Social Work | Imamother

amother

OP ↓

Sun, Nov 10 2024, 12:17 pm

What would be my best route to get licensed as a social worker?
I have trained in another country that isn't accepted in the US so I need to start from scratch and have no idea where to turn.
What school do you recommend for the masters?
I have good clinical training already so I don't mind what type of program it is, so long as it is well respected enough that I could get a good job with that qualification.

amother

Pistachio ↓

Sun, Nov 10 2024, 12:20 pm

Social work in America is licensed by States. It is also overseen by the aswB. Any program that is ASWB certified which is practically all of them is good enough to get you a license in your state provided you meet the other requirements (field work hours, exam etc.)

In my experience, nobody really cares what school you went to, once you have some relevant experience. It does take a while to get your license though.

Also, in almost all states there are two levels of licensure. The first you get when you graduate and that allows you to work under supervision. After a certain number of years and hours, you can get the second level of full licensure and then work independently.

amother

↑ OP ↓

Sun, Nov 10 2024, 12:28 pm

amother Pistachio wrote:

This is really helpful, thank you!
How long approximately does it take once I've graduated until I am licensed? Is it easy to get client hours before licensure? Do the degree programs help with that or am I on my own?
Working under supervision means I must work for a clinic or the like or can I work privately with a private supervisor?

amother

↑ Pistachio

Sun, Nov 10 2024, 12:50 pm

amother OP wrote:

Typical program runs about 2 years full-time. Typical field work requirement for the entire degree program is 1200 hours (almost always unpaid). Then you can get your license. In New Jersey you need about 2,000 hours of clinical work in over 2 years and I think in New York it's over 3 years. Then you can get your full license.

Most people work for a clinic. New York might be more flexible but in New Jersey, I don't know anyone who legally works for themselves without an lcsw (full license). However, if you have the skills and experience, there are a few jobs available at group practices that pay decently and provide supervision.

amother

Apricot

Sun, Nov 10 2024, 1:10 pm

amother OP wrote:

It takes usually 2-6 years of limited license before you have enough hours for LCSW, depends on state requirements and how many hours you work per week
It's not part of the programs job to help you get a job, but they might have ideas, and/or you might be able to do it where you interned (which the program often does find for you)
Some states allow private practice without full licensure, some don't. But if they do, they may have a lot more rules, like registering who the supervisor will be, etc.

amother

Firebrick

Sun, Nov 10 2024, 1:39 pm

OP, licensure requirements vary from state to state. Whatever state you are in or plan to live in, contact the licensing board - or at least start by looking them up online. Maybe some of your work is transferrable?

If you have to start from scratch, it might be worth considering if you should call yourself a life coach or go to school for something else altogether.

much hatzlacha!