Social Worker Licensing Guide for the state of Connecticut
A social worker is in a position to make a difference in other people’s lives. The job also presents great opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the social worker career is expected to grow 14.8% from 2018 to 2028. That means demand is growing, and the prospects are bright in the field.
Connecticut Social Work License Options
Popular culture shows the misconception that being a social worker means being tired, underappreciated, and underpaid. The truth is more complex than that. It is a satisfying career that is rewarding in more ways than one.
Social work is never boring. The tasks are varied, and there is no regular schedule. You have day-to-day responsibilities that can change depending on what is required. It is not a job that forces you to stay at the same desk each day.
Becoming a social worker puts you in a unique position to make a meaningful impact on the lives of other people. It is probably one of the more enticing aspects of the job. Tasks you perform as a social worker can help other people get out of a bad situation or prevent a problem from developing in the first place.
If all that sounds good to you and you want to take steps to become a social worker in Connecticut, you will need to get your license first.
There are two types of licenses in the state:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Licensed Master Social Worker
The Connecticut State Department of Public Health governs the entire application process for licensing in the state. If you run into any problems with your license, you can contact the department by calling (860) 509-7603 or sending an email to dph.counselorsteam@ct.gov.
If you do not know where to start, this guide is designed to help you navigate the process of getting your license. While it can look overwhelming, the steps are not complicated. Start the journey towards your new career by understanding the licensing procedure.
General Licensing Policies
Before anything else, the state asks every applicant to be familiar with the general licensing policies. First, you need to know that all details provided by an applicant, except for Social Security Numbers, phone numbers, and addresses, are considered public information. They can be released based on the Freedom of Information Act.
You can only visit the DPH office if you have a scheduled appointment. If you wish to submit applications, pay fees, or provide other documents, you can go to a dropbox located at the 1st-floor security desk at 410 Capitol Avenue. The office recommends submitting the documentation through US mail, email, or fax.
The fees included in the application are meant to cover the cost of eligibility determination and other administrative functions. They are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Applicants are responsible for arranging the submission of all requirements and documentation on time. It should be sent directly from the source, not the applicant. You can log into your account to check any outstanding documents you need to submit.
Once the application is approved, you will get an email notification containing license details. Other documents are sent to the address on record.
The general policies provide a wide range of information that sets expectations. Take the time to read and understand each part to help with the overall application process.