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A clinical social worker largely deals with the social aspects of a person’s health. Most social workers, and clinical social workers specifically, require an advanced degree, supervised experience and licensure prior to administering care.

Clinical Social Worker

Clinical Social Workers advocate for patients. They explain health care policies and resources, offer guidance, and provide treatment to people, to aid in coping with psychosocial issues and problems.

What Type of Positions/Specializations Can a Clinical Social Worker Hold?

There any number of areas in which a Clinical Social Worker can specialize.

These include:

Career Options and Salary Available to Clinical Social Workers

Amber Holt, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) in the state of Oregon, states,“The first step is obtaining a master’s degree in social work. Social work programs usually have various tracks, such as direct service, community based, administrative, etc. If you are interested in doing clinical social work, you will be best served taking the direct service (or equivalent) track.

During MSW school, you will have field placements/internships in your chosen track. So, if you have chosen a clinical track, you will have a placement where you work with clients directly (one field placement example might be providing mental health therapy in a community mental health center).

Once these hours are complete, you must pass the national licensing exam for clinical social work. Usually states also have additional testing requirements (such as ethics for your state).  After you pass the test, you apply (and of course pay!) for your license. In order to maintain your license, you must complete 40 hours of continuing education credits every two years.”

The BLS reports that social workers, all other (a group that includes specialists like clinical social workers), received an annual median salary of$61,420in 2022. The highest earning social workers in this group made approximately $95,560, while the lowest-paid earned approximately $37,500. Location, education, and work environment all pay a part in how much a clinical social worker can make.

Typical Employment Settings for a Clinical Social Worker

The BLS states that Clinical Social Workers can work in a wide variety of sectors, including:

Learn more abouthow to become a clinical social worker.

Ways a Clinical Social Worker can Increase Desirability as a Job Candidate

A clinical social worker who has earned a bachelor’s degree (BS) in social work or a closely-related field can begin a career as a case worker or mental health assistant.  However,all clinical social workers must have a master’s degree in social work.  Alllicensedclinical social workers must also acquire approximately 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, and pass the Social Work Licensure exam.

According to one source, atLove Magazine, a career in clinical social work requires a master’s degree. Although each state varies in licensure requirements, a master’s level social worker usually needs to be licensed (LMSW) in order to accrue the client contact hours necessary for clinical exam (LCSW) eligibility. The number of needed hours ranges from 3,000-3,500, which may, depending on work environment, take up to five years to obtain. State regulations, of course, and licensure requirements differ. For example, California requires additional coursework in state law. Detailed information can be found through state licensing boards.

Related Social Work Education Guides

Licensing

It should also be noted that some states grant the title of Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), while other states may use a different title, including Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) or Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW).

Anita Martin, MSSW states,“Clinical social work licensure can be a lengthy process, but worthy of your time and energy if becoming a therapist is your career of choice.”

Typical Job Duties of a Clinical Social Worker

The responsibilities of a clinical social worker are varied. This is due in part because of the diversity of this field and the many opportunities for employment.

A few general duties a clinical social work may include:

Quick facts:

Upward mobility and the opportunity to advance in this career:   Average

Flexibility and the opportunity to work flexible hours or off-site:   Average

Stress Level:   High

Job Settings

Anita Martin, MSSW & Creator ofLove Magazine, states that clinical social workers who have recently obtained their licenses can work in a broad range of settings. Settings may include hospitals, non-profit organizations, schools, government, or private practice.

Salary expectations vary widely between employers, but fortunately, BLS data indicates that clinical social workers could have more earning potential than many of their colleagues without advanced training. Social work is a demanding profession, so understanding the environment in which one works best is important.

Attributes Employers Often Look for When Hiring a Clinical Social Worker

Social work, in general is a competitive field. Although the field is growing at a faster-than-average rate, there are a number of attributes employers take into account when hiring a clinical social worker, including:

Networking Opportunities and Organizations for Clinical Social Workers

Continuing Education (CE) Opportunities for a Clinical Social Worker

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) views professional development and continuing education (CE) as essential for ensuring superior social work services. A self-directed process, professional development and continuing education requires social workers assume the responsibility for growing their knowledge base.

No matter if an individual is just beginning a career in social work or is a seasoned veteran, social workers are ethically required to stay informed of current research, techniques that guide social work practice, and social work philosophy and doctrines in order to better serve clients, patients, and constituents.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures forsocial workersandsocial workers (all other)are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.

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