Intro
Discover the West Virginia Board of Social Work licensing requirements to become a licensed social worker in WV. Learn about the education, exam, and experience needed to obtain a license, as well as the application process and continuing education requirements to maintain licensure in West Virginia.
The West Virginia Board of Social Work is responsible for regulating the practice of social work in the state. To ensure that social workers provide high-quality services to the public, the Board has established specific licensing requirements that must be met by all social workers who wish to practice in West Virginia. In this article, we will explore the WV Board of Social Work licensing requirements, including the different types of licenses, education and training requirements, and the application process.
Types of Licenses
The WV Board of Social Work offers four types of licenses for social workers:
- Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
- Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
Each license has its own set of requirements and allows social workers to practice at different levels of autonomy and responsibility.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
The LBSW license is the entry-level license for social workers in West Virginia. To be eligible for this license, applicants must have a bachelor's degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program. LBSWs are qualified to work under the supervision of a licensed master's or clinical social worker in a variety of settings, including mental health clinics, hospitals, and non-profit organizations.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
The LMSW license is the intermediate license for social workers in West Virginia. To be eligible for this license, applicants must have a master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. LMSWs are qualified to work independently in a variety of settings, including private practice, and may supervise LBSWs.
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
The LICSW license is the advanced license for social workers in West Virginia. To be eligible for this license, applicants must have a master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and at least two years of post-graduate supervised clinical experience. LICSWs are qualified to work independently in private practice and may supervise LMSWs and LBSWs.
Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW)
The LCSW license is a specialty license for social workers in West Virginia who wish to work in the field of school social work. To be eligible for this license, applicants must have a master's degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program and at least two years of post-graduate supervised experience in a school setting. LCSWs are qualified to work independently in school settings and may supervise LMSWs and LBSWs.
Education and Training Requirements
To be eligible for any of the licenses offered by the WV Board of Social Work, applicants must have a degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program. The Board also requires applicants to complete a certain number of hours of supervised experience, depending on the license they are applying for.
Supervised Experience
The WV Board of Social Work requires applicants to complete a certain number of hours of supervised experience, depending on the license they are applying for. The Board defines supervised experience as "experience gained under the supervision of a licensed social worker in a setting that provides social work services."
- LBSWs must complete at least 1,000 hours of supervised experience.
- LMSWs must complete at least 2,000 hours of supervised experience.
- LICSWs must complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience.
- LCSWs must complete at least 2,000 hours of supervised experience in a school setting.
Application Process
To apply for a social work license in West Virginia, applicants must submit an application to the WV Board of Social Work. The application process typically takes several months to complete and requires applicants to provide documentation of their education, supervised experience, and other qualifications.
Application Requirements
To apply for a social work license in West Virginia, applicants must provide the following documentation:
- Official transcripts from a CSWE-accredited social work program.
- Verification of supervised experience from a licensed social worker.
- Passing scores on the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam.
- A background check.
Exam Requirements
The WV Board of Social Work requires applicants to pass the ASWB exam as part of the licensing process. The exam is designed to test applicants' knowledge and skills in the field of social work.
Exam Types
The ASWB offers four types of exams for social workers, depending on the license they are applying for:
- Bachelor's exam
- Master's exam
- Clinical exam
- Advanced Generalist exam
Continuing Education Requirements
To maintain their licenses, social workers in West Virginia must complete continuing education requirements. The WV Board of Social Work requires licensees to complete at least 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
Continuing Education Types
The WV Board of Social Work allows licensees to complete continuing education requirements in a variety of ways, including:
- Workshops and conferences
- Online courses
- Self-study programs
- Academic courses
Conclusion
The WV Board of Social Work licensing requirements are designed to ensure that social workers in West Virginia provide high-quality services to the public. To become a licensed social worker in West Virginia, applicants must meet the education and training requirements, pass the ASWB exam, and complete continuing education requirements. By following these requirements, social workers can demonstrate their commitment to the field of social work and provide the best possible services to their clients.
What are the different types of licenses offered by the WV Board of Social Work?
+The WV Board of Social Work offers four types of licenses: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), and Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW).
What are the education requirements for social work licensure in West Virginia?
+To be eligible for social work licensure in West Virginia, applicants must have a degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program.
How many hours of supervised experience are required for social work licensure in West Virginia?
+The number of hours of supervised experience required for social work licensure in West Virginia varies depending on the license type. LBSWs must complete at least 1,000 hours, LMSWs must complete at least 2,000 hours, LICSWs must complete at least 3,000 hours, and LCSWs must complete at least 2,000 hours in a school setting.