How to Become a Social Worker in Delaware
If you’re looking for a state that offers a lot in the way of fun and entertainment as well as good career opportunities, you might want to consider Delaware, a state that offers more beaches than you’ll know what to do with and a demand for social workers. If you’re a social worker or want to become one, Delaware is a good option.
There are more than 2,300 social workers in Delaware. Healthcare social workers, one of several different types of social workers) earn an average yearly salary of $58,100 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Continue reading to learn how to become a social worker in Delaware as well as other career information.
How to Become a Social Worker in Delaware
- Find a CSWE-accredited social work program
- Earn your degree
- Complete supervised social work experience
- Obtain licensure
In learning how to become a social worker in the state of Delaware, you may find many social worker programs on the internet, and many of them may sound great. It’s important to find one that’s accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). They offer the curriculum required to obtain your license. It can also make a big difference to a potential employer. Delaware offers both on-campus and online accredited programs.
To become a licensed social worker in Delaware, you must have a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. Some social workers earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), which prepares them for entry-level social work. However, you cannot become a licensed clinical social worker until you earn your MSW.
The bachelor’s degree program acts as a great foundation for an advanced degree. After earning the degree, you’ll need to complete a supervised social work internship or fieldwork. There are three basic levels of social workers in Delaware, and the number of required hours of fieldwork depends on the level. Once the fieldwork is complete, the student can apply for a license to become nationally or state certified.
To obtain the license, you must pass a test through the Association of Social Work Boards or the Board of Social Work Examiners. Bachelor degree holders can also take the exam and complete additional hours of fieldwork, but they cannot work in a clinical setting.
Social Work Degree Programs in Delaware
Regarding social work degree programs in Delaware, there is good news and bad news. The bad news is that there is only one university that offers on-campus degree programs: Delaware State University. The good news is that Delaware State University offers both a BSW and an MSW. They also offer a doctoral degree in social work.
BSW Programs in Delaware
Delta State University – The BSW program at Delta State University offers a curriculum that blends general education courses with foundation courses and social work courses. Students in this four-year program complete about 440 hours of fieldwork in a social welfare agency. This degree prepares students to work not only in social work but also in related fields, including those that require a liberal arts degree. About 12-13 hours of internships are required each week. Prior to graduation, the students are required to carry liability insurance.
MSW Programs in Delaware
Delta State University – The MSW program at DSU offers students the opportunity to study full-time or part-time. The program has a specialized focus on advanced generalists, which prepares students for advanced practice with families, individuals, and groups. Students with a bachelor’s degree can transfer 28 credits into this program. Graduates of this program can obtain certifications in specialized areas like drug and alcohol abuse, and trauma to name a couple. About 15-16 hours of internships are required each week.
Online Social Work Programs in Delaware
Students who feel they’re at a loss for colleges offering social work programs or can’t attend college will be happy to know there are several online colleges in Delaware that offer bachelor’s and master’s degree social work programs. These programs are all CSWE-accredited. Online degrees are a convenient and flexible way to earn your degree without having to quit your job.
Howard University – The online MSW program at Howard University is offered as a traditional track or an advanced standing track. The 60-credit traditional track can be completed in 16 months of full-time study or 36 months if part-time. The 45-credit advanced standing track can be completed in 24 months or less.
Fordham University – This online MSW program is aimed at students who already have a bachelor’s degree and wish to advance to an MSW. Students can study part-time and still finish the program in 16-32 months. It also offers a traditional track and an advanced standing track. Students who have completed the first year of the MSW can complete the advanced standing track in 8-16 months.
Simmons University – The online BSW program at Simmons is a 128-credit program that can be completed all online. Students can transfer up to 96 credits into the program. It includes courses in human behavior, social justice, and social work practice. While an online program, students will have lots of one-on-one with instructors and mentors.
Types of Social Workers and Social Work Licenses in Delaware
The Delaware Board of Social Work Examiners offers licenses to three types of social workers: licensed clinical social workers, licensed master social workers, and licensed bachelor social workers. There are education and training requirements specific to each type.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- Must have an MSW degree or a related degree
- Must have at least 3,200 hours of supervised clinical work experience
- Must pass the ASWB clinical exam
- License must be renewed every two years. Candidate must have completed at least 40 hours of continuing education.
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
- Must have an MSW degree or a related degree
- Must have at least two years of professional work experience
- Must pass the ASWB master’s exam
- License must be renewed every two years. Thirty hours of continuing education is required for renewal.
Licensed Bachelor Social Worker (LBSW)
- Must have at least a BSW or a related degree
- Must have at least one year of professional work experience
- Must pass the ASWB bachelor’s exam
- License must be renewed every two years. Twenty hours of continuing education is required for renewal.
Social Work Scholarships in Delaware
Delaware Department of Education Scholarship Incentive Program – Eligible social work students can obtain financial aid and scholarships from the Delaware Department of Education. These include local, state, and federal programs.
Delaware State Loan Repayment Program – This program offers a variety of scholarships in the way of loans and other financial options for students in health profession programs.
Job and Salary Outlook for Delaware Social Workers
There are various types of social workers in Delaware. Each is a little different and offers a slightly different type of service. Listed below are the types of social workers in Delaware the number employed in Delaware, and the average annual salary based on a 2022 report by the bureau.
| Social Worker Type | Annual Median Salary |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $45,950 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | $58,100 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | $52,770
|
| Social Workers | $66,600 |
Types of Social Worker Jobs in Delaware
Despite there being different types of social workers in Delaware, some may choose to find other work other than as licensed social workers. A few of the possible jobs include the following.
- Case manager
- Hospice social worker
- Outpatient therapist
- Counselor
- Health equity specialist
- Child welfare specialist
- Substance abuse counselor
Social Work Organizations in Delaware
NASW – Delaware Branch – This organization is aimed at helping social workers in their local communities and offering them resources and networking opportunities.
National Association of Social Workers – Unlike the SASW Delaware Brach, which is for local social workers, this organization is for social workers nationwide. It offers the opportunity to meet other social workers, find employment opportunities, learn new social work laws, and network together.
FAQs
- Does Delaware have social work reciprocity?
- Delaware does have social work reciprocity. Licensed social workers from other states can obtain licensure in Delaware if they currently hold a social work license from their state and have not had any disciplinary issues.
- What is the best way to look up my social work license in Delaware?
- The best way to look up your social work license is on the Delaware.gov website.