The State of Social Work in New York
Social Work in New York state is a vital and ever-changing profession, with a significant need for skilled and licensed professionals to address the diverse needs of the population. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2021, there were around 52,050 social workers in the state of New York. This number is expected to increase in the future, as the demand for social work services continues to rise, driven by factors such as the opioid crisis and a growing immigrant and refugee population.
Social Workers in New York can be found in a wide range of settings, from schools and hospitals to government agencies and non-profit organizations. They work with diverse individuals and communities and specialize in different areas such as mental health, child welfare, substance abuse, medical social work, and veterans’ services. They play a crucial role in helping people, families, and communities overcome challenges and improve their overall well-being.
In 2021, a total of 20,657 social workers took the Clinical Level ASWB exam and it’s estimated that close to 1,200 of those social workers were from the state of New York, though this exact breakdown is not released by the ASWB.
Prerequisites for Clinical-Level Licensure (LCSW) in New York
Clinical-Level Licensure candidates need:
- An MSW degree from a CSWE-accredited institution
- To complete 2,000 hours of supervised experience and 100 hours of direct supervision
- To pass the Clinical Level ASWB exam
- To complete the LCSW application for the State of New York
- To complete fingerprinting and a background check
Additional information about licensing requirements and rules for licensure can be found on the ASWB website. The fee in New York for the LCSW license is $294.
Steps to Get Your Clinical License (LCSW) in New York
1. Complete Your Masters Degree in Social Work
Your Masters Degree in Social Work must be from a CSWE-accredited institution. See a list of accredited institutions here.
A Masters degree in Social Work is required because it provides the necessary education and training including coursework in areas such as human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, and research methods.
Additionally, many programs often include a supervised field placement, where students can apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting and gain hands-on experience. This combination of classroom education and practical experience is necessary to prepare individuals for the complex and challenging work of being a licensed Social Worker.
2. Complete 2,000 Hours of Supervised Experience and 100 Hours of Direct Supervision
In New York, 2,000 hours of supervised experience is required for obtaining Clinical level licensure in the field of Social Work. This requirement is in place to ensure that individuals who are seeking licensure have the necessary level of practical experience to work effectively and competently as professional Social Workers.
Supervised experience provides an opportunity for individuals to apply the knowledge and skills learned in their Masters degree program in a real-world setting. Additionally, it allows individuals to gain experience working with a diverse range of clients and develop the ability to use professional judgment in complex and challenging situations.
The supervisor’s role is to provide guidance and support, to help the individual to develop their professional judgment and to ensure that the work done is ethical and in line with professional standards. The 3,000 hours requirement is set to ensure that individuals have adequate supervised experience to meet the competencies required of a licensed Social worker in New York.
In New York, 100 hours of direct supervision is also required to be eligible for your LCSW license. Learn more about New York supervision requirements here: New York Supervision Requirements
3. Register for and Pass the Clinical Level ASWB Exam
Before you take your exam, make sure to review our Pre-Test Checklist and ensure that you are ready to take your Clinical Level exam!
Register for your exam here with the ASWB
4. Complete the Application for Your New York LCSW License
Learn more about how to apply for your New York LCSW license here.
To apply for your New York LCSW license, you will use the state’s online licensing system. This system allows the user to apply for the license and upload any required first-person documentation. A user guide for applying online can be found here.
5. Complete Your Background Check + Fingerprinting
Upon submission of your LCSW application, you will be sent information from the New York Office of the Professions on fingerprint submission. The fingerprinting is done electronically and in locations throughout the state.
Sources: ASWB, New York Office of the Professions
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► Learn more about the Agents of Change course here: https://agentsofchangeprep.com
About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing individualized and group test prep for the ASWB for over five years. From all of this experience helping others pass their exams, she created the Agents of Change course to help you prepare for and pass the ASWB exam!
Find more from Agents of Change here:
► Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/aswbtestprep
► Podcast: https://anchor.fm/agents-of-change-sw
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Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment
