How to Become a Social Worker

Updated December 6, 2024

More social workers are needed across the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment rate in this field will increase 7% by 2033, which is faster than the national average for all occupations. Factors driving this demand include the rise of aging populations and the growth in treatment for mental illness and substance abuse.

Job growth for social workers in Illinois is set to outpace national growth, with a projected 8% increase in all social worker openings and an 11% increase for mental health and substance abuse social workers in the state, according to Projections Central. Although there are many social workers and social initiatives in Illinois working to help vulnerable populations and battle issues like poverty, there is still a clear need for more professionals and assistance.

What degree is needed to be a social worker? The path to entering this career field is different in each state. The following sections outline this occupation’s general requirements and the specific path to becoming a social worker in Illinois.

How to Become a Social Worker

Deciding to become a social worker is a commitment to helping others. Your work will focus on the social service system and how to find solutions to individual or community stressors. The first step in pursuing this fulfilling career is a degree in social work, followed by the appropriate licensure, certification, and registration.

Social Worker Education Requirements

Entry-level administrative and direct-service positions in social work require a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree. You’ll also need to complete supervised fieldwork or an internship before being qualified to work as a caseworker or mental health assistant.

Clinical positions permit social workers to diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders, as well as provide therapy and develop treatment plans. A Master of Social Work (MSW) is required for clinical positions. Those programs last approximately two years and focus on developing clinical assessment and management skills to prepare you for your chosen specialty. Supervised practicum or an internship is required in all MSW programs.

Licensure, Certification, and Registration

Most states require licensure or certification for nonclinical social workers. All states require clinical workers to be licensed, which involves an MSW and at least two years of supervised clinical experience after graduation. Following the period of supervised experience, clinical social workers must pass a clinical exam to be licensed.

Licensing requirements vary by state.

Becoming a Social Worker in Illinois

There are two types of social work licensures in Illinois: licensed social worker (LSW) and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). The National Association of Social Workers – Illinois Chapter outlines the licensure steps for each type of social worker.

LSW

In Illinois, LSWs are authorized to provide social services in fields such as social casework, social group work, community organization for social welfare, social work research, social welfare association, or social work education.

There are two options to meet social worker education requirements for becoming an LSW in Illinois. One option is having a graduate social work degree approved by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). The second route is an undergraduate social work degree approved by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), along with at least three years of supervised professional experience.

Additionally, you will need to pass the master’s examination for the practice of social work as a licensed social worker. The only other requirements are being of good moral character and applying for licensure to the IDFPR in writing.

LCSW

In Illinois, LCSWs are authorized to practice clinical work under the auspices of an employer or in private practice.

The primary avenue to becoming an LCSW in Illinois begins with earning a master’s degree in social work from a graduate program approved by the CSWE. At least 3,000 hours of satisfactory, supervised clinical professional experience are needed after receiving your degree.

You will need to pass the clinical examination for the practice of social work as a licensed clinical social worker. Being of good moral character and applying for licensure in writing to the IDFPR are the remaining requirements for this route to becoming a LCSW.

Alternatively, you may complete a doctoral degree in social work from a graduate program approved by the CWSE. In that case, you’ll need 2,000 hours of satisfactory, clinical professional experience after receiving your degree. Other requirements remain the same.

Interested in Becoming a Social Worker?

Pursue your career goals in social work by earning your online BSW or online MSW with Aurora University. Courses are offered in convenient eight-week modules, allowing you to complete your coursework in a flexible learning environment while managing work and family.

Aurora University offers one of Chicagoland’s first CSWE-accredited online MSW programs. Our programs feature access to faculty members who are practitioners in their fields with experience in health care, child welfare, forensics, addiction, and more. You’ll also have access to a dedicated academic advisor who will support you along the way.

Graduates with the BSW degree are prepared for entry-level roles and to apply for advanced standing in Aurora University’s MSW program. Students in the MSW program can choose a specialization in Addictions, Child Welfare, Forensics, Generalist, Gerontology, Health Care, Leadership Administration, Military and Veteran Social Work, and School Social Work. Dual MSW/MBA or MSW/MPA degree programs are also available.