Social Work License Requirements in New Jersey
New Jersey offers a positive job outlook for social workers. Explore social work licensure requirements, salary prospects, and more in this guide.
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Workforce shortages in mental health fields continue to fuel the demand for licensed social workers. Becoming a social worker in New Jersey requires specific education and training to qualify for social work licensure. Discover New Jersey’s requirements for various social work license types and salary expectations in this guide.
New Jersey Social Work Licensure Requirements
The State Board of Social Work Examiners (SBSWE), as part of the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, regulates the social work profession and administers social work licensure by establishing standards and qualifications for social work practice. The SBSWE issues three different levels of licenses: certified social worker (CSW), licensed social worker (LSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW).
How Long Does it Take to Become a Social Worker in New Jersey?
It takes 4-8 years to become a social worker in New Jersey, depending on the licensure level. CSW licensure requires a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years. For the LSW license, you typically need six years — including two additional years after the bachelor’s degree — to earn an MSW and pass the master’s exam.
Becoming an LCSW takes approximately eight years, including four years for the bachelor’s, two years for the MSW, and two more years to complete supervised experience requirements. Timelines vary depending on whether you enrolled full time or part time, as well as if you attended an accelerated or advanced standing program.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in New Jersey
Currently, the SBSWE does not have official reciprocity agreements with other states. A social worker who holds a valid license in another state may apply for the equivalent CSW, LSW, or LCSW credential if they meet the education and training requirements for that license level. The process requires them to submit an application for the appropriate license level, verify the current license, and transfer ASWB scores to the SBSWE.
The New Jersey State Legislature has recently approved a bill authorizing the state to join the Social Work Licensure Compact, which aims to streamline the application process and increase access to social work services. When this bill is signed into law, New Jersey will become a compact member. Social workers in Compact member states may transfer their licenses to other Compact states.
How to Renew a Social Work License in New Jersey
You must renew your license every two years in even-numbered years. To maintain your license, you must complete continuing education (CE) requirements, depending on your license level. LCSWs need to complete 40 CE credits that include 20 hours related to clinical practice, five hours of ethics content, and three hours addressing social and cultural competence.
Each LSW must document the completion of 30 CE credits, including five hours in ethics and three hours of social and cultural competence. For CSWs, 20 CE hours are required for renewal, with five hours in ethics and three hours in social and cultural competence.
Salary Expectations for Social Workers in New Jersey
Average annual salaries for social workers in the state range from $70,420-$81,710. Overall, social workers earn higher salaries in New Jersey than in other states, but actual compensation depends on factors like licensure level, specialization, experience, and location within the state.
Child, family, and school social workers and healthcare social workers rank as the highest-paid specialists, earning significantly more than the national average for these categories. New Jersey’s major metropolitan areas, including Jersey City and Newark, tend to offer higher salaries than less populated areas of the state.
| Occupation | Average Hourly Salary | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $37.57 | $78,150 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $39.29 | $81,710 |
| Mental Health and Substance Use Social Workers | $33.85 | $70,420 |
| Social Workers, All Other | $33.86 | $70,430 |
Professional Organizations for Social Workers in New Jersey
- National Association of Social Workers: As the world’s largest professional association of social work, NASW supports the professional development efforts of its members. The NJ chapter offers certification, continuing education, and access to research and publications. NASW-NJ engages in advocacy on behalf of social workers with state legislatures, Congress, and regulatory agencies.
- Association of Oncology Social Workers: AOSW promotes psychosocial care for cancer patients, their families, and caregivers. The association has a membership of over 1,300 social workers and students practicing in cancer centers, hospitals, and other settings. In addition to networking opportunities, educational resources, and advocacy support, AOSW sponsors an award program for oncology social work specialists.
- The New Jersey Society for Clinical Social Work: The NJSCSW promotes the needs of social workers interested in psychodynamic treatment approaches and advocates for the acceptance of clinical social workers in the practice of psychotherapy. Membership benefits include resources for new professionals and students, clinical education programs, and referral services through its online directory.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Work Licensure
The SBSWE offers three licenses with different education and experience requirements and scopes of practice: certified social worker (CSW), licensed social worker (LSW), and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). The highest license level, the LCSW, requires clinical experience hours under the supervision of an approved LCSW.
