Job Description

Job Information

State of Tennessee Job Information Opening Date/Time 04/28/2026 12:00AM Central Time Closing Date/Time 05/11/2026 11:59PM Central Time Salary (Monthly) $5,100.00 - $7,646.00 Salary (Annually) $61,200.00 - $91,752.00 Job Type Full-Time City, State Location Nashville, TN Department Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: DEPARTMENT OF MENTAL HEALTH & SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERVICES, MIDDLE TENNESSEE MENTAL HEALTH INSTITUTE, DAVIDSON COUNTY

This is an on-site position.

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Possession of a master's degree in social work from an accredited college or university.

Necessary Special Qualifications: Applicants for this class must possess one or more of the following conditions at the time of appointment and must be maintained during employment in the Psychiatric Social Worker 1 classification as set forth in Tennessee Code Annotated, 63-23:

1. Possession of a master's degree in social work from an accredited social work program approved by the Council on Social Work Education; or
2. Possession of a doctoral or Ph.D. in social work; or
3. Possession of a current master of social work certificate or independent practitioner of social work license as set forth in 63-23-102 and 63-23-103.

Overview

The Psychiatric Social Worker 1 provides psychiatric social work services, assessing patient needs, developing treatment plans, and facilitating therapy sessions. Works with individuals, families, and interdisciplinary teams to address psychosocial challenges, coordinate aftercare services, and support patient recovery. This is the entry-working level classification in the Psychiatric Social Worker series. Employees in this role provide direct social work services, including individual, group, and family therapy, in various settings such as mental health facilities, correctional institutions, and substance use treatment programs. Unlike Psychiatric Social Worker 2, this role does not involve supervisory responsibilities but focuses on direct patient care and case management.

Responsibilities

1. Conducts biopsychosocial assessments and develops individualized care plans.

2. Provides individual, group, and family therapy to address psychosocial challenges.

3. Facilitates discharge planning and connects patients with community resources.

4. Maintains detailed records, progress notes, and treatment summaries.

5. Evaluates patient needs, adjusts care plans, and resolves service delivery challenges.

6. Engages with families, courts, and external agencies to support patient care.

7. Works with healthcare teams to ensure comprehensive treatment approaches.

8. Provides guidance to less experienced staff and stays updated on best practices.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies:

1. Ensures Accountability
2. Manages Complexity
3. Decision Quality
4. Communicates Effectively
5. Plans and Aligns

Knowledges:

1. Psychosocial Assessment & Therapy Techniques
2. Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Treatment
3. Regulatory Compliance & Patient Rights
4. Community Resources & Public Assistance Programs
5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

Skills:

1. Critical Thinking
2. Judgment and Decision Making
3. Monitoring
4. Coordination
5. Speaking

Abilities:

1. Problem Sensitivity
2. Inductive Reasoning
3. Speech Clarity
4. Information Ordering
5. Written Comprehension

Tools & Equipment

1. Computer
2. Scanner/Printer/Fax/Copier

TN Driver Standards

State of Tennessee positions that may involve driving responsibilities require candidates to meet the following minimum driver qualifications:

• A valid driver's license
• For the past five years, the candidate's driver record must not have record of the following violations: driving under the influence (DUI), reckless driving, license suspension for moving violations, more than 4 moving violations.

Please include your Driver's License Information under the Licenses and Certifications section of your application.

**Agencies may allow an exception based on other factors.

Job Tags

Full time

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