Arkansas Board of Social Work: Ensuring Ethical and Competent Social Work Practice Frequently Asked Questions about the Arkansas Board of Social Work Additional Resources
The Arkansas Board of Social Work (ABSW) is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing the practice of social work in the state. The board’s mission is to protect the public by ensuring that social workers are licensed, competent, and ethical.
Licensing and Certification
To practice social work in Arkansas, individuals must be licensed by the ABSW. The board issues two types of licenses:
- Licensed Social Worker (LSW): Requires a master’s degree in social work or a related field and two years of supervised post-master’s experience.
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Requires a master’s degree in social work, two years of supervised post-master’s experience, and an additional two years of clinical supervised experience.
Social workers may also obtain certification in specific areas of practice, such as addiction counseling, child welfare, or mental health.
Ethical Guidelines
The ABSW has established ethical guidelines that all licensed social workers must adhere to. These guidelines include:
- Maintaining confidentiality of client information
- Avoiding conflicts of interest
- Providing culturally competent services
- Respecting client autonomy
- Advocating for social justice
Continuing Education
Licensed social workers are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years. The ABSW offers a variety of continuing education opportunities, including workshops, webinars, and conferences.
Complaint Resolution
The ABSW investigates complaints against licensed social workers and may take disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of license. If you have a complaint about a social worker, you can contact the ABSW at (501) 682-2794.
The Importance of Social Work
Social workers play a vital role in society by providing support and services to individuals and families facing a wide range of challenges. These challenges may include mental illness, addiction, poverty, domestic violence, and child abuse.
Social workers help individuals and families to cope with these challenges by providing therapy, counseling, case management, and other services. They also advocate for social policies that promote the well-being of all Arkansans.
How to Become a Social Worker in Arkansas
If you are interested in becoming a social worker in Arkansas, there are a few steps you need to take:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree. The first step is to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field.
- Complete a social work program. Once you have a bachelor’s degree, you will need to complete a social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
- Apply for licensure. After completing a CSWE-accredited social work program, you can apply for licensure with the ABSW.
- Maintain your license. Licensed social workers are required to complete 30 hours of continuing education every three years.
Conclusion
The Arkansas Board of Social Work is committed to ensuring that social workers in the state are licensed, competent, and ethical. The board’s work is essential to protecting the public and ensuring that Arkansans have access to high-quality social work services.
What is the difference between an LSW and an LCSW?
An LSW is a Licensed Social Worker who has completed a master’s degree in social work and two years of supervised post-master’s experience. An LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has completed a master’s degree in social work, two years of supervised post-master’s experience, and an additional two years of clinical supervised experience.
How do I apply for licensure with the ABSW?
You can apply for licensure with the ABSW online at https://www.arkansas.gov/abs/social-work/.
What are the ethical guidelines that social workers must follow?
Social workers must adhere to the ethical guidelines established by the ABSW, which include maintaining confidentiality of client information, avoiding conflicts of interest, providing culturally competent services, respecting client autonomy, and advocating for social justice.
How do I file a complaint against a social worker?
You can file a complaint against a social worker by contacting the ABSW at (501) 682-2794.
