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Learning outcomes
By completing this module, you will be able to:
- Identify the importance of social work licensure.
- Complete the process of applying for licensure.
- Determine appropriate steps to take once licensure is approved.
Foundational ethical principles and standards
Social workers are responsible to the clients and communities to which they serve. As discussed in the NASW Code of Ethics (2017), the principles of service, competence and integrity are supported by licensure, which helps protect the public by ensuring that social workers meet basic competency requirements. The licensure exam is one part of these requirements; others include continuing education and required supervision.
Mary Jo Monahan, Association of Social Work Boards Executive Director discussed the alignment between licensure and ethical principles in their February 2013 newsletter.
“The relationship between our core social work values, as expressed in the Code of Ethics, and licensing is reflected in many areas. Here are a few examples that have become apparent to me over my years as a social worker, a social work regulator, and most recently, as executive director at ASWB:
Competence. Social workers have long recognized the danger of incompetent practice and have been passionate about establishing practice standards. Licensing is a governmental recognition of that passion and an acknowledgment that professional social work competence has a direct impact on public health and safety.
Integrity. Agreeing on what constitutes competent practice is one thing; having the integrity to actually see to it that professionals abide by those standards is something else. Social workers understand that competence must be enforced at every level—from broad policy areas to the individual behaviors and choices made each day by members of the profession. Licensing solidifies the link between values and “everyday real life” practice behaviors, and makes that link visible to the public.
Dignity and worth of the person. Social work is grounded in a fundamental recognition of the value of every person touched by the profession, and licensing carries this idea full circle by establishing standards that help to ensure that this value informs every aspect of our professional behavior.
Importance of human relationships. The profession of social work is a testament to the power of human relationships, and the ways these relationships can change lives, and society as a whole. Licensing serves to bring this value from theory to practice by publicly acknowledging the harm that can be done when professionals lose sight of this power, or take this power lightly.
Service. Providing essential social and clinical services to vulnerable individuals at critical times requires social workers to elevate service to others above self-interest. Licensing assures protection of the public and offers clients legal recourse if harmed by a licensed social worker.
Social justice. Social justice is a guiding light for the profession and has been throughout its history. When a government recognizes the importance of the social work profession, by extension it recognizes the fundamental role that social justice plays in safe and competent practice. Social justice is the fundamental reason for public protection.”
NASW Standards on Cultural Competence (2015) are also connected with licensure, specifically in regards to Standard 8 Professional Development. As our communities change, we must continue our learning to ensure that we understand who we work with, their strengths and challenges, and the ways in which societal issues and oppression impact them. Understanding and embracing the importance of culture is critical to our work.
CONTENT
Step 1: Review the Social Work licensure information: There are two main organizations involved in licensure: the state licensing board and the Association of Social Work Boards.
Step 2: Watch the video on applying for licensure and exam: Now that you’ve read the basic steps for applying for licensure, take a look at this video from ASWB on more details about the exam.
http://www.aswb.org/exam-candidates/
Step 3: Review the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam Content Outline: Wonder what’s on the licensure exam? ASWB provides a “study guide” that you can use for review.
Activities
Compare the ASWB guide to your internship and learning contract. In your learning contract, review your tasks and evidence and the social work skills, theories and strategies that you’re applying. Then, review the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam Content Outline.
Compare what you’re doing in your internship with each area. What areas do you feel most confident about, given what you’ve been doing in your internship? What areas do you feel least confident about? What steps will you take to prepare for the exam?
