How to Become a Social Worker in Arizona
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of individuals and families in Arizona? Becoming a social worker is incredibly rewarding way to use your skills. Working in this field allows you to help people navigate difficult moments, advocate on their behalf, provide emotional support, and furnish tangible services through programs designed to offer relief from economic hardship. If becoming a social worker has become one of your life goals, read on for more information about how you can pursue such a career path right here in Arizona.
Become a Social Worker in Arizona State
Arizona is an excellent choice for those looking to become a social worker. The state offers excellent resources and employment opportunities, making it the ideal place to pursue a successful career in social work. Moreover, according to the findings of the U.S. Bureau of Statistics wage estimates, social workers have an average annual mean wage of $62,410 across the nation, translating to an hourly rate of $30.
However, wages vary depending on the specific role. For example, based on U.S. Bureau of Statistics findings, Child, Family, and School Social Workers have an average annual mean wage of $44,760 (mean hourly wage of $22), while Healthcare Social Workers earn on average an annual mean wage of $63,130 (mean hourly wage of $30) and Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers make an annual mean wage of $45,420 (mean hourly wage of $22).
Moreover, to become a social worker in Arizona, you will need to complete an accredited social work program. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits baccalaureate and master’s level programs in Arizona. At the baccalaureate level, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University both offer CSWE-accredited Bachelor of Social Work programs. At the master’s level, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University offer CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work degrees. Before beginning their studies, students who pursue this route must already possess a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field.
Typical Steps to Become a Social Worker in Arizona State
You may wonder how to become a social worker in Arizona. The following are the three key steps to obtaining licensure as a social worker in the state of Arizona.
1. Earn a Degree
A bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field such as psychology, sociology, or human services is the minimum educational requirement to become a social worker in Arizona. After earning your undergraduate degree, you may choose to pursue higher-level studies and complete a Master of Social Work (MSW) program at any of the CSWE-accredited institutions.
You may also choose to do a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program and specialize in a particular social work area. All these programs provide students with a comprehensive education to enter into the field of social work.
2. Complete Field Hours
After obtaining your degree, you must then complete supervised field hours relevant to your practice areas. For instance, as a clinical social worker, to meet the requirements of the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners (ASBBHE), you must complete a minimum of 3,200 hours of supervised fieldwork.
Moreover, ASBBHE further states that this work experience must be obtained within a minimum of 24 months and include at least 1,600 hours of direct client contact. At least 24 hours of the 3,200 hours must be completed in direct client contact.
Besides, if you are seeking licensure as a baccalaureate or master social worker, you do not need to engage in any supervised work experience in Arizona. Note that your area of specialization determines your area of practice. For instance, ASBBHE stipulates that a clinical social worker must exclusively specialize in psychotherapy for the evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals, couples, families, and groups, and cannot engage in independent practice.
3. Get a License
The final step for becoming a social worker in Arizona is to apply for licensing with the ASBBHE. The board requires that you complete an application, submit your transcripts and proof of field hours, as well as pass the appropriate licensing exam. This exam is administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
Once you have completed all these steps, you will be officially licensed as a social worker in the state of Arizona. With this license, you can begin to practice social work professionally with confidence.
Social Work Degree Programs in Arizona State
If you are interested in becoming a social worker in Arizona, there are two baccalaureate programs and two master’s programs available.
The Baccalaureate in Social Work (BSW) program prepares students to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities from a generalist social work perspective. The program provides knowledge and skills for beginning practice as a professional social worker. This program prepares students to work as professionals in child welfare, family support services, residential settings, early intervention programs, developmental disabilities agencies, juvenile justice systems, and similar organizations. BSW program also prepares for advanced standing in a master’s program.
On the other hand, the MSW prepares students to work with individuals, families, groups, and communities from a generalist or specialized practice perspective. This degree provides advanced knowledge and skills for practitioners in social service agencies, health care settings, mental health, school social work, substance abuse, and other related fields.
BSW Programs in Arizona State
Below is a list of universities that offer BSW programs with information about each program’s structure and accreditation status.
- Arizona State University
The Arizona State University BSW program is a baccalaureate program and is accredited. It has locations in Phoenix, Tucson, and Glendale, AZ with an initial accreditation date of 1965. You can choose either a full-time or part-time plan of study and the program has certification in Domestic Violence.
- Northern Arizona University
The Northern Arizona University BSW program is also a baccalaureate program and is accredited. It has locations in Flagstaff and Yuma, AZ as well as an online option available. The program’s initial accreditation date is 1988 and it offers multiple cohorts per year so you can choose the best schedule for your needs. Both full-time and part-time plans of study are available.
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Arizona State
To pursue a higher level of social work in Arizona, consider enrolling in one of the following MSW programs.
- Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers a full-time, part-time, and advanced-standing MSW program. It has multiple cohorts per year and also offers weekend/evening study options. Areas of specialized practice include advanced generalist, clinical or direct practice, community development and social systems, management or administration, and social policy.
Moreover, Dual Degree programs are available in Doctor of Social Work, Public Administration, and Public Policy. Additional certifications include Gerontology, Trauma, Domestic Violence, and Medical Social Work.
- Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University offers a full-time and advanced standing MSW program. Multiple cohorts per year are available, allowing you to choose the best plan of study for your needs. Advanced Generalist is the area of specialized practice offered.
Types of Social Workers in Arizona
No matter which degree you pursue, whether it is a BSW or MSW, the universities listed above provide excellent social work programs for students to become successful practitioners in the state of Arizona. With the universities’ accreditation and availability of online classes, students can easily find a school to fit their needs and schedule.
Baccalaureate Social Worker
To register as a baccalaureate social worker in Arizona you will need to complete the application process through the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. This includes:
- Finishing a Bachelor of Social Work program that has been authorized
- Passing the Association of Social Work Boards’ Bachelor’s Social Work Licensing Examination.
- Send the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners to board your application and any supporting paperwork for evaluation.
- If you pass the board’s evaluation, receive a license to perform social work in Arizona.
Licensed Master Social Worker
For you to obtain a license for a master social worker (LMSW) in Arizona, you must first complete the same process for baccalaureate social workers as outlined above. Additionally, you will need to fulfill the following requirements:
- Successful completion of an accredited Master of Social Work program
- Obtaining an acceptable score on the Association of Social Work Boards’ Master’s Social Work Licensing Examination.
- Submit your application for consideration along with any supporting materials to the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners.
- Obtain a license to operate as a social worker in Arizona if you pass the board’s review.
Social Work Licenses in Arizona State
To get a social work license, you’ll need to take and pass the relevant exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). After a review of your ASWB results, you may be issued a social work license by the Arizona Board of Behavioral Health Examiners to practice social work in this state.
Moreover, there are several types of social work licenses available, depending on your level of education and experience.
- Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW)
- Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA)
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker
The lowest level of social work license in Arizona is called an RBSW. You require a BSW from a recognized university to be certified as an RBSW. You can pursue fundamental, generalist social work practices with an RBSW.
- Exam: Bachelor’s ASWB examination
- Field Requirements: None
Licensed Master Social Worker
You must have a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an accredited university to become a Licensed Master of Social Worker.
- Exam: Master’s ASWB examination
- Field Requirements: None
Clinical Social Work Associate
This requires an MSW from an accredited university. You can do clinical social work with this license but must be supervised by an LCSW or LMFT.
- Exam: ASWB Clinical exam
- Field Requirements: Supervised clinical experience
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
This is the highest level of social work license in Arizona and requires a Master’s or Doctorate in social work from an accredited university. LCSWs can practice independently, diagnose mental disorders, provide therapy, and more.
- Exam: ASWB Clinical exam
- Field Requirements: 3200 hours of supervised work experience (under the supervision of an LCSW or LMFT). Also, 1600 hours of direct client contact is necessary.
Social Work Salaries in Arizona State
A career as a social worker in Arizona is highly rewarding, both financially and emotionally. Based on the findings of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the following are the mean salaries for various social work specializations.
| Type of Social Worker | Number Employed | Annual Salary |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 7,840 | $44,760 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 3,270 | $63,130 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 2,850 | $45,420 |
| Social Workers, All Other | 1,480 | $62,410 |
| Social Work Teachers | 510 | $69,060 |
Social Work Scholarships in Arizona State
If you’re looking to become a social worker in the state of Arizona, then you may be eligible for some great scholarship opportunities. Some of the popular scholarships for social workers in Arizona include:
1. Northern Arizona University Scholarships
Tuition assistance is provided to eligible social work students who are attending Northern Arizona University. The student must meet certain requirements to be eligible, including being a needy student.
2. Arizona State University Scholarships
In conjunction with other organizations, Arizona State University offers several scholarships to social work students. These include the Rita Rily Gross Endowment, Dennis Knapp Fellowship, and Edith Kolodny Block Endowment.
Social Work Organizations in Arizona State
Many different social work organizations in the state of Arizona can offer resources and support for those wanting to become social workers.
- NASW-AZ: The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) also has a chapter in Arizona. The organization offers membership benefits such as free webinars, online courses, and discounts on continuing education.
- Arizona Housing Coalition: The Arizona Housing Coalition is a cooperative organization that spearheads the fight against homelessness and promotes the need for everyone to have access to secure, affordable housing.
FAQs
Yes, Arizona offers social work reciprocity. This means that a social worker licensed in another state can be eligible to become licensed in Arizona without taking the entire licensing process over again. The applicant must have passed all the necessary exams and complete any other requirements set by the state they are currently licensed in. Besides, the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners is responsible for issuing social work licenses in the state.
You can search the list of current social work licensees maintained by the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners. You can find this information on their website.