Social Worker Jobs in Kentucky
Social Worker jobs in Kentucky are consistently in demand, with strong hiring concentrated in community mental health, child welfare, and hospital-based care settings. Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green anchor most of the openings, with large employers like Norton Healthcare, University of Kentucky Healthcare, and the Cabinet for Health and Family Services accounting for significant ongoing hiring. The most sought-after specialties are clinical mental health, child protective services, and substance use counseling. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
Find Social Worker JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 49+ Social Worker jobs
Company Overview
Shriners Children’s is an organization that respects, supports, and values each other. Named as the 2025 best mid-sized employer by Forbes, we are engaged in providing excellence in patient care, embracing multi-disciplinary education, and research with global impact. We foster a learning environment that values evidenced based practice, experience, innovation, and critical thinking. Our compassion, integrity, accountability, and resilience define us as leaders in pediatric specialty care for our children and their families.
With 20+ hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across the globe, we provide excellent care to children up to age 18 regardless of their family’s ability to pay or insurance status. Please click here to learn more about our locations.
Job Description
Job Summary
The Social Worker at Shriners Hospitals for Children provides comprehensive psychosocial support services to patients and their families facing complex medical conditions. This role involves assessing patient and family needs, developing and implementing care plans, and advocating for resources to optimize patient well-being and recovery.
Key Responsibilities
Documents assessments, interventions, plans and evaluations in accordance with regulatory agency requirements and SHC policy.
Assures prudent utilization of all resources (fiscal, human, environmental, equipment and services) by evaluation of the resources available to the patient and balancing cost and quality to ensure the optimal clinical and financial outcomes.
Coordinates the plan of care plan to achieve desired outcomes and integrates the work of the health care team by coordinating resources and services necessary to accomplish agreed upon goals.
Advocates by supporting or recommending services for the protection of the patient's health, safety and rights.
Arranges services among community agencies, physicians, patients, family, caregivers, and others involved in the plan of care.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor Social Work
Current State Social Worker License
Preferred Qualifications
3 years Social Work experience
Case Management Certification (CMC, ACM or ANCC)
Bilingual in English and Spanish
Company Overview
Shriners Children’s is an organization that respects, supports, and values each other. Named as the 2025 best mid-sized employer by Forbes, we are engaged in providing excellence in patient care, embracing multi-disciplinary education, and research with global impact. We foster a learning environment that values evidenced based practice, experience, innovation, and critical thinking. Our compassion, integrity, accountability, and resilience define us as leaders in pediatric specialty care for our children and their families.
With 20+ hospitals, outpatient clinics, ambulatory care centers and outreach locations across the globe, we provide excellent care to children up to age 18 regardless of their family’s ability to pay or insurance status. Please click here to learn more about our locations.
Job Description
Job Summary
The Social Worker at Shriners Hospitals for Children provides comprehensive psychosocial support services to patients and their families facing complex medical conditions. This role involves assessing patient and family needs, developing and implementing care plans, and advocating for resources to optimize patient well-being and recovery.
Key Responsibilities
Documents assessments, interventions, plans and evaluations in accordance with regulatory agency requirements and SHC policy.
Assures prudent utilization of all resources (fiscal, human, environmental, equipment and services) by evaluation of the resources available to the patient and balancing cost and quality to ensure the optimal clinical and financial outcomes.
Coordinates the plan of care plan to achieve desired outcomes and integrates the work of the health care team by coordinating resources and services necessary to accomplish agreed upon goals.
Advocates by supporting or recommending services for the protection of the patient's health, safety and rights.
Arranges services among community agencies, physicians, patients, family, caregivers, and others involved in the plan of care.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor Social Work
Current State Social Worker License
Preferred Qualifications
3 years Social Work experience
Case Management Certification (CMC, ACM or ANCC)
Bilingual in English and Spanish
See All 49 Social Worker Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Social Worker JobsSocial Worker Jobs by City in Kentucky
Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Social Worker Job Market in Kentucky
A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
- Education
What Kentucky Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in social worker jobs across Kentucky.
- Active Kentucky Certified Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Social Worker credential required
- Master of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program preferred for clinical roles
- Bachelor of Social Work degree required for entry-level case management and child welfare positions
- Experience with electronic case management systems such as TWIST or equivalent documentation platforms
- Ability to conduct home visits and maintain a valid Kentucky driver's license with reliable transportation
- Knowledge of Kentucky's mandated reporting laws and child protective services protocols
Social Worker Jobs in Kentucky: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a social worker in Kentucky?
Becoming a social worker in Kentucky requires licensure through the Kentucky Board of Social Work. A Bachelor of Social Work qualifies you for the Certified Social Worker credential, while a Master of Social Work from an accredited program is required for the Licensed Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Social Worker designations. Each license level requires passing the relevant ASWB examination and completing supervised practice hours before full independent licensure is granted.
Which companies hire social workers in Kentucky?
Companies currently hiring social workers in Kentucky include Commonwealth of Kentucky, LifeStance Health, and Baptist Health System KY & IN, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Kentucky's large hospital networks, state Cabinet agencies, and community mental health centers tend to be the most consistent sources of full-time openings with benefits.
Which Kentucky cities have the most social worker jobs?
Lexington, Louisville, and Edgewood have the most social worker openings in Kentucky. Louisville leads because of its concentration of major hospital systems, behavioral health organizations, and state agency offices, while Lexington's University of Kentucky Healthcare and regional nonprofits drive strong demand, and Bowling Green's growing population supports expanding community health and social services infrastructure.
Are there remote social worker jobs in Kentucky?
Yes, but they're limited. Social work is largely a client-facing field, and most Kentucky roles require in-person home visits, court appearances, or on-site clinical sessions. About 50% of social worker openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of August 2026. Telehealth-based counseling and care coordination roles are the most likely to offer remote or hybrid flexibility within the profession.
How can I get hired as a social worker in Kentucky with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a case aide or social services assistant role, which Kentucky's Cabinet for Health and Family Services and large hospital systems like Norton Healthcare regularly post for candidates without independent licensure. New BSW graduates can pursue the Certified Social Worker credential immediately and apply to child welfare or community support positions that offer structured supervision. Completing a field placement at a Kentucky agency and holding your ASWB exam results ready gives candidates a clear edge over those still working toward licensure.
Where can I find and apply to social worker jobs in Kentucky?
You can find and apply to social worker jobs in Kentucky on Migrate Mate, which lists current Kentucky openings across hospitals, state agencies, nonprofits, and community health organizations. Find roles that match your license level and specialization, then apply directly to each employer through the listing.
See All 49 Social Worker Jobs in Kentucky
Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Social Worker Jobs