Job Description

Job Summary

We Are Building Lives is seeking a compassionate, experienced, and highly motivated Social Worker – Veteran Services to provide professional social work services to veterans participating in our transitional housing and supportive service programs.

The Social Worker will work directly with veterans to assess individual needs, develop individualized service plans, coordinate community resources, address barriers to permanent housing, and help participants achieve greater stability and independence.

The ideal candidate will have experience working with veterans, individuals experiencing homelessness, individuals with behavioral health needs, or other vulnerable populations. This position requires a person who can develop strong professional relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries, documentation standards, confidentiality, and accountability.

Job Responsibilities

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Veteran Assessment and Case Management

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of veterans entering or participating in We Are Building Lives programs.
• Identify needs related to housing, mental health, physical health, substance use recovery, employment, transportation, finances, benefits, family relationships, and other social determinants of health.
• Develop individualized service and case plans in collaboration with each veteran.
• Establish measurable goals designed to promote stability, independence, and successful transition into permanent housing.
• Meet regularly with veterans to review progress, identify barriers, and modify service plans when necessary.
• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, assessments, service plans, referrals, and other required documentation.

Housing Stability and Homelessness Prevention

• Assist veterans in identifying and overcoming barriers to permanent housing.
• Coordinate with housing providers, landlords, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and other community partners.
• Help veterans understand available housing programs and community resources.
• Support veterans as they transition from homelessness or transitional housing into stable, permanent housing.
• Assist with the development of plans designed to reduce the likelihood of veterans returning to homelessness.

Veteran Benefits and Community Resources

• Help veterans identify and access benefits and services for which they may be eligible.
• Coordinate referrals to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and other veteran-serving organizations when appropriate.
• Assist veterans in accessing healthcare, mental health services, substance use treatment, employment assistance, transportation, food assistance, financial resources, and other community services.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with community agencies serving veterans throughout Middle Tennessee.
• Advocate for veterans when barriers prevent them from accessing necessary services.

Mental Health and Supportive Services

• Identify behavioral health concerns that may require additional assessment or professional intervention.
• Provide supportive counseling and appropriate social work interventions within the employee’s professional scope of practice.
• Coordinate referrals to licensed mental health professionals, healthcare providers, substance use treatment providers, and crisis services when appropriate.
• Work collaboratively with outside providers to support continuity of care.
• Utilize trauma-informed and person-centered approaches when working with veterans.

Crisis Intervention and Advocacy

• Recognize veterans who may be experiencing emotional distress, behavioral health crises, housing crises, or other urgent situations.
• Follow organizational policies and professional standards for crisis response and referrals.
• Communicate significant concerns to appropriate leadership and professional providers.
• Advocate for veterans while encouraging personal responsibility and participation in their individualized service plans.

Program Collaboration

• Work closely with the Executive Director, program staff, house managers, volunteers, healthcare professionals, and community partners.
• Participate in case conferences and staff meetings as needed.
• Assist leadership in evaluating veteran needs and identifying opportunities to improve programs and services.
• Help develop partnerships with organizations that can expand services available to veterans.
• Participate in community outreach and veteran-focused events as appropriate.

Qualifications

Candidates must meet at least one of the following qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) or a closely related human services or behavioral health field from an accredited institution; OR
• Current Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) license in good standing.

LCSW licensure is strongly preferred for responsibilities requiring independent clinical judgment or services that fall within the scope of clinical social work practice.

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PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience working with veterans or military-connected individuals.
• Experience serving individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Experience in behavioral health, mental health, substance use recovery, or community-based social services.
• Experience with transitional or supportive housing programs.
• Knowledge of VA programs and veteran benefits.
• Experience with case management, community resource coordination, and crisis intervention.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care and person-centered service delivery.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Strong commitment to serving veterans with dignity and respect.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to establish professional relationships with veterans from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
• Strong assessment, case management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Knowledge of community resources and social service systems.
• Ability to manage multiple cases and priorities effectively.
• Strong written documentation and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Sound professional judgment when responding to difficult or sensitive situations.
• Commitment to ethical and professional social work practices.

PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS

The Social Worker is expected to represent We Are Building Lives professionally and demonstrate compassion, integrity, accountability, confidentiality, and respect in all interactions with veterans, families, staff members, volunteers, community partners, and outside agencies.

All services must be provided within the employee’s professional education, training, credentials, licensure, and legally authorized scope of practice.

PHYSICAL AND WORK REQUIREMENTS

The position may require travel to veteran residences, community agencies, healthcare facilities, VA facilities, and other service locations throughout Middle Tennessee. The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Information

Benefits

PTO

Flexible work scheudle with some remote and hybrid work

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to Jeff@wearebuildinglives.org

Details

• Date Posted: August 11, 2026
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Human Resources
• Service Area: Social / Human Services
• Start Date: 08/17/2026
• Salary Range: 60-70,000
• Working Hours: Flexible

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