How to Become a Social Worker in Illinois: A Step-by-Step Career Guide
Social workers in Illinois earn between $56,780 and $67,390 annually, with healthcare social workers taking home an average of $63,790. These numbers might surprise you!
The career path to becoming a social worker in Illinois comes with specific educational and licensing requirements, though the earning potential makes it worthwhile. The state has made the path more available by removing the master’s exam requirement for Licensed Social Worker (LSW) candidates.
Illinois offers excellent growth prospects, particularly in mental health and substance use social work. This is a big deal as it means that Illinois’s job growth projections for 2022-2032 will outpace national averages. The path to becoming an LSW or advancing to a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) needs careful planning and a clear understanding of state requirements.
We’ll show you the exact steps to become a social worker in Illinois in this piece. You’ll learn everything from educational requirements and licensing processes to career opportunities and salary expectations. Your rewarding career in social work starts here!
Education Requirements for Illinois Social Workers
Starting your career as a social worker in Illinois requires choosing the right educational program. A bachelor’s degree builds your foundation, and a master’s degree lets you take on advanced practice and clinical roles.
Bachelor’s Degree Options Students need a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program to qualify for entry-level positions. The program needs 120 credit hours split between general education and social work major courses. Your BSW studies include 400 hours of supervised field experience that gives you ground experience in actual settings.
BSW graduates typically work in case management roles at nonprofit organizations, hospitals, or social service agencies. You can take the Illinois State Social Work license exam after working for two years.
There are currently 19 CSWE-accredited BSW programs in Illinois.
Master’s Program Options including online MSW Students can choose from 17 CSWE-accredited MSW programs in Illinois, and 8 colleges now offer online options. These master’s programs come in two formats:
Traditional Program:
- 60 credit hours total
- 32 hours of advanced coursework
- Two-semester field internship
- Fits students with non-social work bachelor’s degrees
Advanced Standing Program:
- 32 credit hours of advanced coursework
- Open to BSW graduates from CSWE-accredited programs within past 7 years
- Students can finish in 12 months
Top Social Work Schools in Illinois These prestigious schools offer detailed social work education:
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign:
- Ranks among top social work schools nationwide
- Runs both campus-based and online MSW programs
- Specializes in Advanced Clinical or Leadership and Social Change
Jane Addams College of Social Work (UIC):
- Ranks in top 10% of graduate social work programs nationwide
- Offers specialized tracks in mental health, child services, and school social work
- Combines MSW/MPH degree options
Loyola University Chicago:
- Runs multiple program formats with evening courses
- Features Clinical and Leadership Development tracks
- Blends online and on-campus study options
MSW programs require 1,050 hours of field instruction. Students preparing for clinical practice take foundational courses and then specialize in:
- Healthcare
- Mental Health
- Children, Youth and Family Services
- School Social Work
Online MSW programs cost about $620 per credit hour on average. Many universities provide flexible payment plans and financial aid options. These educational paths help you learn:
- Ethical professional behavior
- Research-informed practice
- Policy engagement
- Community assessment
- Individual and group intervention strategies
Online MSW Programs in Illinois
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
The University of Illinois offers a fully online part-time iMSW program with two concentration options: Advanced Clinical or Leadership and Social Change. Students can choose from various focus areas, including Healthcare, Mental Health, Children, Youth and Family Services, and Schools (for Illinois residents only). The program is designed for individuals who cannot relocate but wish to earn their MSW degree from anywhere in the nation.
Aurora University’s online MSW program, offered through the George Williams School of Social Work, prepares students for clinical social work practice. The program offers various specialist curriculum tracks, including Addictions, Child Welfare, Forensics, Gerontology, Health Care, and Military and Veteran Social Work. This CSWE-accredited program can be completed in as little as two years.
Ranked in the top 2 social work graduate programs nationally, Loyola University Chicago’s online MSW program offers both Traditional and Advanced Standing options. The Traditional program requires 49 credit hours and can be completed in eight consecutive semesters, while the Advanced Standing option is 23 credit hours and can be completed in one year. Students can specialize in Micro Practice or Leadership, Mezzo, & Macro Practice (LMMP).
University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
UIC offers an online MSW program that prepares students for advanced social work practice. The program focuses on urban social work and social justice, providing students with the skills to work in diverse urban environments. UIC’s online MSW is CSWE-accredited and offers flexible scheduling options for working professionals.
Dominican University’s online MSW program is designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice with a focus on social justice and community engagement. The program offers both full-time and part-time options, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments. Dominican’s online MSW is CSWE-accredited and emphasizes evidence-based practice and cultural competence.
These five online MSW programs in Illinois offer diverse specializations and flexible learning options, catering to various career goals and schedules. Prospective students should carefully review each program’s curriculum, admission requirements, and specialization options to find the best fit for their professional aspirations in social work.
Illinois Social Work License Requirements
The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) manages social work licensing and provides two different paths for professionals entering the field.
Types of Licenses in Illinois
Social workers in Illinois can choose between two licenses: Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The state made LSW licensing more available by removing the ASWB master’s exam requirement in January 2022.
LSW License Process
LSW license candidates need to meet one of these requirements:
- Hold a CSWE-accredited master’s degree in social work, or
- Complete a CSWE-accredited bachelor’s degree plus three years of supervised experience
The application needs:
- Completed IDFPR application form
- USD 50.00 application fee
- Certification of education form
- Health care workers background check form
LCSW Requirements and Steps
LCSW candidates should meet these criteria:
- Earn a CSWE-accredited master’s or doctoral degree
- Complete supervised clinical experience:
- 3,000 hours with master’s degree
- 2,000 hours with doctoral degree
- Pass the ASWB clinical exam
IDFPR added a new option in January 2024. Candidates can now complete 3,000 more hours of supervised experience instead of retaking the exam after one attempt.
License Renewal Guidelines
Social work licenses need renewal by November 30th in odd-numbered years. Professionals must:
- Complete 30 continuing education units (CEUs) every two years
- Get specific training:
- 3 hours in ethics
- 3 hours in cultural competence
- 1 hour in implicit bias awareness
- Sexual harassment prevention training
- Mandated reporter training
New licensees don’t need CEUs for their first renewal. Renewal costs USD 60.00.
Reciprocity in Illinois
Illinois doesn’t have formal reciprocity agreements, but out-of-state social workers can get licensed through endorsement. They need:
- Active license verification
- Education documentation
- USD 200.00 application fee
LCSWs with five or more years of experience just need to submit certified license verification. Qualified professionals can skip examination requirements through the endorsement process if they meet Illinois standards.
Social Work Career Paths in Illinois
Social workers in Illinois transform lives in a variety of settings. Each role provides a unique chance to make a difference. Clinical practice and community advocacy create multiple paths toward professional growth.
Clinical Social Work
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are key professionals in Illinois’s social service workforce. These practitioners diagnose and treat specific mental health disorders. Their expertise allows them to:
- Handle complex cases that need specialized intervention
- Lead programs as directors and administrators
- Shape research and policy development
- Run independent clinical practices
Healthcare Settings
Healthcare social workers are vital to Illinois’s medical system. They work together with medical teams to create detailed care plans. Their role includes:
- Helping patients make healthcare decisions
- Managing rehabilitation services
- Helping survivors of abuse and assault
- Leading hospice care discussions
The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan area ranks fourth nationwide for healthcare social worker employment. Healthcare social workers make an average of $56,640 yearly, while top performers can earn up to $81,130.
School Social Work
School social workers provide crucial support in educational settings. They must get a Professional Educator License (PEL) with a social work endorsement. Their work involves:
- Supporting students’ academic and emotional development
- Guiding faculty on school-wide challenges
- Providing counseling to students and families
- Handling safety concerns at school and home
Chicago Public Schools offers strong compensation packages. Social workers earn over $70,000 yearly plus healthcare benefits.
Community Organizations
Community-based social workers tackle social problems through nonprofit organizations. These professionals concentrate on:
- Programs to reduce poverty
- Creating educational programs
- Organizing communities
- Providing direct services
- Speaking up for social change
Social Work Administration
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has many administrative roles for social workers. These positions need specific qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in fields like healthcare administration or social welfare
- Public administration experience
- Healthcare systems and policy knowledge
- Quality control expertise
Career growth often leads to roles such as:
- Family Case Managers
- State Eligibility Consultants
- Program Directors
- Healthcare Policy Analysts
The National Association of Social Workers-Illinois Chapter (NASW-IL) helps over 25,000 social workers across the state. They provide professional development resources, advocacy opportunities, and networking events to boost careers.
Salary and Growth Outlook
Social work professionals in Illinois have excellent career prospects, with employment numbers reaching 90,050 workers of all specialties.
BLS data for Social Workers in Illinois
Child, family, and school social workers make up the largest group, with 16,430 professionals who earn an average of $63,590 annually. Healthcare social workers total 4,190 professionals and earn competitive salaries averaging $63,790 per year. Mental health and substance abuse social workers, while smaller at 1,650 professionals, earn an average of $56,780 annually.
The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan area stands among the top five regions nationwide for social work employment. Workers here earn an average annual wage of $68,140. Federal government positions pay even better, with mean annual wages of $94,260.
Salary ranges depend on experience and specialization:
- Entry-level positions (10th percentile): $39,580
- Mid-career professionals (50th percentile): $63,770
- Experienced practitioners (90th percentile): $104,580
Job Market Trends
Social work employment in Illinois shows strong growth potential. The state expects an 8.3% increase in social work positions through 2030. This growth exceeds the national average of 7.5%.
Several regions show impressive growth rates:
- Du Page County: 15.0% projected growth
- Edwardsville Area: 14.9% growth rate
- Will County: 13.5% expansion
- Mt Vernon-Marion-Carbondale Area: 11.9% increase
Mental health care social work leads the growth charts. Recent legislative changes addressing workforce shortages have driven this expansion. Healthcare and substance abuse social workers see rising demand as the aging population needs more specialized services.
The state’s efforts to remove barriers for skilled professionals have yielded positive results. Recent legislative wins, like eliminating certain testing requirements, have boosted workforce growth by a lot. New laws creating alternative paths to licensure, starting January 2024, open more opportunities for aspiring social workers.
Illinois tackles workforce challenges through several key initiatives:
- Implementing paid field placements
- Expanding loan forgiveness programs
- Providing budget-friendly clinical supervision opportunities
- Creating specialized crisis intervention programs
- Developing recruitment programs for high school students
These programs help increase the number of social workers and vary the workforce to ensure detailed coverage of community needs statewide.
Social Work Scholarships in Illinois
Illinois offers various scholarships for students pursuing social work education at different levels. These opportunities aim to support aspiring social workers and address specific needs within the field.
For undergraduate students, the University of Illinois School of Social Work provides BSW scholarships based on academic achievement and field experience. These internal scholarships are typically awarded in mid to late October, with applications due by August 1st each year.
At the graduate level, MSW students have access to several scholarship options:
- The Post-Master of Social Work School Social Work Professional Educator License Scholarship Program: This state-funded initiative supports licensed social workers with master’s degrees who wish to obtain an Illinois Professional Educator License with an Endorsement in School Social Work. It covers tuition and mandatory fees for up to 250 recipients annually, with a priority consideration date of September 30, 2024, for the 2024-25 academic year.
- University-specific scholarships: The University of Illinois School of Social Work offers various MSW scholarships, including:
- The Scholarship for School Social Workers, specifically for MSW students specializing in school social work.
- The Esther & Marvin Steinberg Memorial Scholarship, which supports students who have experienced homelessness or plan to work with homeless populations.
- The Dr. Marietta Stevenson Memorial Scholarship for students interested in social work policy and leadership.
- Specialized scholarships: Some awards focus on specific areas of social work, such as:
- The Ron H. Moorman Scholarship in Child Welfare for MSW students specializing in child welfare.
- The Becca Nimmer Marcus Scholarship for students with a strong interest in mental health.
Additionally, there are scholarships that promote diversity and cultural competence in the field. For example, the Youngsoon Park Scholarship supports BSW or MSW students committed to improving the well-being of the Korean American community in the United States.
Prospective social work students in Illinois should research these opportunities and check with their chosen institutions for specific application procedures and deadlines. Many of these scholarships consider factors such as academic merit, financial need, and commitment to specific areas of social work practice.
Illinois Social Work Organizations
Illinois boasts a robust network of social work organizations dedicated to supporting professionals in the field and advancing social welfare across the state. Some key organizations include:
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – Illinois Chapter: The largest professional social work organization in the state, offering continuing education, advocacy, and networking opportunities.
- Illinois Association of School Social Workers (IASSW): Focuses on supporting school social workers and promoting best practices in educational settings.
- Illinois Public Health Association – Social Work Section: Addresses public health issues through a social work lens, promoting community health and well-being.
These organizations play crucial roles in:
- Advocating for social work policies at the state and local levels
- Offering professional development and continuing education opportunities
- Providing networking platforms for social workers across various specialties
- Promoting ethical standards and best practices in the field
- Supporting research and innovation in social work methodologies
Social work professionals in Illinois can benefit greatly from engaging with these organizations, whether through membership, attending conferences, or participating in community initiatives. These groups collectively work to enhance the social work profession and improve the lives of Illinois residents through effective social services and advocacy.
Start Your Career as a Social Worker Today
Embarking on a career as a social worker in Illinois is a noble and rewarding path that offers numerous opportunities to make a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities. By following the steps outlined in this guide—from obtaining the necessary education and licensure to gaining practical experience and continuing your professional development—you’ll be well-equipped to start your journey in this vital field.
Remember that social work is more than just a job; it’s a calling that requires compassion, resilience, and a genuine desire to help others. As you progress in your career, you’ll find that Illinois offers a diverse range of settings and specializations, allowing you to tailor your expertise to areas that truly resonate with your passions.
Whether you choose to work in child welfare, mental health, healthcare, or community development, your role as a social worker will be instrumental in fostering positive change and empowering those in need. By staying informed about the latest developments in social work practices and policies, you’ll continue to grow as a professional and contribute meaningfully to the well-being of Illinois residents.
Take the first step today towards becoming a social worker in Illinois and join a community of dedicated professionals committed to making a difference, one life at a time.