermist Health Center maintain steady specialist-level roles. Entry-level caseworker positions through senior program coordinators are both well represented. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Showing 5 of 51+ Social Services Specialist jobs
- Job ID: JR-111678
- Entity: The Miriam Hospital
- Location Name: The Miriam Hospital
- City, State: Providence, RI
- Work Type: PER DIEM
- Hours Per Week: Variable
- Shift: Variable
- Posted Date: 7/8/2026
SUMMARY
Reporting to the Social Work Manager, the Social Worker LICSW evaluates, diagnoses, and treats a wide range of psychosocial problems, applying individual clinical social work skills in order to assist patients and their families in the resolution of personal and environmental problems, attributable to mental or physical illness, which prevents them from achieving their highest level of psychosocial functioning. The Social Worker LICSW will be an active participant of the interdisciplinary care team to eliminate barriers to treatment, discharge and routine follow up with the goal of improving patient flow and outcomes and to enhance the patient’s physical and mental health status. Adheres to social Work professional standards of practice based on NASW Code of Ethics. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.
In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:
- Instill Trust and Value Differences
- Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate
RESPONSIBILITIES
Consistently applies the corporate values of respect, honesty and fairness and the constant pursuit of excellence in improving the health status of the people of the region through the provision of customer-friendly, geographically accessible and high-value services within the environment of a comprehensive integrated academic health system. Is responsible for knowing and acting in accordance with the principles of the Brown University Health Corporate Compliance Program and Code of Conduct. Completes bio-psychosocial evaluations to eliminate barriers to treatment, discharge, improve patient flow, enhance the patient’s health status and improve utilization of resources. Provides consultation regarding patient’s background, psychosocial functioning and needs to medical and support staff, in order to assist in planning a comprehensive care program for the patient in order to increase treatment compliance and care coordination with the aim at providing excellent patient experience and increased satisfaction in care. Develops treatment plans and initiates clinical intervention, utilizing individual and group treatment modalities, and analyzes course and result of treatment to maximize health status and increase health care decision making. In accordance with departmental standards regarding frequency and content, documents social work activity in patients’ medical records. Participates as a team member in case conferences concerning patients with other care personnel and community agencies to improve care coordination and moving patients through the care continuum. Provides education to assist patients and families in understanding, accepting and following medical and social work recommendations designed to restore the patient to optimum functioning within their capacity. Assesses patient and family advocacy needs, and coordinates appropriate advocacy activities within the hospital and in the community with an emphasis on self-determination for the client system with the aim at improving social supports and community resources. Provides field placement supervision and evaluation for BSW and/or MSW degree candidates as part of the Department of Clinical Social Work Student program (must have LICSW, or, at least 5 years of demonstrated experience and knowledge in service area). Completes case related statistics and other reports according to departmental standards. As relevant to clinical assignment, remains current on available community resources, and accesses them as needed. Participates in hospital wide, departmental and community studies, projects, and trainings with the aim at educating the community and hospital staff on the psychosocial issues related to illness and identifying barriers in service delivery systems. Maintains and enhances professional expertise through appropriate educational activities. May attend training for specific areas of clinical responsibility. Participates in quality assurance activities in accordance with department, hospital, and The Joint Commission standards. Adheres to Brown University Health, Hospital, and department policies and procedures to maintain a safe environment of care and be in compliance with all laws, regulations and standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
BASIC KNOWLEDGE:
- Master’s degree in social work from an accredited graduate school of Social Work and a current license from State of RI, Board of Social Work Licensure.
- Minimum requirement for licensure is Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work level (LICSW).
- Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
- Analytical and therapy skills necessary to evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, initiate therapy, and evaluate results.
- Obtain med staff privileges upon hire and those who are eligible (ambulatory LICSWs) will be enrolled with payors to drop charges for billable services.
EXPERIENCE:
- Between six months and one year of clinical experience preferably in a health or mental health setting with an emphasis on populations to be served in the assigned area.
- Training and experience necessary to address the specific needs of the patients served in assigned areas of responsibility; this includes issues relating to age and stage of development and the particular special needs and cultural patterns of the patient populations being served.
- Analytical and therapy skills necessary to evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, initiate therapy, and evaluate results.
- Ability to effectively interact with patients, families, medical staff and outside agencies in providing services.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Works in a normal office environment with exposure to patient care.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Can provide functional guidance to Social Work Interns with recommendation to pursue LICSW level of licensure.
Pay Range
$32.56-$53.71
Location
The Miriam Hospital - 164 Summit Ave Providence, Rhode Island 02906
Work Type
Variable
Work Shift
Variable
Daily Hours
Per Diem - As required
Driving Required
No
Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.
- Job ID: JR-111678
- Entity: The Miriam Hospital
- Location Name: The Miriam Hospital
- City, State: Providence, RI
- Work Type: PER DIEM
- Hours Per Week: Variable
- Shift: Variable
- Posted Date: 7/8/2026
SUMMARY
Reporting to the Social Work Manager, the Social Worker LICSW evaluates, diagnoses, and treats a wide range of psychosocial problems, applying individual clinical social work skills in order to assist patients and their families in the resolution of personal and environmental problems, attributable to mental or physical illness, which prevents them from achieving their highest level of psychosocial functioning. The Social Worker LICSW will be an active participant of the interdisciplinary care team to eliminate barriers to treatment, discharge and routine follow up with the goal of improving patient flow and outcomes and to enhance the patient’s physical and mental health status. Adheres to social Work professional standards of practice based on NASW Code of Ethics. Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.
In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:
- Instill Trust and Value Differences
- Patient and Community Focus and Collaborate
RESPONSIBILITIES
Consistently applies the corporate values of respect, honesty and fairness and the constant pursuit of excellence in improving the health status of the people of the region through the provision of customer-friendly, geographically accessible and high-value services within the environment of a comprehensive integrated academic health system. Is responsible for knowing and acting in accordance with the principles of the Brown University Health Corporate Compliance Program and Code of Conduct. Completes bio-psychosocial evaluations to eliminate barriers to treatment, discharge, improve patient flow, enhance the patient’s health status and improve utilization of resources. Provides consultation regarding patient’s background, psychosocial functioning and needs to medical and support staff, in order to assist in planning a comprehensive care program for the patient in order to increase treatment compliance and care coordination with the aim at providing excellent patient experience and increased satisfaction in care. Develops treatment plans and initiates clinical intervention, utilizing individual and group treatment modalities, and analyzes course and result of treatment to maximize health status and increase health care decision making. In accordance with departmental standards regarding frequency and content, documents social work activity in patients’ medical records. Participates as a team member in case conferences concerning patients with other care personnel and community agencies to improve care coordination and moving patients through the care continuum. Provides education to assist patients and families in understanding, accepting and following medical and social work recommendations designed to restore the patient to optimum functioning within their capacity. Assesses patient and family advocacy needs, and coordinates appropriate advocacy activities within the hospital and in the community with an emphasis on self-determination for the client system with the aim at improving social supports and community resources. Provides field placement supervision and evaluation for BSW and/or MSW degree candidates as part of the Department of Clinical Social Work Student program (must have LICSW, or, at least 5 years of demonstrated experience and knowledge in service area). Completes case related statistics and other reports according to departmental standards. As relevant to clinical assignment, remains current on available community resources, and accesses them as needed. Participates in hospital wide, departmental and community studies, projects, and trainings with the aim at educating the community and hospital staff on the psychosocial issues related to illness and identifying barriers in service delivery systems. Maintains and enhances professional expertise through appropriate educational activities. May attend training for specific areas of clinical responsibility. Participates in quality assurance activities in accordance with department, hospital, and The Joint Commission standards. Adheres to Brown University Health, Hospital, and department policies and procedures to maintain a safe environment of care and be in compliance with all laws, regulations and standards.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
BASIC KNOWLEDGE:
- Master’s degree in social work from an accredited graduate school of Social Work and a current license from State of RI, Board of Social Work Licensure.
- Minimum requirement for licensure is Licensed Independent Clinical Social Work level (LICSW).
- Demonstrated knowledge and skills necessary to provide care patients with consideration of aging processes, human development stages and cultural patterns in each step of the care process.
- Analytical and therapy skills necessary to evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, initiate therapy, and evaluate results.
- Obtain med staff privileges upon hire and those who are eligible (ambulatory LICSWs) will be enrolled with payors to drop charges for billable services.
EXPERIENCE:
- Between six months and one year of clinical experience preferably in a health or mental health setting with an emphasis on populations to be served in the assigned area.
- Training and experience necessary to address the specific needs of the patients served in assigned areas of responsibility; this includes issues relating to age and stage of development and the particular special needs and cultural patterns of the patient populations being served.
- Analytical and therapy skills necessary to evaluate patients, develop treatment plans, initiate therapy, and evaluate results.
- Ability to effectively interact with patients, families, medical staff and outside agencies in providing services.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Works in a normal office environment with exposure to patient care.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Can provide functional guidance to Social Work Interns with recommendation to pursue LICSW level of licensure.
Pay Range
$32.56-$53.71
Location
The Miriam Hospital - 164 Summit Ave Providence, Rhode Island 02906
Work Type
Variable
Work Shift
Variable
Daily Hours
Per Diem - As required
Driving Required
No
Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.
See All 51 Social Services Specialist Jobs in Rhode Island
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Find JobsSocial Services Specialist Jobs by City in Rhode Island
Where Rhode Island roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Social Services Specialist Job Market in Rhode Island
A snapshot from current Rhode Island openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Rhode Island Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in social services specialist jobs across Rhode Island.
- Active Rhode Island DCYF clearance or equivalent state background check required
- Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, or a closely related field
- Experience conducting assessments, care plans, or case management documentation
- Familiarity with Rhode Island social services systems, referral networks, and community resources
- Strong verbal and written communication skills for client and interdisciplinary team interaction
- Valid Rhode Island driver's license and reliable transportation for field-based visits
Social Services Specialist Jobs in Rhode Island: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a social services specialist in Rhode Island?
Most social services specialist roles in Rhode Island require a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or human services, and positions within state agencies typically require passing a civil service examination administered through the Rhode Island Department of Administration's Division of Human Resources. Roles involving clinical assessment may additionally require licensure through the Rhode Island Board of Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists or the Board of Social Work Examiners, depending on the specific duties involved.
Which companies hire social services specialists in Rhode Island?
Employers hiring social services specialists in Rhode Island right now include Care New England Health System, LifeStance Health, and Brown University Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Rhode Island's relatively compact size means that anchor institutions like state agencies and large health systems account for a significant share of total openings across the state.
Which Rhode Island cities have the most social services specialist jobs?
The cities with the most social services specialist openings in Rhode Island are Providence, Warwick, and Woonsocket. Providence drives the majority of listings as the state capital and home to Rhode Island's largest hospital systems, government agencies, and nonprofit service organizations, while surrounding cities like Pawtucket and Woonsocket see steady demand from community health centers and regional human services providers serving densely populated areas.
Are there remote social services specialist jobs in Rhode Island?
Yes, but they're uncommon. About 67% of social services specialist openings tied to Rhode Island are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, reflecting the hands-on, community-based nature of most roles. The positions most likely to offer remote or hybrid arrangements are those focused on care coordination, program oversight, or administrative case management rather than direct client services requiring in-person home visits or facility-based contact.
How can I get hired as a social services specialist in Rhode Island with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying to case aide, social services technician, or family support worker roles within the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families or community health organizations like Providence Community Health Centers, which regularly hire candidates without direct specialist experience. A completed bachelor's degree in social work or human services, paired with internship hours or volunteer work at a Rhode Island shelter, food pantry, or crisis line, gives candidates a concrete edge over applicants with no field exposure.
Where can I find and apply to social services specialist jobs in Rhode Island?
You can find and apply to social services specialist jobs in Rhode Island on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings tied to Rhode Island employers. Search the listings to find roles that match your background, experience level, and preferred location, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 51 Social Services Specialist Jobs in Rhode Island
Find roles in Rhode Island that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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