How to Become a Social Worker in New York

Social workers assist individuals in need across New York State. They are community advocates, counselors and problem-solvers whose clients come from diverse backgrounds. From child and elder welfare to addiction recovery, social workers make tangible differences in their communities.¹

This article will explain what you need to do to become a licensed professional in this essential field. For example, what degree do you need to be a social worker? You'll discover how education and experience prepare you for practice, and what credentials you need to pursue a career.

Becoming a Social Worker: Complete the Required Education

Although the roles of social workers vary across settings, you need a degree to be a social worker. Many students start with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), an undergraduate degree that can serve as a foundation for graduate study.² Students who complete a BSW but prefer not to pursue clinical certification can join the workforce in areas such as program development, public outreach or public health education.³

To become a licensed social worker in New York, however, you must complete a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. This degree requires hands-on practical experience and may allow you to specialize in a particular area of practice. Students in the online Master of Social Work program at Yeshiva University can complete an additional Gerontology and Palliative Care certification, which includes specialized training in working with older adults and those approaching the end of life. Students may also pursue a credential as an Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor.

Yeshiva University's online MSW program is accredited through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).⁴ This accreditation is an integral part of any social work degree program, showing that a school is committed to preparing students for work in a dynamic and diverse society; it is a requirement for licensure in New York.^5,6

Choose Your Career Path

Every state has its own licensure requirements for social work practice. If you're considering how to become a social worker in NY, start by learning about the Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) pathways.¹

The LMSW is the initial professional licensure in New York. As a candidate, you must have an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program or its equivalent, as defined by the New York State Education Department. You'll also need formal training in identifying and reporting child abuse in accordance with state law.⁶

Once you receive your LMSW credential, you can perform all duties of a social worker, including evaluating client needs, and developing and carrying out plans to meet those needs. The key limitation is that an LMSW cannot provide clinical services, which include making mental health diagnoses, providing psychotherapy or treating clients based on formal assessment.⁷

To perform these clinical duties without supervision, you'll need to earn your LCSW.⁸

Complete Supervised Experience

Education in social work theory is important, but humans are unpredictable and don't always respond the way one might expect. Practical client experience helps you to develop real-world competencies and is a requirement of any accredited program.

As an online MSW student at Yeshiva University, you’ll gain this experience via a practicum, in which you’ll work under the supervision of a master's-level professional. Your supervisor's job is to help you apply the skills you've learned and adapt to different client needs, taking into account the individual and that person’s cultural background.

Your practicum must include 900 hours of work.⁹ If you choose to go on and earn your LCSW, you'll complete an additional three years of full-time supervised experience in diagnosis, assessment-based treatment planning and psychotherapy.

New York state law requires that your supervisor be an LCSW, licensed psychologist or psychiatrist. The supervisor’s role is to:^8,10

• Discuss each case with you
• Guide the treatment process
• Provide and document at least 100 hours of individual or group supervision
• Submit that documentation to the Department of Education via Form 4B

Pass the Licensing Exam

The final step before formally applying for your license is to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam or its equivalent. The first one you'll take after graduation is the Master's exam, which qualifies you to apply for your LMSW credential. Once you've completed your post-graduate experience hours, you can take the Clinical exam, which is a requirement for your LCSW.¹¹

The ASWB publishes a free guidebook to help you prepare for both exams. The downloadable guidebook includes a sample study plan, a list of reference materials, a content guide and sample questions with answers. The ASWB recommends using it alongside the online practice test to boost your chances of success.¹²

Apply for Licensure in New York

When you take the Master's exam, the ASWB sends your score directly to the New York State Education Department.⁶ Most versions of the exam require 90 to 107 correct answers out of 150 scored questions to pass.¹³ The computer system will notify you immediately if you passed or failed.¹⁴

To receive your license, you also need to submit application forms and materials, including verification of your education and a supervision plan for your LCSW credential.¹⁵ The application process for LCSW is similar, but you'll be more seasoned, with supervised clinical experience behind you.¹⁶

Maintain and Renew Your License

As a social worker in New York, you'll have to renew your license every three years. Renewal requires completion of 36 hours of continuing education, one-third of which can be self-study using approved materials.¹⁷ This ongoing education helps you stay up to date with best practices and important developments in social work, so you can be the skilled professional your clients need.

Take the Next Step Toward a Meaningful Social Work Career

Now that you understand the path to licensure in New York, consider how the right MSW program can set you up for success. There are many career options with an MSW degree, and even more once you add the LMSW credential. Yeshiva University's online Master of Social Work program will help you develop and refine the skills you need to make a difference.

In the Wurzweiler School of Social Work, you can study on your own schedule, full-time or part-time. Our engaging curriculum and hands-on practicum opportunities prepare you for a career working with a variety of populations, and you'll develop practical skills through The Heights—an innovative, interactive platform where you can engage with realistic case scenarios that mirror real-world practice. Connected to our New York City campus, you'll benefit from diverse practicum placement opportunities and networking with professionals in one of the world's largest healthcare and social services hubs.

You can graduate in as little as 2.5 years, or 1.5 years with Advanced Standing (for those who already hold a BSW). Review our admission requirements and schedule a call with an admissions outreach advisor today to take your first step in making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.