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.

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Overview

Open roles44
Top employerHarbor Behavioral Health
Top cityLexington, KY
Cities hiring23
Work type75% On-site
Top industryHealthcare

Showing 5 of 44+ Social Worker jobs

Social Worker
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Added 3d ago
Social Worker
DaVita
Walton, Kentucky
Allied Health
Community & Nonprofit Services
Human Resources
Social Work & Counseling
Master's degree in social work
10,000+

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Social Worker Senior/Inpatient/UKHC
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Added 4d ago
Social Worker Senior/Inpatient/UKHC
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
Clinical Support
Healthcare Administration
Patient Services & Wellbeing
$27.05 - $45.7/hr
Master's degree in social work
10,000+

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Social Service Worker I
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Added 5d ago
Social Service Worker I
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Mount Sterling, Kentucky
Compliance & Risk
Health & Safety
Project Management
$56k.52 - $66k.88/yr
Bachelor's degree in social work
1,001-5,000

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Social Service Worker I
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Added 5d ago
Social Service Worker I
Commonwealth of Kentucky
Hodgenville, Kentucky
Allied Health
Community & Nonprofit Services
Human Resources
Social Work & Counseling
$58k.68 - $66k.88/yr
Bachelor's degree in social work
1,001-5,000

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Master Social Worker (MSW)
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Master Social Worker (MSW)
One Senior Care
Hazard, Kentucky
IT Support
Project Management
Technical Program Management
501-1,000

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See All 44 Social Worker Jobs in Kentucky

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Social Worker Jobs by City in Kentucky

Where Kentucky roles are concentrated, by current openings.

Lexington
9 jobs
Louisville
7 jobs
Ashland
3 jobs
Hopkinsville
3 jobs
Louisa
2 jobs
Erlanger
2 jobs
Florence
2 jobs
Hazard
1 job
Walton
1 job

Social Worker Job Market in Kentucky

A snapshot from current Kentucky openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Harbor Behavioral Health8 open roles
Commonwealth of Kentucky4 open roles
Seven Counties Services3 open roles

Top Industries Hiring

  • Healthcare & Medical Services

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 Harbor Behavioral Health, Commonwealth of Kentucky, and Seven Counties Services, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 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 Ashland 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 25% of social worker openings tied to Kentucky are remote or hybrid as of October 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 44 Social Worker Jobs in Kentucky

Find roles in Kentucky that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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