WEEK3 DISCUS 6002

Collapse Subdiscussion Brandon Spinner

Brandon Spinner

WednesdayDec 14 at 6:30pm

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Hello All,

I currently reside in Virginia; The Virginia Department of Health Professions is responsible for ensuring safe and adequate care by licensing health professionals. In Virginia, the department registers over 400,000 health care practitioners and facilities (Virginia Department of Health, 2021).  There are four professions regulated by the board of social work. Those which consist of a licensed clinical social worker, licensed master's social worker, licensed baccalaureate social worker and a supervisee in clinical social work.

According to this department, one pursuing a social work license needs to graduate with a MSW from a CSWE accredited program; then apply for supervision approval; gain post MSW degree supervised experience in the field (3000 hours); apply for an LCSW licensure examination; then pass the ASWB clinical level examination (Virginia Department of Health, 2021). The cost for the initial exam is $230.  While a licensed social worker will make a difference in the world, it is also a great opportunity to evolve as a human service professional. Studies have also shown that there has been an increase in demand for social workers.

Title protection laws consist of requiring anyone whose job is a "social worker" to be licensed. Title protection makes it so that social workers receive all the recognition they deserve. In doing so, one is also more valued, and it makes clients feel more confident about the services they receive from the worker. In completing this assignment, it's made me even more excited to continue with this program. I find it motivating already when my clients and other professionals praise me for my services rendered. I feel as if once I am licensed it will give both myself and clients more drive to perform and complete required work/services.

Licensed social workers must renew their license every two years. The cost to renew this license is $90. One must also complete 30 hours of continuing education. It is very important in this field for one to have the drive to further their knowledge of the field. In doing so, we are able to better serve the community. 

 

References

Virginia Department of Health Professions. (2021). Board of Social Work. Licensure Process Handbook.

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