Social Work License Requirements in Alabama
Want to find out how to become a social worker in Alabama? Explore this guide to learn about social work licensure requirements, salary expectations, and more.
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Alabama faces a severe shortage of mental health providers, including licensed social workers. The demand for social workers in the state will continue to translate into new job openings in the next decade. Check out this guide for information on social work licensure in Alabama, education and training requirements, and potential earnings.
Alabama Social Work Licensure Requirements
If you want to become a social worker in Alabama, licensure is mandatory. The Alabama State Board of Social Workers Examiners (ABSWE) administers social work practice, licensure applications, and renewals. The state board issues the following license levels, differentiated by educational and experience requirements and scope of practice: licensed bachelor social worker (LBSW), licensed master social worker (LMSW), licensed independent clinical social worker, and the private independent practice certification.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker in Alabama?
Becoming a social worker in Alabama takes at least six years, depending on the licensure level. For an LBSW, you need a bachelor’s degree, which typically takes four years, and two years of supervised practice. An LMSW requires approximately six years to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree. If you plan to practice independently, you need an additional two years of supervised experience. An LICSW requires two years of supervised clinical experience as an LMSW, after completing a bachelor’s and master’s program. To obtain a PIP certification, you need between 1-5 more years of post-graduate work experience in a social work method.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Alabama
Alabama offers license reciprocity for social workers from other states seeking the equivalent license level if they hold a current license in another state and meet specific education, examination, and supervision requirements for the equivalent license. Applicants must complete the Application for Social Work Licensure and submit a $75 application fee. They must also submit a Verification of License form and have the ASWB forward their past examination scores to the state board.
In 2024, Alabama joined the Social Work Licensure Compact, which aims to simplify the application process for out-of-state licenses. Compact membership allows licensed social workers to apply for a multistate license, which will grant authorization to practice in any compact state once it is fully enacted.
How to Renew a Social Work License in Alabama
The ABSWE requires that all social workers renew their license every two years by submitting a renewal application online or through the mail and paying a $100 renewal fee. You must complete 30 hours of continuing education (CE) during each renewal period. Of the 30 CE hours, you need 10 hours in live classroom events and three hours in ethics. LICSW renewal must include three hours of clinical social work education. If you provide supervision, you must also complete three hours that address supervised education.
Salary Expectations for Social Workers in Alabama
Annual salaries for social workers in Alabama range $44,670-$85,850. Although salaries in the most common social work specializations in Alabama generally fall below the national average, the state’s much lower-than-average cost of living offsets the salary difference.
Overall, compensation for social workers in the state varies experience, education, license level, and specialization. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the highest-paid social workers in the state are classified in the “social workers, all other” category. This includes specializations, such as criminal justice, forensic, and geriatric social work.
| Occupation | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $24.24 | $50,430 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $27.43 | $57,050 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $21.47 | $44,670 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $41.27 | $85,850 |
Professional Organizations for Social Workers in Alabama
- National Association of Social Workers: Established in 1955, NASW has become the world’s largest professional social work association, with a membership of over 120,000 and state-specific chapters. NASW maintains practice standards, offers continuing education and resources for professional development, and provides member benefits such as liability insurance, ethics and legal consultation services.
- School Social Work Association of Alabama: The state affiliate of the School Social Work Association of America, SSWAAL offers members professional development and network opportunities, publications and monthly e-newsletters, and malpractice insurance. The association advocates for the profession with the Alabama State Legislature and the State Department of Education.
- Alabama Society for Health Care Social Workers: ASHCSW, in connection with the Alabama Hospital Association, promotes the employment of social workers in the state’s healthcare institutions. The association offers membership to licensed social workers employed in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, home healthcare agencies, dialysis centers, physicians’ offices, and public health clinics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Licensure
An LMSW can practice advanced general social work without supervision after completing the required 24 months of supervision. However, they cannot engage in private practice independently unless they become an LICSW with PIP certification.
