How to Become a Social Worker in Alabama
If you are considering a career in social work, Alabama is an excellent place to start. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Alabama has one of the highest annual mean wages for social workers at $75,830 annually. This salary is slightly higher than the national average and puts Social Work positions among some of the best-paid jobs in Alabama. Alabama also boasts six higher learning institutions offering several Council on Social Work Education (CWSE)-accredited programs, making the state an ideal place to earn your degree and certification in Social Work. These programs help students gain skills and experience to make them great candidates for various Social Work positions.
This guide provides comprehensive information on how to become a social worker in Alabama. It includes information on education requirements, licenses, certifications, and job opportunities in the field. Read on to learn more about how to pursue a career in social work and start making a positive difference right away.
Steps to Become a Social Worker in Alabama State
It is essential to know the specific requirements for each level of certification or licensure so you can plan your career path. Consequently, in Alabama, becoming a social worker requires completing the steps outlined by state regulations.
1. Earn a Degree
You must have an accredited college or university degree to practice social work in Alabama. You can choose from various CWSE-accredited programs, the most common being bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work (BSW, MSW). In some cases, you may need additional credentials like Certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling (CSAC), Certified Clinical Addiction Professional (CCAP), or Licensed Certified Social Worker (LCSW).
2. Complete Field Hours
Real-life experience is required for social workers in Alabama. Duration and minimum required hours depend on the type of social work license you seek. For example, if you desire to get certified as LCSW in Alabama, you must ensure that within 36 months, you have completed 24 months of supervised social work experience.
3. Get a License
To practice social work in Alabama, you must have a license. There are three levels of professional licensing in the state, according to the Alabama State Board of Social Workers Examiners: Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW).
Social Work Degree Programs in Alabama State
To comprehensively understand how to become a social worker in Alabama, knowing the state’s various accredited programs is crucial. Six degree-granting institutions in Alabama offer social work programs accredited by the CSWE, but only three offer online programs. These programs prepare students to become licensed social workers in the state. No matter what certification level you seek, these programs provide a great start to your career.
- Alabama A&M University
- Alabama State University
- University of Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham
- University of North Alabama
- University of South Alabama
BSW Programs in Alabama State
Alabama State offers several Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) programs to cover the specific requirements for various practice areas. By taking advantage of one of these degree programs, you can hone your entry-level social worker skills and gain the licensing necessary to expand your capabilities and potential income.
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, Online, Baccalaureate, Full-Time, Part-Time, Multiple cohorts per year, 2+years
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Alabama State
An education from one of the Master of Social Work (MSW) programs in Alabama State could be the perfect way to enhance your higher education. With its excellent track record for training high-quality professionals and extensive network of experienced faculty members, Alabama offers some of the best MSW programs. Students here will gain valuable experience to prepare them for their careers and learn about essential topics such as mental health care, community development, and social services. These schools offer everything a successful future clinician could need, from top-notch curriculums to postgraduation job opportunities.
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, Online, Master’s, Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year, 2+years
University of North Alabama, Florence, AL, Online, Master’s, Full-Time, 2 years
Online MSW Programs in Alabama State
Alabama has several online MSW programs available to students. These programs offer the same quality education as an on-campus program but with more flexibility and convenience. With an online degree, you can access course materials anytime you need them, complete assignments at your own pace, and continue working or caring for your family while earning your degree. Online MSW programs also allow students to form meaningful connections with other professionals in their field, allowing for an exchange of knowledge and ideas.
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, Online, Master’s, Full-Time, Part-Time, Advanced Standing, Multiple cohorts per year 2+years
Types of Social Workers and Licenses in Alabama State
How to become a social worker in Alabama depends on the type of license you are seeking, and licensure is mandatory in Alabama State to practice professionally. Alabama State Board of Social Workers Examiners offers three levels of licensure, and depending on the level of licensure you seek, there are different requirements for education and experience hours.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
This type of license is given to a person who has completed a BSW program and holds an approved degree in the field. Passing the state certification exam and completing an additional continuing education program is also required. With this license, LBSWs can provide clinical services such as mental health counseling and assessment, psychosocial assessments, advocacy for needy people, and crisis intervention.
To apply for LBSW licensure, you must have:
- Completed a CSWE-accredited BSW program
- Apply for licensure to the Alabama State Board of Social Workers Examiners
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
To earn this type of license requires a master’s degree in social work from an accredited university, as well as a passing score on the state exam. After completing this step, you must complete 3,000 hours of supervised social work experience. With this license, LMSWs can provide clinical services such as therapy and assessments to individuals, families, and groups.
Requirements to apply for LMSW licensure:
- Completed a CSWE-accredited MSW program
- Apply for licensure to the Alabama State Board of Social Workers Examiners
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
This license is the highest level of licensure in Alabama. It requires a master’s degree or a Doctor of Social Work and at least two years of supervised clinical social work experience. Additionally, it requires passing an exam approved by the state board. With this license, LICSWs can provide clinical and non-clinical services to clients. They can also diagnose mental health disorders and provide psychotherapy services.
Applying for LICSW licensure:
- Completed a CSWE-accredited DSW or MSW program
- Have at least two years of legal experience working as a social worker after receiving a doctorate or a master’s degree, supervised by a clinical social worker with a license.
- A valid license at the Master’s level if you intend to apply as an exam candidate.
- Apply for licensure to the Alabama State Board of Social Workers Examiners.
- Pass a state-approved exam.
Social Work Salaries in Alabama State
Depending on your level of expertise and experience, there’s potential to earn some great paychecks as well. It might surprise you that while the median salary of social workers within the state is on par with other parts of the country, there’s an incredible potential for growth depending on where and how you work. This vital information will help further your understanding of the financial realities of working as a social worker in Alabama. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates the following salary for social workers in Alabama.
Alabama Social Worker Statistics
| Type of Social Worker | Number Employed | Annual Salary |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 3630 | $44,670 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 2240 | $51,540 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 670 | $36,810 |
| Social Work Teachers | 230 | $74,410 |
| Social workers, all other | $61,190 |
Social Work Scholarships in Alabama State
Are mounting student loan debt and seemingly endless tuition fees preventing you from pursuing your passion for social work? Social work scholarships from various organizations provide essential financial support for the educational costs associated with pursuing a career in social work. Below are some of the most notable scholarships available to social work students at Alabama State.
The University of Alabama School of Social Work Financial Aid
The University of Alabama School of Social Work annually awards millions in scholarships and financial support to BSW, MSW, and Ph.D. students dedicated to making a difference in the lives of others. This aid is made possible by generous alumni and donors through various scholarships for the institutions such as The Ada Kate Morgan Endowed Scholarship in Social Work, Ben Avis Adams Orcutt Endowed Doctoral Student Fellowship Fund (Ph.D.), The Cartis T. and Rose N. Roff Endowed Scholarship in Social Work (MSW) and The Cassie Wallace-Helen Brown Endowed Scholarship in the School of Social Work, among others.
The University of North Alabama Scholarships
The University of North Alabama offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid to its students. Scholarships are available for undergraduate, graduate, and online students in social work and other fields. You can apply for scholarships if you are a current UNA student or an incoming first-year student.
Alabama Social Work Organizations
Various incredible resources are available throughout the state, from professional associations to community-based volunteer programs. Whether you’re interested in deepening your knowledge of the field or want to make a difference in your local community, these organizations can help you make an impact. Some of the most notable social work organizations in Alabama include:
Alabama Society for Health Care Social Workers (ASHCSW)
The Alabama Society for Health Care Social Workers is an organization dedicated to providing professional development opportunities, networking events, and mentorship programs to healthcare social workers in the state. The society also advocates for healthcare social workers and provides resources to help them succeed professionally.
Alabama Society for Clinical Social Work (ASCSW)
The Alabama Society for Clinical Social Work is a membership organization dedicated to promoting the profession of clinical social work in Alabama. It also provides advocacy, continuing education, and networking opportunities for members. The organization works closely with local organizations to advocate for social workers throughout the state.
FAQs
Q: Does Alabama State Have Social Work Reciprocity?
A: Alabama has reciprocity agreements with other states with similar social work licensure requirements. To apply for a license in Alabama, you must submit an application to the Alabama State Board of Social Workers Examiners, provide official transcripts showing your degree from a CSWE-accredited program, and provide proof of a valid license from your home state.
Q: What Is the Best Way to Look Up My Social Work License in Alabama State?
A: The easiest way to look up your social work license in Alabama State is to visit the Alabama State Board of Social Workers Examiners website. The website provides a searchable database with information on licensed social workers in the state. Alternatively, you can contact the board directly to verify or locate an active license.