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Lead Social Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Responsibilities Horizon Health, the nation's leading psychiatric contract management company, has an excellent career opportunity for a full-time Lead Social Worker in the Behavioral Health Program ...

The Lead Social Worker is responsible for maintaining Sababa Beachaway's emotional, social, and spiritual health initiatives, ensuring strong support systems for campers and staff. As a member of the ...

Lead Social Worker Credentials: Licensed Certified Social Worker Program: Substance Abuse and Mental Health As a mental health and substance abuse social worker trained to help clients dealing with ...

Lead Social Worker Credentials: Licensed Certified Social Worker Program: Substance Abuse and Mental Health As a mental health and substance abuse social worker trained to help clients dealing with ...

Social Worker - Full Time

Auburn Hills, MI

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performs social work interventions as directed by the treatment team, the treating psychiatrist and/or the Lead Social Worker. * Obtains and assesses social history information and reports this to ...

Social Worker - Full Time

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performs social work interventions as directed by the treatment team, the treating psychiatrist and/or the Lead Social Worker. * Obtains and assesses social history information and reports this to ...

Social Worker - PRN Weekend

Auburn Hills, MI · On-site

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performs social work interventions as directed by the treatment team, the treating psychiatrist and/or the Lead Social Worker. * Obtains and assesses social history information and reports this to ...

Social Worker - PRN Weekend

Auburn Hills, MI

$70K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performs social work interventions as directed by the treatment team, the treating psychiatrist and/or the Lead Social Worker. * Obtains and assesses social history information and reports this to ...

Social Work Team Lead

Port Deposit, MD · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Lead Social Worker serves as a regional clinical and operational leader, providing direct patient care while overseeing Social Workers within their assigned region. This role ensures compliance ...

Social Work Team Lead

Baltimore, MD

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Lead Social Worker serves as a regional clinical and operational leader, providing direct patient care while overseeing Social Workers within their assigned region. This role ensures compliance ...

Lead Social Worker LICSW Supervisor

Newton, MA · On-site

$83K - $123K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a supervising Lead Social Worker at Ellie Mental Health's locally owned and operated clinic in Newton, MA, you'll share our vision for improving and expanding access to quality mental health care ...

Lead Social Worker Credentials: Licensed Certified Social Worker Program: Substance Abuse and Mental Health As a mental health and substance abuse social worker trained to help clients dealing with ...

Lead Social Worker Credentials: Licensed Certified Social Worker Program: Substance Abuse and Mental Health As a mental health and substance abuse social worker trained to help clients dealing with ...

Social Work Team Lead - OH/MI

Powell, OH

$64K - $82K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Lead Social Worker serves as a regional clinical and operational leader, providing direct patient care while overseeing Social Workers within their assigned region. This role ensures compliance ...

Social Work Team Lead - OH/MI

Powell, OH · On-site

$64K - $82K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Lead Social Worker serves as a regional clinical and operational leader, providing direct patient care while overseeing Social Workers within their assigned region. This role ensures compliance ...

Showing results 21-40

Lead Social Worker information

See salary details

$34.5K

$76.3K

$117K

How much do lead social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead social worker in the United States is $76,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges lead social workers face when overseeing a team, and how can they effectively address them?

Lead Social Workers often encounter challenges such as managing diverse caseloads, supporting team members under stress, and ensuring consistent adherence to agency protocols. To address these, it's important to foster open communication, provide regular supervision and mentorship, and promote professional development opportunities. Balancing administrative duties with direct client care can also be demanding, so strong organizational and delegation skills are essential. Creating a supportive team culture helps improve both staff well-being and client outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lead social worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead Social Worker, you need advanced knowledge of social work practice, supervisory experience, and a relevant degree such as an MSW plus appropriate state licensure. Familiarity with case management software, electronic records systems, and compliance with regulatory standards like HIPAA is essential. Leadership, conflict resolution, and strong interpersonal skills distinguish successful Lead Social Workers in guiding teams and supporting clients. These abilities ensure effective service delivery, team cohesion, and the well-being of both clients and staff.

What is a lead social worker?

Lead Social Workers are experienced professionals who supervise and guide other social workers within an organization. They oversee cases, provide mentorship and training, and ensure that social work practices meet ethical and legal standards. Lead Social Workers also coordinate with other departments, manage complex cases, and often contribute to program development and policy implementation. Their role is crucial in maintaining high-quality services and supporting both clients and staff in delivering effective social work interventions.

What is the difference between Lead Social Worker vs Social Worker?

AspectLead Social WorkerSocial Worker
CredentialsRequires a Bachelor's or Master's in Social Work (BSW or MSW), licensure, and experienceRequires a Bachelor's or Master's in Social Work (BSW or MSW), licensure, and experience
Work EnvironmentSupervises teams, manages cases, and coordinates services within agenciesProvides direct client services, assessments, and support in various settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in healthcare, child welfare, mental health agencies, often with leadership responsibilitiesUsed across social service agencies, schools, hospitals, primarily providing direct care

The main difference is that a Lead Social Worker typically holds a supervisory role, overseeing other social workers and managing case loads, while a Social Worker primarily provides direct client services. Both roles require similar credentials, but the Lead Social Worker has additional responsibilities in team management and program coordination.

More about Lead Social Worker jobs

What cities are hiring for Lead Social Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Lead Social Worker job openings:

What states have the most Lead Social Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Lead Social Worker jobs include:

Infographic showing various Lead Social Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,266 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Social Work Lead - Southfield

Pacesemi

Southfield, MI

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY:

The Social Worker Lead (Licensed Master's Social Worker) (LMSW) works independently to assess the needs of, coordinate, and deliver social services for participants and families/caregivers. The LMSW is a member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and participates in the assessment, intervention, management, and review of social service needs. The LMSW also assists the IDT in determining eligibility and care needs. The LMSW provides care through a variety of modalities, including but not limited to, bio-psychosocial assessment, interventions that include individual and group counseling utilizing motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral techniques, psychoeducation, consultation, and care planning/case management. Additionally, the Lead Social Worker is responsible for daily clinical management, supervision, and oversight of social workers.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS:

  • In addition to carrying a full social work caseload and being responsible for associated roles and responsibilities (see below), the Lead Social Worker is responsible for the daily clinical management, supervision, and oversight of social workers.
  • Under the leadership of the Clinical Manager, the Lead Social Worker provides direct oversight at their respective center.
  • Lead Social Workers participate in the Social Work Leadership Council, which formulates and monitors departmental goals and outcomes and revises strategy based on performance outcomes.
  • Ensures social work staff are effectively participating in the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) for participant care and coordination.
  • Partners with the center leadership team to ensure effective operations and clinical activities.
  • Provides clinical supervision to limited licensed social workers and interns employed at PACE Southeast Michigan and ensures professional development and continuing education for all social workers employed at the Lead's respective center.
  • Represents the department on various process/quality improvement projects, initiatives, and committees.
  • Ensures compliance to departmental and organizational standards and all state and federal regulatory requirements.
  • Routinely audits social work care plans, assessments, progress notes, Level of Care Determination (LOCD) paperwork, and disenrollment paperwork. Ensures accurate, clinically appropriate, and timely completion of documentation.
  • Performs other related duties, as assigned by leader(s).
  • The LMSW is a member of the IDT and performs a comprehensive bio-psychosocial assessments upon enrollment and at 6 and 12 month intervals thereafter. Acute assessments are completed on an as-needed basis and aim to answer specific referral questions. Utilizes measurement-based care.
  • Develops and implements appropriate, individual treatment plans for both Participants and caregivers, including but not limited to:
    • Individual and/or group counseling (utilizing Motivational Interviewing and CBT techniques)
    • Education
    • Consultation services to the Care Team
    • Risk Assessment/Crisis Intervention
  • Directs case management Issues, including but not limited to:
    • Housing Issues
    • Financial Issues
    • Safety Issues including, but not limited to: symptoms of abuse, neglect or exploitation; ability to live independently; decision-making capacity; any other issues warranting involvement of Adult Protective Services (APS)
    • Psychiatric: Changes in mood, behavior, cognition/mental status; suicidal/homicidal ideation; substance use/misuse
    • Caregiver Burden
    • Identifies the need to transfer to a higher level of care (e.g., Behavioral Health Services).
    • Assists in coordinating discharge planning activities and processes.
    • Assists in coordinating 24-hour care as indicated by interdisciplinary team.
    • Educates and counsels the participant and/or caregiver regarding care needs, options and other related problems.
    • Advocates to others on behalf of the participant, and demonstrates accountability in resolving participant concerns or issues.
  • Works collaboratively to develop and communicate initial impressions, plans of care, changes in care, and progress in a timely fashion.
    • Helps to develop and complete the plan of care with the IDT, participant, and/or caregiver.
    • Completes timely and accurate documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).
    • Communicates changes in participants with IDT and family members.
  • Evaluates participant outcomes and or progress toward achieving the objectives and goals of the care plan and communicates this information among other members of the IDT.
  • Performs other related duties, as assigned by leader(s).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

  • Master's Social Worker from an accredited school of social work.
  • Licensed to practice in the State of Michigan. LMSW required.
  • Three years' experience working as a clinical social worker, preferably in the field of geriatrics. Knowledge of the principles of human behavior, individual and group therapy techniques (preferably CBT and DBT), short-term interventions, and substance use disorder assessment and treatment.
  • One year experience in supervision/management/leadership. May be substituted by other demonstration of leadership potential and/or abilities.
  • Skilled facilitator and problem solver with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Demonstrated knowledge and skill in evaluating, planning, implementing, and monitoring patient-centered approaches to care.
  • Knowledge of and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
  • Cultural competence and an ability to care for a diverse population.
  • Ability to learn and use electronic health record system. Auditing experience preferred.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint.
  • Positive, flexible, and solution-focused attitude with ability to collaborate effectively in a team setting.