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Social Worker Jobs in Oak Ridge, TN (NOW HIRING)

Social Worker

Knoxville, TN · On-site +1

$65K - $78K/yr

Summary The incumbent is a professional Social Worker assigned to the Knoxville Outpatient Clinic (OPC). The incumbent's primary focus is to provide medical social work services to eligible veterans ...

New

Social Worker 2 Client: TN-DOH Location: 710 North Main Street Clinton, Tennessee 37716 Duration: 11+ Months (On-Site) The Clinical Care Team will take referrals from primary care providers and will ...

Medical Social Worker NHC HomeCare Konxville is looking for a Medical Social Worker to join our team. The Medical Social Worker supervises and provides for the evaluation of the social and emotional ...

Full-Time Social Worker (BSW) Location: Knoxville Center for Behavioral Medicine (KCBM) Schedule: Full-Time | Day Shift Pay: Based on Experience Equal Opportunity Employer Join a Team That Makes a ...

" "" Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Wage: Up to $108/hour Licensed Clinical Social Worker -- Are you ready to launch or expand your private practice? Headway is here to help you start accepting ...

" "" Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Wage: Up to $108/hour Licensed Clinical Social Worker -- Are you ready to launch or expand your private practice? Headway is here to help you start accepting ...

Medical Social Worker, HomeCare Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Homecare and Hospice Overview: Covenant Health HomeCare and Hospice is the area's largest locally owned home health and ...

Overview Medical Social Worker, HomeCare Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Homecare and Hospice Overview: Covenant Health HomeCare and Hospice is the area's largest locally owned home ...

Make a difference every day as an Amedisys Medical Social Worker Join Amedisys-one of the largest and most trusted home health and hospice companies in the U.S.-where flexibility, purpose and growth ...

Make a difference every day as an Amedisys Medical Social Worker Join Amedisys-one of the largest and most trusted home health and hospice companies in the U.S.-where flexibility, purpose and growth ...

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Social Worker information

See Oak Ridge, TN salary details

$33K

$72.9K

$111.9K

How much do social worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for social worker in Oak Ridge, TN is $72,913.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,400.00 and $87,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Social Worker vs Counselor?

AspectSocial WorkerCounselor
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Social Work (BSW or MSW), licensure often requiredTypically a Master's in Counseling, Psychology, or related field; licensure varies
Work EnvironmentHospitals, schools, social service agencies, community organizationsPrivate practice, clinics, schools, mental health facilities
Employer & Industry UsagePublic and non-profit sectors, social servicesHealthcare, mental health, educational institutions
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles, qualifications, and job dutiesCareer differences, certification requirements

Social Workers and Counselors both support mental health and well-being but differ in their training, work settings, and focus. Social Workers often address broader social issues and connect clients with resources, while Counselors typically focus on individual therapy and mental health treatment. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role.

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

To thrive as a Social Worker, you need a solid understanding of social work theory, case management, and a relevant degree with state licensure. Familiarity with case management software, client record systems, and ongoing professional development or certifications in areas like mental health are common requirements. Strong interpersonal skills, cultural competence, and resilience help social workers build trust and effectively support diverse clients. These skills ensure ethical, effective advocacy and intervention for individuals and communities facing complex challenges.

What are some common challenges social workers face when balancing caseloads and client needs?

Social Workers often manage a high volume of cases, which can make it challenging to give each client the individualized attention they need. Prioritizing urgent situations while ensuring ongoing support for all clients requires strong organizational skills and time management. Additionally, Social Workers must navigate complex systems, such as healthcare or social services, to advocate effectively for their clients. Regular supervision and teamwork can help manage these challenges and provide support in high-stress situations.

What is a social worker?

Social workers are professionals who help individuals, families, and communities overcome challenges and improve their well-being. They provide support, advocacy, and resources for people facing issues like mental health, poverty, abuse, or family problems. Social workers may work in schools, hospitals, government agencies, or community organizations, and they often help clients navigate complex social systems to access needed services.

What are the most commonly searched types of Social Worker jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

The most popular types of Social Worker jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What are popular job titles related to Social Worker jobs in Oak Ridge, TN?

For Social Worker jobs in Oak Ridge, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Social Worker jobs in Oak Ridge, TN look for?

The top searched job categories for Social Worker jobs in Oak Ridge, TN are:

What cities near Oak Ridge, TN are hiring for Social Worker jobs?

Cities near Oak Ridge, TN with the most Social Worker job openings:

Infographic showing various Social Worker job openings in Oak Ridge, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 39% Part Time, and 8% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $72,913 per year, or $35.1 per hour.

$65K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

The incumbent is a professional Social Worker assigned to the Knoxville Outpatient Clinic (OPC). The incumbent's primary focus is to provide medical social work services to eligible veterans as a means of assisting them to meet biological, psychological, social, and environmental needs; however, this social worker will provide a variety of other generalist social work functions.
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.
  • English Language Proficiency Requirement - Per VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, Section A, Paragraph 3j: No person will be appointed under authority of 38 U.S.C., chapter 73 or 74, to serve in a direct patient-care capacity in VHA who is not proficient in written and spoken English.
  • Education - Candidates must 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 - Social workers at the GS-11 level must be licensed or certified by a state to independently practice social work at the master's degree level.
  • Exception. VHA may waive the licensure or certification requirement for persons who are otherwise qualified, pending completion of state prerequisites for licensure/certification examinations. This exception only applies at the GS-9 grade level. For the GS-11 grade level and above, the candidate must be licensed or certified. At the time of appointment, the supervisor, chief social work or social work executive will provide the unlicensed/uncertified social worker with the written requirements for licensure or certification, including the time by which the license or certification must be obtained and the consequences for not becoming licensed or certified by the deadline.
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:
Experience: In additional to meeting the basic requirements as stated above, you must have the following:
GS-9 Level: Social Worker - Experience/Education: The candidate must have knowledge of current professional social work practices. 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. Must also be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
  • Ability to work with Veterans and family members from various socioeconomic, cultural, ethnic, educational, and other diversified backgrounds utilizing counseling skills.
  • Ability to assess the psychosocial functioning and needs of Veterans and their family members, and to formulate and implement a treatment plan, identifying the Veterans problems, strengths, weaknesses, coping skills, and assistance needed.
  • Ability to implement treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups to achieve treatment goals. This requires judgment and skill in utilizing supportive, problem solving, or crisis intervention techniques.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and communicate with clients, staff, and representatives of community agencies.
  • Fundamental knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities, and treatment procedures. This includes acute, chronic, and traumatic illnesses/injuries; common medications and their effects/side effects; and medical terminology.
GS-11 Social Worker - Experience/Education: Appointment to the GS-11 grade level requires completion of a minimum of one year of post-MSW experience equivalent to the GS-9 grade level in the field of health care or other social work-related settings, (VA or non-VA experience) and licensure or certification in a state at the independent practice level. OR,
In addition to meeting basic requirements, a doctoral degree in social work from a school of social work may be substituted for the required one year of professional social work experience in a clinical setting. Must also be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:
  • Knowledge of community resources, how to make appropriate referrals to community and other governmental agencies for services, and ability to coordinate services.
  • Skill in independently conducting psychosocial assessments and treatment interventions to a wide variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, educational and other diversified backgrounds.
  • Knowledge of medical and mental health diagnoses, disabilities and treatment procedures (i.e. acute, chronic and traumatic illnesses/injuries, common medications and their effects/side effects, and medical terminology) to formulate a treatment plan.
  • Skill in independently implementing different treatment modalities in working with individuals, families, and groups who are experiencing a variety of psychiatric, medical, and social problems to achieve treatment goals.
  • Ability to provide consultation services to new social workers, social work graduate students, and other staff about the psychosocial needs of patients and the impact of psychosocial problems on health care and compliance with treatment.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-9 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: All candidates must be physically and mentally able to perform efficiently the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation, without hazard to themselves or others. Candidates must meet the physical requirements outlined in Section II and Section VI of the OPM Operating Manual, Qualification Standards for General Schedule Positions and must possess emotional and mental stability.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