Social Worker Jobs in Tennessee
Social Worker jobs in Tennessee are in strong demand, concentrated in child welfare, behavioral health, school-based services, and hospital social work, with openings at every level from entry-level case managers through senior clinical supervisors. The busiest hiring markets are Nashville, Memphis, and Knoxville, where large employers such as Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, and the Tennessee Department of Children's Services maintain ongoing hiring pipelines. Child protective services, substance use counseling, and healthcare social work are consistently the highest-need specialties across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) to serve as the Startup Clinical Lead / Clinical Director Track. This leadership role involves overseeing clinical operations, providing mental health services, and supervising social service program staff. The ideal candidate will bring expertise in clinical social work, mental health counseling, and working with individuals with substance use disorders, while also demonstrating strong leadership in social services administration. This position offers an opportunity to shape innovative mental health programs within a dynamic startup environment, ensuring high-quality care and effective team management.
Responsibilities
- Provide direct mental health services, including mental health counseling and health services social work, to diverse client populations.
- Supervise and support social service program staff, ensuring adherence to clinical standards and best practices.
- Lead clinical supervision efforts, mentoring team members to develop their skills and maintain quality care delivery.
- Work closely with individuals experiencing substance use disorders, developing tailored treatment plans and interventions.
- Collaborate with families to facilitate engagement and support throughout the treatment process.
- Oversee the implementation and utilization of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) / Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems for documentation and reporting purposes.
- Lead the development and administration of social service programs, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and organizational goals.
- Foster a collaborative team environment focused on continuous improvement in clinical practice and client outcomes.
- Stay informed about current trends in mental health services, social work practices, and healthcare regulations to ensure program excellence.
Experience
- Licensed as a Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with current certification/license in good standing.
- Proven experience in clinical social work, particularly within mental health services and health services social work settings.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in social services administration or supervisory roles overseeing clinical staff or programs.
- Extensive experience working with individuals with substance use disorders, including developing treatment plans and conducting counseling sessions.
- Strong background in mental health counseling, with the ability to manage complex cases involving diverse populations.
- Experience working directly with families to provide support and facilitate treatment engagement.
- Familiarity with EMR/EHR systems for documentation, data tracking, and reporting purposes.
This role offers a unique opportunity for a seasoned social work professional to lead innovative mental health initiatives within a startup environment while making a meaningful impact on clients' lives through compassionate care and effective leadership.
Pay: From $125,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience in working in a Treatment Center Facility for Substance Use and Mental Health?
Experience:
- JCAHO Accredited Facility: 3 years (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Licensed Certified Social Worker (Required)
Work Location: In person
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Find Social Worker JobsSocial Worker Jobs by City in Tennessee
Where Tennessee roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Social Worker Job Market in Tennessee
A snapshot from current Tennessee openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What Tennessee Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in social worker jobs across Tennessee.
- Active Tennessee social work license issued by the Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure (LMSW, LCSW, or LBSW)
- Bachelor's or master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Experience with case management, documentation, and service planning in a relevant setting
- Knowledge of Tennessee community resources, state agencies, and referral networks
- Proficiency with electronic case management or electronic health record systems
- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation for field-based or home visit positions
Social Worker Jobs in Tennessee: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a social worker in Tennessee?
Becoming a social worker in Tennessee requires licensure through the Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure. A bachelor's in social work qualifies you for the Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker credential, while a master's degree opens the path to Licensed Master Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Social Worker status, with the LCSW requiring supervised clinical hours and the ASWB clinical exam. The board handles all applications, supervision verification, and renewals.
Which companies hire social workers in Tennessee?
Employers hiring social workers in Tennessee right now include US Department of Veterans Affairs, Erlanger, and Amedisys, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. Tennessee's large public sector, including state agencies like the Department of Children's Services and the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, is among the most consistent sources of ongoing openings.
Which Tennessee cities have the most social worker jobs?
Nashville, Chattanooga, and Memphis have the most social worker openings in Tennessee. Nashville leads because of its dense concentration of hospital systems, state government agencies, and nonprofit organizations, while Memphis anchors hiring through its major medical centers and child welfare infrastructure, and Knoxville draws demand from its university hospital and expanding community health sector.
Are there remote social worker jobs in Tennessee?
Yes, but they're relatively limited. About 24% of social worker openings tied to Tennessee are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting that much of the work is community-based and requires in-person contact with clients. Telehealth counseling, care coordination, and utilization review positions are the sub-areas most likely to offer remote or hybrid schedules.
How can I get hired as a social worker in Tennessee with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a case manager or social services technician role with a Tennessee state agency, particularly the Department of Children's Services, which regularly recruits new graduates and offers structured onboarding. Large health systems like Vanderbilt and Erlanger Health System hire bachelor's-level social work assistants as stepping stones to clinical roles. Completing field practicum hours at a recognized Tennessee site, securing your LBSW early, and volunteering with local nonprofits all strengthen a first application.
Where can I find and apply to social worker jobs in Tennessee?
You can find and apply to social worker jobs in Tennessee on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the listings, find roles that match your experience and credentials, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 50 Social Worker Jobs in Tennessee
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