MSW WEEK 3 STATE LICENSURE

SOCIAL WORK AS AN ETHICAL PROFESSION

Social work is a profession bound by a code of ethics, one which has evolved in conjunction with the development of social work practice. The code of ethics outlines the mission and values of the social work profession, as well as the subsequent principles and standards that demonstrate those values. The code is not a rule book, but a set of guidelines that helps a social worker choose the most appropriate course of action.

Codes of ethics or discussions of ethics can be formal, sometimes resembling legal language, and adopted by varied groups. When examined closely and analyzed, they can become powerful, and their meaning can evolve with your experience. And they serve a practical purpose, especially in social work—they are guiding principles and a checkpoint. In this Discussion, you reflect on the NASW Code of Ethics to begin the process of finding how its meaning can apply to your practice.

WEEKLY RESOURCES

TO PREPARE

Read the NASW Code of Ethics in its entirety, including the Preamble, Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics, Ethical Principles, and Ethical Standards. PLEASE GOOGLE THE NASW CODE OF ETHICS TO FIND THE INFORMATION TO COMPLETE THIS ASSIGNMENT

Your Instructor will assign you to one of the following Standards to focus on based on the first letter of your last name.

Last Name A–D: Standard 1 to Clients

Last Name E–I: Standard 2 to Colleagues USE THIS ONE

Last Name J–M: Standard 3 in Practice Settings

Las Name N–R: Standard 4 as Professionals

Last Name S–T: Standard 5 to the Social Work Profession

Last Name U–Z: Standard 6 to Broader Society

Consider how you might explain to a peer the relevance of the NASW Code of Ethics generally and your assigned section of the code specifically. PLEASE GOOGLE THE NASW CODE OF ETHICS TO FIND THE INFORMATION TO COMPLETE THIS ASSIGNMENT

Post the following as it relates to your assigned standard: USE CRITICAL THINKING ON THIS

Describe professional ethics and the purpose of the NASW code of ethics in your own words.

Explain the section of the code that you were assigned. SEE BELOW IN GREEN HIGHLIGHT

Last Name E–I: Standard 2 to Colleagues USE THIS ONE

Describe the standards within that section in your own words.

Provide a specific example of how a social worker would apply these ethical standards in their practice.

INTRODUCTION

These values guide the social work profession, a profession committed to the service of others as it seeks social justice. It is a profession that honors the dignity and worth of the person and the importance of human relationships. Social workers demonstrate integrity and competence as they work with diverse client populations.

As a social work student, these same values guide your learning, just as they would your practice. This week, you explore how these values, as expressed in an ethical code, apply to practice.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will:

Describe professional ethics and NASW code of ethics

Describe ethical standards in social work practice

Compare licensure requirements in different states

Analyze benefits of title protection and licensure

Identify agency and social worker for agency visit

STATE LICENSURE

Licensure represents the ability to practice under the title of social worker. Each state regulates the profession and sets the requirements to be licensed to practice in that state. Even when regulations vary, all states require licensed social workers to have graduated from a CSWE–accredited program and pass the national ASWB exam. This assures that those who receive the title of “social worker” have met the criteria developed to demonstrate proficiency in meeting the demands associated with the profession. This is referred to as “title protection,” and protecting the title means that individuals not appropriately trained for the profession cannot call themselves a social worker.

In this Discussion, you research the licensure requirements in your state and share them with your colleagues. Sharing the various states’ requirements can be useful should you be planning a relocation, or if you have ever worked in this or a related profession in another state.

TO PREPARE

Research the criteria for assuming a social work license in your state or country. You will want to research the regulations put forth by your state’s licensing board.

Consider the benefits offered by title protection and maintenance of licensure standards.

For help with this discussion, the Library recommends the following:

For students in the United States, the simplest way to find out about your state's requirements for becoming a licensed social worker is to search GoogleLinks to an external site... PLEASE SEE ATTACHMENTS OF SITES TO SEARCH I HAVE ATTACHED SCREESHOTS OF PLACES TO SEARCH.

Enter your state and licensing board. For example, Illinois social work licensing board. USE THE STATE OF TEXAS AND USE THE CITY OF AUSTIN FOR YOUR RESEARCH

The following websites may also be helpful in finding social worker requirements in your location:

Social Work Licensure MapLinks to an external site. (United States)

Social Work Student and Professional Related OrganizationsLinks to an external site.

National Association of Social WorkersLinks to an external site.

For international students, search GoogleLinks to an external site. for your Country’s or region’s National Association of Social Workers. For example Kenya National Association of Social Workers.

The following website may also be helpful in finding social worker requirements in your location:

International Federation of Social WorkersLinks to an external site.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues' postings. Begin by clicking on the Reply button to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Post Reply, you cannot delete or edit your own posts and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Post Reply!

Post response to the following:

Identify the types of social work licenses available in your state.

Describe the criteria required to earn an LCSW in your state. Specifically,

What are state requirements for education?

How many hours of post-MSW practice are required?

How many hours of supervision are required?

How much does it cost for initial licensure?

Describe the criteria to maintain an LCSW in your state. Specifically,

How often do you need to renew your license?

How much does it cost to renew a license?

How many continuing education credits are required?

What, if any, specific education hours are required (e.g., suicide, ethics, substance use, cultural competence)?

Explain the benefits for licensure and title protection.

You are encouraged to read your colleagues’ posts to understand how licensure varies across states; however, no response posts are required.