State of Arkansas logo
State of Arkansas
Benton, Arkansas

LICENSED SOCIAL WORKER

Social WorkerFull-Time

Listed compensation

$59k-$87k

Listing transparency3 of 6 stated

Ask the employer about call expectations, weekend coverage and nights and shift pattern.

Employment & setting
Full-Time · on-site
Call expectations
Not specified
Weekends
Not specified
Posted 1 day ago · Verified live

Job Description

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 PathClassification: Licensed Social WorkerClass Code: SCM06PPay Grade: SPC01Salary Range: $58,700 - $86,876Job 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. 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.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct client assessments, develop individualized case plans, and provide counseling, crisis intervention, referrals, and advocacy for individuals and families. Coordinate with professionals and community organizations, document client progress, adjust service plans, and ensure compliance with ethical, confidentiality, and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor's degree, at least six months of relevant experience, and an Arkansas Licensed Social Worker credential. Candidates should know mental health and social work practices, crisis intervention, applicable laws, and ethical standards, and be able to assess clients, maintain records, coordinate services, and communicate effectively.

Qualifications

Education
Bachelor degree

Key Skills

Client AssessmentService PlanningClient AdvocacyRecordkeepingDispute ManagementInteragency CollaborationCommunication

Social Worker Career Context

State of Arkansas holds silver-tier status on WeekdayDoc's Top Employers work-life index, composite score 79/100, 3 active listings.

Of the 50 active Social Work listings this role was benchmarked against, 36% are remote, 40% have no call, 76% require no weekends.

The cost-of-living index for Arkansas is 86.9 (US average = 100; BEA Regional Price Parities (2024)), so the posted ~$73k midpoint carries the purchasing power of roughly $84k in an average-cost state. 61.1% of Arkansas clinicians report burnout symptoms in WeekdayDoc's Burnout Index (2026-01 data).

Top Social Worker Jobs

29 matches · ranked by pay

Salary Distribution29 jobs · 15 employers

8
<$85k
4
$85k-105k
13
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4
$125k-145k

Annual compensation range

Benefits & Perks29 jobs · 15 employers

401k / retirement match
93% this job
Loan repayment
17%
CME allowance
17% this job
Sign-on bonus
14%
PSLF eligible
7%

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Work-life snapshot

3.0/ 10
Listing-based score
  • On-site

Living in Benton

Typical 3-bedroom home value
$227k
Typical market rent
$1,498/mo
Residents’ average commute
24 min
Metro price indexU.S. average = 100
89.4
State income tax
Up to 4.9%
Sources & methodology

Sources: Zillow home values (Aug 2026), Zillow market rents (Aug 2026), U.S. Census ACS 2024 five-year.

BEA 2024 · Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR metro prices. Housing figures are city-level.

City-level figures. Not a cost-of-living guarantee.

State of Arkansas logo

About State of Arkansas

Government Administration
Pine Bluff, AR
1,001-5,000 employees

Benefits & Perks

Pension
Maternity Leave
Paid State Holidays
Health Insurance