LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER

State of Arkansas; Benton (AR); On-site; USD 59,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Maternity leave

Paid state holidays

Job summary

State of Arkansas seeks a Licensed Social Worker at Arkansas Health Center in Benton, AR to deliver social services across programs within state government. The role includes assessments, case management, counseling, and advocacy for vulnerable populations while ensuring compliance with HIPAA and state regulations.

Minimum qualifications require a bachelor’s degree and initial social work experience; licensure as an Arkansas Social Worker is mandatory or pursued.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree and at least six months of experience in mental health clinics, corrections, child welfare, social work, or a related field.
• Knowledge of mental health principles, social work theories and practices, and crisis intervention techniques.
• Licensure as a Social Worker in Arkansas is required or pursued.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake assessments and develop comprehensive case plans addressing client needs.
• Provide individual and family counseling and crisis intervention to clients in need.
• Coordinate services and referrals to programs, agencies, or community organizations.
• Maintain accurate documentation within EHR or case management systems.
• Collaborate with professionals to ensure comprehensive care and service delivery.
• Advocate for client rights and assist in navigating social service systems.
• Monitor progress and adjust service plans to improve outcomes.
• Educate clients on coping strategies and community resources.

Skills

Mental health principles

Crisis intervention

Interviews & assessments

Record keeping

Dispute management

Communication with diverse communities

Time management

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

Tools

EHR systems

Case management software

Job description

Preferred qualifications: Specific skills and/or professional background details: This position is located at Arkansas Health Center in Benton, AR. Entry Level salary is $58,700. Knowledge of mental health principles, social work theories and practices, and crisis intervention techniques. Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations, as well as the NASW Code of Ethics. Ability to conduct interviews and assessments, keep accurate and detailed records, and manage disputes. Ability to practice and seek supervision from Licensed Master Social Workers and Licensed Clinical Social Workers. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities, develop and coordinate individualized service plans for case records, and make sound decisions in high-stress situations. Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving.

Position Number: 22110599 County: Saline Posting End Date: October 6, 2026

Preferred qualifications: Specific skills and/or professional background details: This position is located at Arkansas Health Center in Benton, AR. Entry Level salary is $58,700. Knowledge of mental health principles, social work theories and practices, and crisis intervention techniques. Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations, as well as the NASW Code of Ethics. Ability to conduct interviews and assessments, keep accurate and detailed records, and manage disputes. Ability to practice and seek supervision from Licensed Master Social Workers and Licensed Clinical Social Workers. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities, develop and coordinate individualized service plans for case records, and make sound decisions in high-stress situations. Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving.

The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

Job Series: Counseling and Mental Health – Career Path

Classification: Licensed Social Worker

Class Code: SCM06P

Pay Grade: SPC01

Salary Range: $58,700 - $86,876

Job Summary

The Licensed Social Worker (LSW) provides a broad range of social services to individuals, families, and communities within the framework of state government programs. This position involves performing assessments, case management, counseling, nonclinical counseling, and advocacy to support vulnerable and at‑risk populations. The LSW will work closely with clients to identify and address their needs, create service plans, and connect them to resources, all while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations.

Primary Responsibilities

Conduct intake assessments and develop comprehensive case plans to address client needs, including social, psychological, and economic factors. Provide individual and family counseling, nonclinical counseling, crisis intervention, and support services to clients in need of assistance. Coordinate services and provide referrals to appropriate programs, agencies, or community organizations. Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions, assessments, and progress within electronic health records (EHR) or other case management systems. Collaborate with other professionals, agencies, and community organizations to ensure comprehensive care and service delivery. Advocate for client rights and assist in navigating social service systems, ensuring equitable access to resources. Monitor client progress and adjust service plans as needed to ensure effectiveness and outcomes. Provide education and guidance to clients regarding coping strategies, community resources, and life skills. Comply with confidentiality and ethical standards, including adherence to HIPAA and state‑specific regulations regarding social work practice. May be required to pursue ongoing continuing education and training in order to renew licensing every two years.

Knowledge And Skills

Knowledge of mental health principles, social work theories and practices, and crisis intervention techniques. Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations, as well as the NASW Code of Ethics. Ability to conduct interviews and assessments, keep accurate and detailed records, and manage disputes. Ability to practice and seek supervision from Licensed Master Social Workers and Licensed Clinical Social Workers. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse communities, develop and coordinate individualized service plans for case records, and make sound decisions in high‑stress situations. Skilled in time management, organization, and problem solving.

Minimum Qualifications

A bachelor's degree and at least six months of experience in mental health clinics, corrections, child welfare, social work, or a related field.

Licensure/Certifications

Must be a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Arkansas. OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.