Looking to become a social worker in Delaware? You’ve come to the right spot! While there are similarities in licensing requirements from state to state, each state is unique. In addition to providing the essentials below, you can click the link we have provided for Delaware’s official licensing body. There you can find additional information on potential requirements like background checks, state-to-state license transfers, and continuing education requirements. We hope this handy guide assists in your efforts to become a certified social worker in your state!
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In Delaware, it is possible to be licensed as a social worker with a Master’s degree from an accredited institution. The designation Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) requires education at at least the master’s level. Candidates must then work under supervision. During this time they can work, but must adhere to Board regulations for supervision. The last step is a national social work exam. A successful candidate becomes a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Delaware. A social worker begins the process by enrolling in a CSWE-accredited graduate program. After graduation, the candidate may seek out social work employment – and clinical supervision.
A social worker must work under supervision for a total of 3,200 hours. At least half of these hours should be under the supervision of a clinical social worker if one is available; if a clinical social worker is not available, supervision by psychiatrist or psychologist is acceptable. In cases where appropriate supervision is not available, another master social worker may supervise.
The Delaware Board prefers LCSW supervision and expects candidates to make efforts to secure what it terms appropriate supervision. There is a form for documenting efforts to locate an LCSW as supervisor; it is to be submitted notarized. The social worker must receive at least 100 hours of face to face individual supervision from the clinical supervisor. The supervision should take place weekly over a period of at least a year. At the end of the supervised work experience, the supervisor will fill out a reference form and submit it directly to the Board of Clinical Social Work Examiners. Supervisors are evaluated on nine separate skills, from providing client interventions to seeking consultation when necessary. If you have been discriminated against for any reason, seek professional legal advice from an employment lawyer right away.
When it’s time to apply, candidates should have their official transcripts sent directly to the Delaware Board. Candidates must fill out an authorization form for state and federal background checks. Candidates must fill out an application that includes education, work experience, and professional fitness sections; the affidavit at the bottom must be notarized. Applications must be accompanied by a $163 nonrefundable processing fee. After reviewing materials, the Board will grant authorization to take the clinical-level licensing exam.
LCSW Requirements:
- Education: Master’s
- Supervision: 2 years
- ASWB Exam: Clinical