Social Worker 2

Job Title: Social Worker 2
Location: Nashville, TN 37243(Hybrid)
Duration: 6 Months+ contract (Possible Extension)

Full-Time Contract Position

• 37.5 hours per week
• Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Contract staff are not eligible for overtime.

 
Job Overview:
The Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) is seeking a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) for a full-time contract position within the Maternal Health Section of the Division of Family Health and Wellness. This vital role supports the state’s efforts in improving maternal health outcomes, with a focus on mental health, substance use disorders, and maternal mortality.
The LCSW will support several key initiatives, including:

• Maternal Deaths Due to Violence Program
• Maternal Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Program
• Maternal Mortality Review (MMR) Program

This role will also serve as a subject matter expert and trainer for TDH care coordination teams and will be instrumental in building trauma-informed, culturally competent care practices across the department.
 
Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct trauma-informed, semi-structured interviews with family members and others close to individuals who died from maternal causes.
• Provide emotional support during sensitive interviews and ensure respectful, culturally appropriate communication.
• Document interviews thoroughly and contribute to the Maternal Mortality Review process.
• Develop and deliver educational materials, tools, and resources to support staff and partners in addressing maternal mental health and substance use disorder.
• Train care coordination staff, including Call Center staff, CHANT Care Coordinators, and Women’s Health Navigators, on:
  • Use of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) tool
  • Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
  • Substance use concerns (focus on prevention, early identification, appropriate response, and service connection)
• Collaborate with healthcare providers, community organizations, and stakeholders to:
  • Strengthen referral networks
  • Improve care coordination
  • Expand access to maternal mental health resources and platforms like FindHelpNowTN through outreach and engagement
• Support navigation and referral processes, including warm hand-offs to community resources.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices across maternal health programs.
• Coordinate with FindHelpNowTN to ensure timely and accurate updates to the provider database.
• Assist in refining interview protocols and developing trauma-informed tools and training materials.
• Participate in quarterly Maternal Mortality Review Committee meetings.
• Travel across Tennessee as needed to:
  • Conduct in-person and virtual interviews
  • Connect with healthcare providers
  • Promote program offerings
  • Encourage participation in maternal health training initiatives

 
Minimum Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution.
• Active LCSW or LMSW license in Tennessee (or eligibility to obtain).
• At least 2 years of professional experience in social work, public health, mental health, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in conducting trauma-informed or crisis-sensitive interviews.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to maternal health equity and working with diverse, underserved communities.

 
Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience with maternal health, substance use disorder treatment, or working in public health systems.
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.