Reference no: EM133518328

Discussion Post: State Licensure

Introduction

These values guide the social work profession, a profession committed to the service of others as it seeks social justice. It is a profession that honors the dignity and worth of the person and the importance of human relationships. Social workers demonstrate integrity and competence as they work with diverse client populations.

As a social work student, these same values guide your learning, just as they would your practice. This week, you explore how these values, as expressed in an ethical code, apply to practice.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe professional ethics and NASW code of ethics
2. Describe ethical standards in social work practice
3. Compare licensure requirements in different states
4. Analyze benefits of title protection and licensure
5. Identify agency and social worker for agency visit

State Licensure

Licensure represents the ability to practice under the title of social worker. Each state regulates the profession and sets the requirements to be licensed to practice in that state. Even when regulations vary, all states require licensed social workers to have graduated from a CSWE-accredited program and pass the national ASWB exam. This assures that those who receive the title of "social worker" have met the criteria developed to demonstrate proficiency in meeting the demands associated with the profession. This is referred to as "title protection," and protecting the title means that individuals not appropriately trained for the profession cannot call themselves a social worker.

In this Discussion, you research the licensure requirements in your state and share them with your colleagues. Sharing the various states' requirements can be useful should you be planning a relocation, or if you have ever worked in this or a related profession in another state.

To Prepare

Research the criteria for assuming a social work license in your state or country. You will want to research the regulations put forth by your state's licensing board.

Consider the benefits offered by title protection and maintenance of licensure standards.

For help with this discussion, the Library recommends the following:

For students in the United States, the simplest way to find out about your state's requirements for becoming a licensed social worker is to search Google.

Enter your state and licensing board. For example, Illinois social work licensing board.

The following websites may also be helpful in finding social worker requirements in your location:

Social Work Licensure MapLinks to an external site. (United States)

Social Work Student and Professional Related OrganizationsLinks to an external site.

National Association of Social WorkersLinks to an external site.

For international students, search GoogleLinks to an external site. for your Country's or region's National Association of Social Workers. For example Kenya National Association of Social Workers.

The following website may also be helpful in finding social worker requirements in your location:

International Federation of Social WorkersLinks to an external site.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues' postings. Begin by clicking on the Reply button to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Post Reply, you cannot delete or edit your own posts and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Post Reply!

Task

Post response to the following:

Question 1. Identify the types of social work licenses available in your state.

Question 2. Describe the criteria required to earn an LCSW in your state. Specifically,

Question 3. What are state requirements for education?

Question 4. How many hours of post-MSW practice are required?

Question 5. How many hours of supervision are required?

Question 6. How much does it cost for initial licensure?

Question 7. Describe the criteria to maintain an LCSW in your state. Specifically,

Question 8. How often do you need to renew your license?

Question 9. How much does it cost to renew a license?

Question 10. How many continuing education credits are required?

Question 11. What, if any, specific education hours are required (e.g., suicide, ethics, substance use, cultural competence)?

Question 12. Explain the benefits for licensure and title protection.