What Is A Licensed Clinical Social Worker?
The profession of a social worker is significant to society in many ways. A
medical dictionary definition of a licensed clinical social worker describes
one who is trained in psychotherapy and helps individuals deal with a variety
of mental health and daily living problems to improve overall functioning. It
goes on to say that a social worker with a master’s degree has studied
sociology, growth and development, mental health theory and practice, human
behavior in the social environment, and psychology and research methods.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker Overview
All states and the District of Columbia require licensing, certification or
registration of licensed clinical social workers and bachelor’s degree level
social workers. An LCSW certification requires a master’s degree, which
normally takes two years beyond a bachelor’s degree. Most states require two
years or 3000 hours of supervised clinical experience for clinical social
workers. A DSW of Ph.D is required for teaching at the college/university
level, most research appointments and consulting.
• Bachelor’s degrees allow for direct service jobs such as caseworker,
mental health assistant, group home worker or residential counselor.
• Master’s degrees prepare social workers for managing large caseloads,
performing clinical assessments, clinical social work, supervising and
exploring new ways of drawing upon social services.
• LCSW license requirements for social workers usually include passing a
written test and having a specific number of years of experience.
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| Licensed Clinical Social Worker |
Along with the necessary
educational and licensing requirements, a social worker on any level needs to
be responsible and independent, emotionally mature, objective and sensitive to
people’s needs. Every professional is expected to work well with clients and
coworkers, and social workers should be well aware of this given the field
itself. Networking with other professionals is often essential to solving
problems on many levels.
One way to test out the likelihood that social work is a good career choice
is to volunteer or work as a paid aide in a setting that might be of interest
to someone who is considering this path. Most social workers have jobs in
cities but there are positions in rural areas as well. The field of geriatrics
is promising with the aging of the baby boomer generation and jobs at
hospitals, nursing homes, hospice and assisted living facilities may be more
accessible. Home visitation of the elderly for assessment of need and checking
on personal progress would likely be included in this area of social work.
Private practice is an option for those with a social work license as a
psychotherapist. Health insurance or a client paying out-of-pocket for service
is the source of income available. Referrals from other professionals is
essential to maintaining a satisfactory level of income. Doctors, nurses,
psychologists, other social workers and former clients are good referral
sources.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Salary Data
Salary levels may range from $25,000-$56,000 for the most part, but some
are higher with consultation and/or private practice as a second income.
An LCSW salary is larger, of course. Social work is not for those who
have a priority of obtaining wealth. Concern for others is usually the
motivating force behind the decision to pursue a career in social work.
The U.S. Department of Labour, Bureau of Labour Statistics describes the
field of social work as one that covers disease, disability, relationships,
housing, unemployment, substance abuse and domestic conflict. These issues are
very comprehensive and touch every level of society in every area of the
country. It seems fair to say that there will always be a great need for a
social worker licensed in your area. Funding is the key to hiring as many
social workers as are needed, and social workers are rising to the challenge of
finding funds wherever and whenever possible.
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