Social Worker

About

Social workers enhance or restore people\'s capacity for social functioning. They utilize analytic and intervention skills to apply psychosocial theory methods to individuals, couples, families, groups, and communities. This occupation does not include psychologists or psychiatrists. Social workers deal with individuals and/or groups of people concerned with bringing about changes in their lives; try to secure the appropriate resources, services, education, information, job training or method to meet the client\'s needs; and, help individuals understand themselves and how to work within the existing system. Clinical social workers also diagnose and treat individuals and families for emotional disabilities. They plan and conduct programs for children, teenagers, adults, older persons, and groups with similar situations. Social workers, with input from their clients, record goals and plans of action for their clients and then maintain detailed reports of their clients\' progress. They may be licensed at three levels of practice: the bachelor, master\'s, or independent level. The title social worker includes: case worker, probation and parole officer, community worker, and correctional treatment specialist. Titled social workers may or may not be licensed social workers.

Code Citation IC, Chapter 154C; 645 IAC 280 - 283

Who Applies Persons who wish to practice social work in Iowa. Licensure may not be required for bachelors prepared social workers.

When To Apply After completion of educational requirements and a passing score on the national licensure examination. The license may be upgraded if the applicant obtains additional education or experience.

Initial Requirements A licensed social worker must have the appropriate level of education and experience according to the level at which they choose to practice. Bachelor Social Work: Must possess a bachelor\'s degree in Social Work and pass the basic level of the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam. Master Social Work: Must possess a master\'s degree in Social Work and pass the intermediate level of the ASWB exam. Independent Social Work: Must possess a master\'s degree in Social Work, practice social work for two years as a full-time employee or complete 4,000 hours employment under the supervision of a licensed, independent social worker after receiving a master\'s or doctoral degree in Social Work and passing the clinical level of the ASWB exam. Out-of-state applicants must meet Iowa requirements.

Duration 6 to 29 months for initial, 2 years for renewal.

Processing Time 30 days following submission of all required materials. Online renewal in real time.

Fee Structure Initial License: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/law/administrativeRules/rules?agency=645&chapter=5 Renewal: Bachelor level: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/law/administrativeRules/rules?agency=645&chapter=5 Master\'s level: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/law/administrativeRules/rules?agency=645&chapter=5 Independent level: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/law/administrativeRules/rules?agency=645&chapter=5

Renewal Requirements Twenty-seven hours of continuing education are required biennially for license renewal.

Exam Bachelor\'s Degree - must pass the basic level of the ASWB exam. Master\'s Degree - must pass the intermediate level of the ASWB exam. Independent - must pass the clinical level of the ASWB exam. For more information about examinations and fees: http://www.aswb.org.

Additional Information Persons who wish to practice social work in Iowa. Licensure may not be required for bachelors prepared social workers.