The Board is required by statute to promulgate rules and
regulations which set forth professional standards for the four classes of
social worker. Alabama law recognizes four classes of Social Workers: Licensed
Bachelor Social Worker; Licensed Master Social Worker; Licensed Independent
Clinical Social Worker; Private Independent Practice.
(1) Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
The LBSW must have a baccalaureate degree in social work from an accredited
college or university whose social work program is approved or accredited by
the Council on Social Work Education. The candidate for the LBSW licensure must
pass an exam as prescribed by the Board, then the LBSW is prepared to assume
the beginning level professional role in public and private social service
agencies. The Board requires that the LBSW work under the continuing
supervision of a Board approved supervisor to include: licensed bachelor social
work, licensed master social worker or a licensed clinical independent social
worker for two (2) years obtaining a minimum 96 hours of supervision according
to section 850-X-03-.04. Further supervision is not required as long as the
LBSW remains in the same field of social work practice, job responsibilities
are similar, and holds a current license. Licensed Bachelor Social Workers are
prepared through beginning professional knowledge in human behavior in the
social environment, generalist social work practice, knowledge of the history
of social policy, knowledge of how to utilize social research finding in their
practice and having had supervised field practicum experience. The LBSW
provides generalist services in the role of social broker, enabler, counselor,
case manager, educator, client advocate and mediator. Licensed Bachelor Social
Workers may work with individuals, families, communities, groups and
organizations. Licensed Bachelor Social Workers may conduct psychosocial
assessments and may take social histories and/or conduct home studies. The LBSW
utilizes the basic problem-solving process of gathering information, assessing
that information at a beginning professional level, developing a plan of care,
then assuming the roles enumerated above, implements the plan and conducts
follow-up. A LBSW with five years post licensure experience who is a board
approved supervisor may supervise a LBSW toward their independent licensure
status. An LBSW may not prescribe medication. An LBSW may take verbal orders
from physicians only pertaining to social work practice.
(2) Licensed Master Social Worker
Non-Clinical and Clinical (LMSW) - The LMSW must have a master of social work
or a doctor of social work degree from a college or university approved or
accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The candidate for licensure
at the LMSW level must pass an exam as prescribed by the Board. An LMSW must
keep a current license. The LMSW must make a designation of non-clinical or
clinical upon receiving their license. The Board requires that the LMSW
Non-Clinical work under the continuing supervision of a Board approved
supervisor to include: licensed master social worker or a licensed independent
clinical social worker for two (2) years obtaining a minimum 96 hours of
supervision. The Board requires that the LMSW Clinical work under the
continuing supervision of a Board approved supervisor to include: licensed
independent clinical social worker for two (2) years obtaining a minimum 96
hours of supervision. An LMSW provides a wide range of services. The LMSW has
preparation as a generalist social worker, knowledge of the history of social
policy, knowledge of how to utilize social research finding in their practice
and having had supervised field practicum experience with additional
specialization in either direct or indirect services such as work in a field of
practice or with a specific population. The LMSW may evaluate and assess
difficulties in psychosocial functioning, develop a plan to alleviate those
difficulties and either carry out the plan or refer clients to other qualified
resources for assistance. An LMSW may provide preventive and treatment services
pertaining to individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.
The LMSW should be able to engage the client system, develop a relationship and
employ a series of interventions that modify or eliminate targeted behaviors
and can promote positive growth and development. The LMSW can explain and
interpret the results of social evaluations in the problem-solving process. A
LMSW Non-Clinical with three years post licensure experience who is a board
approved supervisor may supervise a LBSW and a LMSW Non-Clinical toward their
independent licensure status. A LMSW Clinical with three years post licensure
experience who is a board approved supervisor may supervise a LBSW toward their
independent licensure status. The LMSW Non-Clinical is able to practice in
social casework, community organization, social work research, and social work
administration. The LMSW Clinical may practice in all the aforementioned areas
to include clinical. An LMSW may not prescribe medication An LMSW may take
verbal orders from physicians only pertaining to social work
practice.
(3) Licensed Independent
Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) - The LICSW must have a master of social work or
a doctor of social work degree from a college or university approved or
accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and hold a current LMSW
license. The LICSW must have received a minimum of 96 hours or more of
postgraduate continuing clinical supervision provided by a board approved
supervisors LICSW and not less than 3,000 work hours prior to application for
the LICSW exam. This may be pursued concurrently. The LICSW candidate must pass
an exam as prescribed by the Board. The LICSW should be able to exercise
independent judgment. The LICSW should be able to demonstrate skill and
interventions directly related to individuals, families, groups, communities,
or organizations. In at least one of these client groups, the LICSW shall
demonstrate in-depth knowledge and skills. The LICSW should be able to employ
practice theory and research findings in all aspects of their practice. The
LICSW may supervise Licensed Bachelor Social Workers and Licensed Master Social
Workers toward their independent licensure status. An LICSW may not prescribe
medication. An LICSW may take verbal orders from physicians only pertaining to
social work practice. An LICSW may engage in the private practice of social
work in all areas except for social case work.
(4) Private Independent Practice (PIP) -
Private practice of social work means that portion of social work practice in
which a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker is engaged in the private
practice of social work services which includes practicing as an independent
contractor in social casework.
(a) The
applicant for certification for private independent practice in the area of
social casework must present verifiable information regarding the appropriate
degree, experience as defined in this section and appropriate supervision. The
LICSW applying for PIP certification in the area of social casework only must
have:
1. a current LICSW license;
2. three (3) years full-time or five (5)
years part-time postgraduate experience and legally practicing in the specified
social work method of social casework. For purposes of this section, the term
"postgraduate" refers to that portion of experience acquired after having
received one's master or doctoral degree in social work; or
3. one (1) year full-time or two (2) years
part-time postgraduate experience in the specified social work method of social
casework after receiving the LICSW.
(b) The applicant must present all
information in relation to that defined practice method. An applicant may
submit information relating to the practice method and may be certified, at the
outset, in that practice method.