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Social Worker Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Provide training and supervision for students and registered counselor trainees when services are ... Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage ...

Provide training and supervision for students and registered counselor trainees when services are ... Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage ...

Director Social Services

Arlington, VA · On-site

$96K - $181K/yr

Provide training and supervision for students and registered counselor trainees when services are ... Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage ...

Social Media * Catering * AM/PM Kitchen * Facilities * Interviewing * Food Cost * Drive-Thru ... Working at a Chick-fil-A ® restaurant is more than a job - it's an opportunity for teamwork and ...

Social Media * Catering * AM/PM Kitchen * Facilities * Interviewing * Food Cost * Drive-Thru ... Working at a Chick-fil-A restaurant is more than a job - it's an opportunity for teamwork and ...

Licensed Clinical Therapist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$68K - $92K/yr

Our team thrives on collaboration, with therapists and social workers cross-training and providing ... Provide training supervision for students and registered counselor trainees as requested by the ...

Licensed Clinical Therapist

Arlington, VA · On-site

$68K - $92K/yr

Our team thrives on collaboration, with therapists and social workers cross-training and providing ... Provide training supervision for students and registered counselor trainees as requested by the ...

Our team thrives on collaboration, with therapists and social workers cross-training and providing ... Provide training supervision for students and registered counselor trainees as requested by the ...

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Showing results 1-20

Social Worker Trainee information

See Virginia salary details

$36.2K

$78.2K

$126.4K

How much do social worker trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for social worker trainee in Virginia is $78,213.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $92,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a social worker trainee?

Social Worker Trainees are individuals who are in the process of learning the skills and gaining the experience necessary to become professional social workers. They typically work under the supervision of licensed social workers, supporting clients and assisting with assessments, case management, and community outreach. Trainees may be recent graduates or students completing required fieldwork as part of a social work degree program. Their role is to develop practical skills while adhering to ethical standards and learning about different populations and service settings.

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

To thrive as a Social Worker Trainee, you need foundational knowledge in social work principles, assessment techniques, and case management, often gained through a bachelor's degree or enrollment in a social work program. Familiarity with client documentation systems, basic counseling tools, and mandated reporting protocols is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and emotional resilience help trainees build trust and effectively support diverse clients. These skills and qualities are essential for delivering ethical, effective interventions and managing the complex needs of individuals and communities.

What types of supervision and mentorship can a social worker trainee expect during their training period?

As a Social Worker Trainee, you will typically work under the close supervision of a licensed social worker or clinical supervisor. Regular one-on-one meetings, case discussions, and feedback sessions are common, giving you opportunities to learn best practices and reflect on your experiences. Many organizations also provide structured mentorship programs or peer support groups to help trainees navigate challenges and develop their skills. This collaborative environment is designed to ensure you gain the practical experience and confidence needed to progress toward licensure and advance your career.

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

AspectSocial Worker TraineeSocial Worker
CredentialsTypically in training, may have a bachelor's degree or be pursuing a master'sLicensed or certified with required degrees and licensure
Work EnvironmentInternship or supervised training settingsFull professional roles in clinics, agencies, or community organizations
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with casework under supervisionManaging cases independently, providing counseling and support

The main difference is that a Social Worker Trainee is in training or supervised learning phase, while a Social Worker is a fully qualified professional with licensure. Trainees gain experience and skills, preparing for independent practice, whereas licensed social workers perform full responsibilities in their roles.

How to get into social worker trainee with no experience?

To become a social worker trainee with no experience, focus on obtaining a relevant degree such as social work or psychology, and consider volunteering or internships to build practical skills. Many programs accept candidates with limited experience if they demonstrate strong communication, empathy, and a commitment to helping others, and some may require or prefer certification or coursework in social services.

What can I do to get started to be a social worker trainee?

To become a social worker trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by pursuing a relevant bachelor's degree such as social work, psychology, or sociology. Gaining experience through internships or volunteer work and obtaining any required state licensure or certification can also help you start in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Worker jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Social Worker jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Social Worker Trainee jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Social Worker Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Social Worker Trainee job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,213 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Director Social Services

VHC Health

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


VHC Health rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

88th of 896 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position TitleDirector Social ServicesJob Description

Purpose & Scope:

The Director of Social Services (DSS) of the Behavioral Health Service Line is responsible for the overall management of the Clinical Therapy services within the Behavioral Health Inpatient Unit (BHU), Recovery and Wellness Inpatient Unit (R&W) and the Aftercare/Intensive Outpatient Services (IOP) at VHC Health. The Director of Social Services will also be responsible for any additional Clinical Therapy programs or services added under the Behavioral Health Service Line now and in the future.The DSS develops patient care services goals, objectives, and standards of performance, policies and procedures; organizes the department in accordance with the hospital's mission and vision statements in order to provide Clinical Therapy services to meet the legal, organizational and medical staff guidelines. Ensures all programs and services within the Behavioral Health Service Line meets all criteria related to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (TJC), the Virginia Department of Healthcare Licensing (DOL), the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Disability Services (DBHDS) rules and regulations. Evaluates proposed procedural changes as they relate to patient care, directs/supervises the implementation, and ensures compliance with CMS, TJC, DOL, ASAM and DBHDS criteria that promote optimum compliant health care delivery.The DSS will also provide and manage counseling services to patients individually and/or in a group setting, utilizing clinical counseling principles, methods, or procedures to assist individuals in achieving their established goals as outlined in their individual treatment plans, that are consistent with treating the patient's mental health disorder, becoming sober and/or healthier in their personal, physical, social and psychological wellbeing in the BHU, R&W and IOP programs. The DSS will also manage for employment purposes all Licensed Clinical Therapists and the counseling program. The DSS will also supervise for clinical purposes and manage for employment purposes all non-licensed Therapists and CSAC's."Apply clinical counseling principles, methods, and procedures," means an approach to counseling that emphasizes the counselor's role in systematically assisting clients through all of the following:Assessing and analyzing emotional conditions, exploring possible solutions, and developing and updating as indicated a treatment plan for mental and emotional adjustment or development. It may include counseling, appraisal, consulting, supervision, administration, medication management and changes or referral.Engaging in the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional and substance abuse disorders within the scope of laws and regulations of the Virginia Department of Health Professions.Provide training and supervision for students and registered counselor trainees when services are within their scope of practice, which does not include supervision of the diagnosis and treatment of mental and emotional disorders. Provide supervision of all unlicensed Therapists and CSAC's as required by the Virginia Department of Health Professions (VDHP). Ensure there is documentation of this supervision as required by VDHP.

Education:

A master's degree in social work, psychology, or counseling is required.

Experience:

Three years of experience in behavioral health - post licensure is required.

Three years of experience in substance abuse counseling - post licensure is required.

Three years of Behavorial health/substance abuse leadership is required.

Certification/Licensure:

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Licensed Substance Abuse Treatment Practitioner (LSATP) by the Virginia Department of Health Professions is required.

Other Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of providing care to individuals who may be emotionally disturbed, socially dysfunctional, behaviorally disordered, suffer from mental illness and/or substance use disorders, and their families. A minimum of two years' experience working with American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) criteria. Thorough knowledge of all regulatory bodies to include Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS),The Joint Commission on Accreditation of HealthCare Organizations (TJC), Virginia Department of Health (VDH) and Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (VDBHDS) and Virginia's Office of Human Rights (OHR); Thorough knowledge of community resources and human services network; Thorough knowledge of community-based behavioral health principles and evidence-based psychotherapeutic treatment techniques; Thorough knowledge of the theories and techniques of counseling and crisis intervention; Thorough knowledge of intake techniques and procedures; ability to evaluate and screen clients; ability to prepare adequate records and to report findings and data effectively;Ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility; Ability and experience to manage productively within budget all clinical therapists and CSAC's who will report to the DSS; Ensure all programs/units under the supervision of DSS are working within productivity standards and remain within budget; Work closely with Finance department to ensure all patient days are covered; Ensures all patients Biopsychosocial are completed timely per Policy; Ensures all Treatment Plan/Team requirements are updated and met; goals in the patient's treatment plan are quantifiable, reviewed timely and the patients are included in the development and ongoing changes in their treatment plan. Ensures all staff are trained and competent on suicide prevention and/or identification; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, physicians, clients and their families, associates, community partners, medical personnel, law enforcement, State and Federal agency representatives and the general public: Ability to monitor and evaluate the quality and appropriateness of all social services and therapeutic services provided; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, physicians, clients and their families, associates, community partners, medical personnel, law enforcement, Sate and Federal agency representatives and the general public; Responsibilities include but are not limited to participating in discharge planning, arranging for follow-up care and developing mechanisms for exchange of appropriate information with sources outside the hospital; Ability to ensure the provision of robust therapeutic and activities programs that meets the regulation of each program supervised.

Additional Job DescriptionAt VHC Health, every role contributes to exceptional care, better outcomes, and stronger communities. In addition to your base compensation, VHC Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage (subject to eligibility requirements), as well as additional wellness and retirement benefits designed to support our employees and their families. VHC Health is committed to wage transparency and equitable pay practices. The compensation offered for this position-whether expressed as an annual salary or hourly rate-is determined based on a variety of legitimate, non-discriminatory factors. These factors include, but are not limited to, a candidate's qualifications, relevant training and experience, skill level, shift differentials (where applicable), internal equity, and current market conditions. The posted hiring range reflects the range VHC Health, in good faith, believes is appropriate for this role at the time of posting. This range may be adjusted in the future based on business needs or market changes. No portion of compensation is considered earned until it is vested and determined in accordance with the terms of applicable policies and benefit plans. The availability and amount of any bonuses, incentives, or other benefits are subject to the terms of those plans and may be modified at the sole discretion of VHC Health, in accordance with applicable law. VHC Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, pregnancy (including childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions and lactation), race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristics protected by law. VHC Health maintains a drug-free workplace. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited at all VHC Health locations.Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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