When is a License Required?
If you have a social work degree, a license is required to provide social work services
If you have a social work degree, a license is required if you provide social work services as defined in Minnesota Statutes section 148E.010, subdivisions 6 or 11, or use the title social worker, unless you are employed by a county or a federally recognized tribe.
- It's the law: Review the statutory definition of social work practice before you begin a position to determine if it is considered social work practice
- A license may be required even if:
- The employer does not require a license
- The job does not require direct client contact
- The job title is not social worker
- Only the Board has the authority to determine if a person is engaged in social work practice and must be licensed
- As a licensed professional, you are responsible for being aware of and complying with all licensing requirements
Social work services include:
- Assessment
- Intervention
- Case management
- Client education
- Consultation
- Counseling
- Crisis Intervention
- Referral
- Clinical practice including diagnosis and psychotherapy
- Advocacy
- Research
- Development and administration of social service programs and policies
- Community organization
- Supervision of licensed social workers
- Teaching social work students
Current licensing exemptions include:
Under Minnesota Statutes section 148E.065, licensure is voluntary if you are:
- A student completing an internship or field placement required for a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited social work degree program
- Employed by a county
- Employed by a federally recognized tribe
- Employed in another profession for which you are qualified or licensed pursuant to Minnesota Statute 148E.065(1)
