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Social Work Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

NHC HomeCare

Masters Social Worker

Antioch, TN · On-site

Educates and supervises designated social work assistants in the implementation of the social service program. * Provides inservice training to other home care team members, focusing on psychosocial ...

NHC HomeCare

Masters Social Worker

Antioch, TN · On-site

Educates and supervises designated social work assistants in the implementation of the social service program * Provides inservice training to other home care team members, focusing on psychosocial ...

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Social Work Assistant information

See Tennessee salary details

$13

$17

$19

How much do social work assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for social work assistant in Tennessee is $17.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.72 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social work assistant?

A social work assistant provides support services to families and other clients. In this role, your duties may include giving care to the elderly, homeless, and people with disabilities in a variety of fields like rehab, psychology, and social work. You may work as an aide to a social worker or help clients find the extra services that they might need. In this position, you research various aid services like Medicaid and food stamps to know when these would be helpful for specific clients and help them fill out the proper paperwork. Checking on clients on a regular basis is also part of this job, offering advice and counsel when necessary.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a social work assistant?

To thrive as a Social Work Assistant, you typically need a background in social services, excellent organizational skills, and an understanding of case management, often supported by a certificate or associate degree in social work or a related field. Familiarity with client management software, documentation systems, and sometimes basic knowledge of local social support programs is valuable. Strong interpersonal communication, problem-solving abilities, and cultural sensitivity help you connect with clients and support social workers effectively. These skills are essential to provide meaningful support, coordinate resources, and ensure positive outcomes for individuals and families in need.

What are some typical challenges social work assistants face when supporting clients, and how can they effectively address them?

Social Work Assistants often encounter challenges such as managing a high caseload, handling emotionally charged situations, and balancing administrative duties with direct client support. To address these, it's important to develop strong organizational skills, practice self-care to prevent burnout, and maintain open communication with supervising social workers. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and regularly attending supervision sessions can also provide valuable support and guidance when dealing with complex cases.

What is the difference between Social Work Assistant vs Social Worker?

AspectSocial Work AssistantSocial Worker
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a certificate or associate degreeBachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or higher
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, schools, community agenciesHospitals, government agencies, private practices
Job ResponsibilitiesAssist with client support, administrative tasks, and basic case managementConduct assessments, develop treatment plans, advocate for clients
Industry UsageSupport roles within social services and healthcareLead case management and intervention efforts

Social Work Assistants typically support social workers by handling administrative tasks and providing basic client assistance, often requiring less formal education. Social Workers have more advanced responsibilities, including client assessments and developing treatment plans, and usually hold a bachelor’s or higher degree. Both roles work in similar environments but differ in scope and qualifications.

Can you be a social work assistant?

A social work assistant is an entry-level position that supports social workers by helping with client intake, case management, and administrative tasks. Typically, it requires a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may prefer or require relevant coursework or certification. The role often involves working in social service agencies, healthcare settings, or community organizations.

What are examples of social work assistant jobs?

Examples of social work assistant jobs include helping social workers with client intake, providing support to individuals and families, assisting with case management, and coordinating community resources. These roles often involve administrative tasks, data entry, and direct client interaction, requiring good communication skills and knowledge of social services. They are typically found in settings such as hospitals, schools, community agencies, and government offices.

What are the duties of a social work assistant?

A social work assistant supports social workers by helping clients access services, gathering information, and providing emotional support. They may also assist with case documentation, coordinate appointments, and help implement care plans, often working in community or healthcare settings. Strong communication skills and knowledge of social services are essential for this role.
More about Social Work Assistant jobs

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The most popular types of Social Work jobs in Tennessee are:

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For Social Work Assistant jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Social Work Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Social Work Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,637 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Supervisory Social Worker (Assistant Service Chief)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Memphis, TN • On-site

$135K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

The Social Work Assistant Chief, is assigned to the Memphis Veterans Health Care System. The incumbent serves in a full-time administrative position with full authority and responsibility for providing administrative support to the Social Work Service Chief. The incumbent will participate in overseeing the practice of all of the social workers in the Memphis Veterans Health System as well as program management, education, human resource management, supervision and organizational stewardship.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education. Have a master's degree in social work from a school of social work fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Graduates of schools of social work that are in candidacy status do not meet this requirement until the School of Social Work is fully accredited. A doctoral degree in social work may not be substituted for the master's degree in social work. Verification of the degree can be made by going to http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation to verify that the social work degree meets the accreditation standards for a masters of social work.
  • Licensure. Persons hired or reassigned to social worker positions in the GS-0185 series in VHA must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level. Current state requirements may be found by going to http://vaww.va.gov/OHRM/T38Hybrid/.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: Social Worker (Assistant Chief) GS-13
  • Experience and Education. One year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level. Experience must demonstrate possession of advanced practice skills in administration, demonstrating progressively more professional competency skills and judgment. Individual may have certification or other post-master's degree training from a nationally recognized professional organization or university that includes a defined curriculum/course of study and internship, or equivalent supervised professional experience.
  • Licensure/Certification. The assistant service chief must evidence possession of supervisory and management skills, must be licensed or certified at the advanced practice level, and must be able to provide supervision for licensure.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
    • Knowledge of administrative and supervisory duties which includes personnel actions, clinical supervision, consultation, negotiation with other departments, and quality improvement.
    • Knowledge of legal, ethical, and professional standards applicable to social work practice.
    • Ability to develop, maintain, and oversee social work programs in all settings.
    • Knowledge of social work practice, policy, and accreditation standards across the continuum of health care.
    • Skill in providing consultation to facility leadership, managers, and other staff on social work qualification standards, practice, competency, productivity, and continuing education requirements.
  • Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity (difficulty), and variety and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. This position is restricted to those serving as a full assistant to the chief social work service for both administrative and professional practice. These individuals share with the chief full responsibility for managing and supervising all aspects of social work service operations. At the GS-13 grade level, individuals are typically assigned as assistant chief of a large complex social work service within the organization that offers social work services at VHA facilities with one or more divisions. While the chief has full management and supervisory responsibility for clinical practice, program management, education, human resource management and supervision, and organizational stewardship for the social work program, the assistant chief is responsible for supporting these functions per the direction of the chief. In the absence of the social work chief, the assistant chief has full management and supervisory responsibility for the social work program. The assistant chief provides supervision to a moderate social work service and staff, members of different grades that may include multiple disciplines; treatment sites are limited and in close proximity to the medical center, and programs are with limited administrative oversite responsibility. Such facilities may offer specialty care and services and may be affiliated with academic institutions. The assistant chief develops and maintains a system of internal reviews that ensure service programs operate at a satisfactory level of performance and are in compliance with regulations. The assistant chief has responsibility for utilization of resources and budget. They make selections, assign personnel, and serve as a mentor to help employees develop their full potential.
Preferred Experience:
1. Must be a LCSW
2. Minimum 3 years supervisory experience in Social Work setting
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Services.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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