Minnesota Social Worker License

A social work career is one dedicated to helping individuals live a fuller and healthier life through community and personal development, counseling, mental health campaigns, and policy formulation. The Minnesota Board of Social Work is the licensing body for professionals in this field. The licensure process serves as a filter that ensures that only adequately qualified and experienced people provide social work services in the state.

Minnesota Social Work License Options

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With a bachelor’s or master’s degree, a social worker is expected to have been introduced to the fundamentals of human behavior which comes in handy in their work at clinics, correctional centers, non-profits, and government organizations, among others.

The board in Minnesota recognizes four classes of social workers which are:

Licensed Social Worker (LSW)

This is the entry-level into social work for most people. The academic requirement is not strenuous and such a license allows you a lot of options for work. It provides an excellent background for advancing in the career through education and experience in later years.

Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)

Holders of an LGSW license have higher-paying job options than their LSW counterparts. They are equipped to carry out the more complex task to some degree and oversee the affairs of LSWs. They may also be allowed to carry out clinical tasks under supervision.

Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)

LISWs have fulfilled certain supervision requirements that allow them to practice non-clinical social work independently. They may also be allowed to perform in a clinical setting under the supervision of a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker.

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

Holders of an LICSW license represent the highest level of social workers in a clinical setting. They can practice clinical social work unsupervised hence, they are allowed to consult with patients and administer treatment plans. They are also in a position to supervise the lower levels of social work licensure in a clinical setting.