Social Worker Licensing Guide for the state of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to a large population of social workers. They are usually found working with children, families, and schools, ensuring these populations have access to resources. The need for social workers is growing right along with Pennsylvania’s population. Now is a great time to begin pursuing a career in the field.
Pennsylvania Social Work License Options
To become a social worker, the minimum education requirement is a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW). So, if you desire to see the conditions in your neighborhood change for the better, consider becoming a social worker. The impact you’ll have on the lives of those in your area is immeasurable.
Most of the people in need of your help are at a point in their lives where they’re not doing well. Family and friends may have given up after years of trying to help them. However, you will have received special training to effectively communicate with clients. Your knowledge of available resources and organizations that can assist client to improve their circumstances will be a huge benefit.
As a social worker your commitment to seeing social justice served will be a great advantage for those clients who are often marginalized by society. Overall, the field is fulfilling and the help you give others is invaluable. This guide will dive deep into the requirements for each level of social work licensure available in Pennsylvania so you can make a decision on which is best for you.
Process of Licensure
To call yourself a licensed social worker in Pennsylvania, you need at least a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree in social work. However, a BSW degree will not permit you to practice in the field unsupervised. In 2014 Pennsylvania recognized the thousands of unlicensed BSWs working in their state by creating the LBSW credential. It was added to regulations in August 2020. If you want to reach a higher level of licensure, a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree is required. Let’s look at the steps to becoming a licensed social worker in Pennsylvania.