Become a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) in Delaware
AKA: Delaware LBSW License
What's Here? - Table of Contents
How to Become a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) in Delaware
Considering a career as a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) in Delaware? This role empowers you to support clients through nonclinical assessment and referral, case management, resource navigation, advocacy, documentation, and other generalist services across community and agency settings. Clinical diagnosis and psychotherapy are the scope of Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) in Delaware.
Requirements at a Glance
| Item | What to Prepare | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Degree & Accreditation | BSW from a CSWE-accredited program (official transcript sent per Board instructions) | CSWE Accreditation |
| Background Checks | Delaware State Police + FBI criminal background check using Board service code; Child Protection Registry Consent | Board—Bachelors/Masters |
| National Exam | Board approval to sit for the ASWB Bachelors exam; register with ASWB after Board approval | Board—Examination • ASWB |
| Application | Apply online in DELPROS; submit required documents and fees | How to apply (DELPROS) |
| Renewal | Biennial renewal by January 31 of odd-numbered years; complete 20 CE hours per full period, including ≥6 ethics | Board—Renewal • Board—CE |
The Board’s page confirms BSW/CSWE transcripts, required CBC/Child Protection Registry, Board approval for ASWB Bachelors, DELPROS application, biennial renewal dates, and CE hour totals. Always follow the instructions on the Board’s official pages.
Role and Responsibilities
Provide generalist social work services: nonclinical assessment and referral, case management, resource navigation, advocacy, and documentation across community agencies, schools, health systems, and nonprofits. Clinical diagnosis and psychotherapy are reserved for LCSWs under Delaware law.
Tip: Keep all documents—transcripts, background check receipts, Child Protection Registry consent, confirmations, and (once approved) exam score verifications—in one clearly named folder. A consistent naming convention (e.g.,
Lastname_Firstname_DocumentType.pdf) prevents avoidable delays.The Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners regulates LBSW licensure. Stay current at the Board site.
Career Opportunities
LBSWs contribute in hospitals, schools, nonprofits, and government programs—coordinating services, connecting clients to resources, and supporting care teams. Understanding Delaware’s practice boundaries helps align roles appropriately and plan advancement to LMSW or LCSW where clinical functions are desired.
Educational Requirements for Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) in Delaware
Earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Have an official transcript sent directly per Board instructions (no student-issued copies).
Essential Coursework
Programs typically cover social work ethics, human behavior, research, and policy, combined with field education aligned to CSWE competencies.
Staying Current
Before applying, review the Board’s “Bachelors and Masters Social Worker” page for any updates to transcript handling or third-party documentation.
Examination Requirements for Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) in Delaware
The Board must approve you to sit for the ASWB Bachelors exam for LBSW licensure. Apply in DELPROS; once approved, register with ASWB and schedule your exam.
Registration & Flow
- Submit your application and required documents in DELPROS; the Board reviews complete applications at scheduled meetings.
- After Board approval, complete exam registration and payment with ASWB.
Preparation Tips
Use ASWB’s Candidate Handbook and full-length practice tests; confirm your legal name matches exactly across ID, ASWB, and DELPROS to avoid score-matching delays.
Supervision & Advancement
Delaware does not require post-degree supervised hours for the LBSW license. If you later pursue the LCSW for independent clinical practice, you’ll need Board-acceptable supervised experience (3,200 hours total, including at least 1,600 clinical hours), and the ASWB Clinical exam.
- Supervisor selection (when advancing): Confirm your supervisor meets Board requirements before any hours accrue.
- Record-keeping: Log dates, duration, and scope of supervised activities; retain documentation for future upgrades.
Application Process for Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW) in Delaware
Start in DELPROS
Create a DELPROS account and apply under “Bachelors or Masters Social Worker.” You can save and return within six months; missing documents must be sent directly by third parties when indicated (e.g., transcripts).
Required Documentation & Fees
- Official transcript verifying a CSWE-accredited BSW.
- Delaware and FBI criminal background checks (via IdentoGO service code) and a Child Protection Registry Consent Form.
- Any required license verifications from other jurisdictions.
- Fees per the Board’s schedule (non-refundable).
Review Timeline
The Board reviews complete applications; track status in your DELPROS dashboard and respond promptly to requests for additional information.
Licensure Renewal Requirements for LBSW in Delaware
Frequency & Deadlines
All Social Worker licenses in Active status expire on January 31 of odd-numbered years. Renew through DELPROS before the deadline to avoid lapse.
Continuing Education
Complete 20 hours of approved CE each full biennial period, including at least 6 hours in ethics. Keep certificates for audit; see the Board’s CE guidance for prorating rules.
Regional Issues
Delaware’s small geography includes diverse urban, suburban, and rural communities. LBSWs often address resource navigation and access challenges, working closely with local agencies while observing the Board’s Code of Ethics and scope boundaries.
Additional Considerations
Ethical Standards & Professional Conduct
Review the Board’s Code of Ethics and practice within authorized scope; maintain appropriate boundaries, confidentiality, and accurate representation of credentials.
Professional Development & Specialization
Use CE to deepen skills (e.g., school social work, care coordination, integrated care). Plan coursework to meet ethics requirements and career goals.
Planning for Clinical Practice
If your goal is psychotherapy or clinical diagnosis, map a path to LCSW (experience + supervision + ASWB Clinical) and verify supervisor eligibility in advance.
FAQs
How do I get primary-source verification to join insurance panels?
Many payers accept the Board’s online license lookup or require an official verification sent directly by the Board. Start at the Board site and follow each payer’s PSV instructions.
Do tele-supervision hours count toward future LCSW?
When you pursue LCSW later, supervision must meet Board criteria. Confirm eligibility and documentation requirements on the Board site before accruing hours.
How does exam approval work?
Apply in DELPROS; once the Board approves you to test, register and schedule with ASWB. If you don’t pass within two years of application, you must re-apply.
What background-check issues delay licensure most?
Using the wrong service code, submitting employment-purpose checks, or not completing the Child Protection Registry Consent can cause delays. Follow the Board’s CBC and CPR instructions precisely and keep receipts/transaction IDs.