Clinical Social Worker
States license Social Workers within a multi-tiered system to reflect differences in education, training and work experience. Clinical Social Workers can be either a low-level, or high-level license, depending on the state. Licensed Social Worker is a similar title - its meaning depends on which state issues the license.Social Workers work with clients dealing with daily life issues, or work in an advocacy role for clients with social services agencies. In contrast to Professional Counselors, Social Workers tend to work more from the perspective of society and the surrounding environment, rather than focusing on an individual's personal motivations.
Entry Level License:
In some states, a Clinical Social Worker is an entry-level license - which means he or she must work under the supervision of a higher licensed professional. In such a state, a Clinical Social Worker holds a Bachelor's degree in social work and has completed 2000 to 3000 hours of supervised work experience.
Equivalent entry-Level titles: Licensed Social Work Associate, Bachelor Social Worker.
High Level License:
For other states, Clinical Social Worker is the highest license level. In addition to regular Social Worker duties, a Licensed Social Worker would provide training and supervision for the lower license levels. In states where Clinical Social Worker is the higher level license, it means the professional holds a Master's degree in social work, has completed 2000 to 3000 hours of supervised work experience (beyond that required for an entry-level license), and has passed a licensure exam.
Equivalent high-level titles: Licensed Certified Social Worker, Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Certified Master Social Worker, Master Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Certified Social Worker - Clinical, and Licensed Advanced Social Worker.