How to Become a Social Worker in Maine
Maine is famous for its state parks. It has over 500,000 acres, which covers 30 state parks. There are also over 17 million acres of forest land throughout the state, known as the Pine Tree State.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows an average annual salary of around $58,000 for social workers. This opens a door to a great incentive for those interested in becoming social workers in Maine. Eight schools are available to help you achieve an adequate education through CSWE-accredited programs. We have created this guide to venture out into this field for your benefit.
Steps to Become a Social Worker in Maine
If you want to learn how to become a social worker in Maine, there are significant steps to follow to help you obtain your goals. They are as follows:
1. Earn an Accredited Degree
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) sets the bar on what is mandatory in Maine for each class of social worker. Basic requirements are for the bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW). These are meant for entry level jobs. The other degree is a master’s degree in social work (MSW), which is meant for higher paying jobs in higher authority positions.
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Exam is a requirement to pass and is taken at the end of the program.
2. Complete Field Hours in Training
Between two to four years is expected to complete 3,200 field training hours. Under the direct supervision of the supervisor, 96 direct hours must be spent together. The rest is hands on experience.
3. Get a License
In Maine, the Licensed Social Worker is known as (LSW or LS). These are also the entry level workers. A Licensed Master Social Worker is known as (LMSW or LM). The other MSW position is the Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW or LC)
Social Work Degree BSW Programs
Achieving a bachelor’s degree is the first step. The student can continue on the MSW if they choose, but must achieve the master’s degree from the CSWE accredited school. It takes four years between college years and field training to complete this program. These are the BSW accredited programs set up for entry-level positions:
St Joseph’s College of Maine: Standish, ME, online optional, multiple cohorts per year full-time and part-time options
University of Maine: Orono, ME, on-campus only, full-time and part-time options
University of Maine at Presque Isle: Presque Isle, ME, on-campus only, full-time and part-time options
University of New England: Biddeford, ME, on-campus only, full-time and part-time options
University of Southern Maine: Portland, ME, on-campus only, full-time and part-time options
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs
Master’s Degrees are ideal for management or administration positions. It can take a year or more after the basics are completed to complete the MSW course. It is critical to know that if the clinical concentration was not completed in the course, then the number of hours goes up in the field training from 3,200 to 6,400 hours of hands-on training with 192 hours directly under a supervisor. Below are the colleges or universities that cater the MSW programs:
University of Maine: Orono, ME, online available, only, two years+, full-time, part-time, weekends/evenings, and advanced standing options
University of New England: Portland, ME, online available, two years+, full-time, part-time, and advanced standing
University of Southern Maine: Portland, ME, online available, two years+, full-time, part-time, and advanced standing
Online MSW Programs
Working online gives students and trainees the option to work at a faster or slower pace. Some finish within a year, others can take up to four years, depending on the time devoted to their studies. These universities in Maine offer online MSW programs:
University of Maine: Orono, ME, one year+, full-time, part-time, weekends/evenings, and advanced standing
University of New England: Portland, ME, one year+, full-time, part-time, and advanced standing
University of Southern Maine: Portland, ME, one year+, full-time, part-time, and advanced standing
Types of Social Workers
Anyone wishing to obtain a license to become a social worker in Maine must go through the Maine Board of Social Work. There are five different types of social workers in Maine, and each have different requirements which are listed below:
1. Licensed Social Worker Conditional (LSX)
To become a licensed social worker conditional (LSX), the Maine Board of Social Work requires:
Applicants must submit an online LSW-C application to the board.
The applicant must go online and apply for an LSW-C to the board for a license. The fee is $70 along with a $21 charge for a criminal background check, which the applicant is responsible for paying in advance. All applicants should get the school to send the BSW transcript to the Maine Board of Social Work. A consultation agreement must also be on record with the board.
Applicant must take and pass the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam.
When the board approves the application, the applicant must take the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam. A passing score is 150/170 on the exam to continue in the certification venture. The fee for the exam is $260.
Receive the LSW-C license.
In about two weeks the results will be submitted to the board (pass or fail) from the ASWB. The next step is the supervised training which entails 3,200 hours experience with 96 hours directly under the supervisor.
2. Licensed Social Worker (LS)
To become a licensed social worker (LS), the Maine Board of Social Work requires:
Applicants submit an LSW application to the board.
Upon program completion, the applicant can apply to the board for a license. They must wait for the approval of the qualification process before moving on to the next step. The startup fees are the same as the previous $70/$21.
Applicants must have a passing score on the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam ($230 fee).
After the application is submitted, the applicant may take the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam. The same passing rules apply as all questions are multiple choice for each exam.
Await and receive the LSW license from the board.
The same applies in this area, as it takes two weeks for the results and for the applicant to obtain the license.
3. Licensed Master Social Worker (LM)
To become a licensed master social worker (LM), the Maine Board of Social Work requires:
Applicants must submit an LMSW application to the board.
The applicant must add the transcript from the program taken. The cost is the same for the startup fees. Last, the application should be included with all the mentioned items for submission to the board.
Earn Experience.
The applicant must prove they went through no less than 3,200 hours of post-master’s social work experience between two and six years after completing the program. The supervisor must directly oversee 96 hours of supervised training. Reports must be handed into the board for further approvals.
Applicant must pass the ASWB Master’s Exam.
Once all demands are met, the applicant pays a $230 fee to take and pass the ASWB Clinical Exam To pass, the score must be at least 150/170.
Wait for the LMSW license from the board.
The same time limit applies as the ASWB will inform a passing or failing grade to the board.
4. Licensed Master Social Worker Conditional Clinical (MC)
To become a licensed master social worker conditional clinical (MC), the Maine Board of Social Work requires:
Startup qualifications to achieve Conditional Master’s Social Worker License (LMSW-C)
The same rules and fees apply for the LMSW-C, as does the LSX, which is the first one on this list. Conciliation agreements must be on record and the person must not work in a private practice.
Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam
The fee to take the exam is $230 and the test must be completed with no less than a 150/170 score to pass.
Get the License and Training
Follow the previous instructions in waiting for the license. This one does not have a clinical certification so it will take longer with the hands-on experience and supervision. It requires 6,400 hours of experience and 192 hours of direct supervised training. All reports must be given to the board.
5. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LC)
To become a licensed clinical social worker (LC), the Maine Board of Social Work requires:
Qualify with the Board for the Conditional Clinical Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW-CC)
All rules apply for submissions and startup costs. The LC can work in a private practice once the Clinical license is achieved, otherwise it is just a conditional.
Pass the ASWB Master’s Exam
It will cost $230 to take the exam and pass it with a score of 150/170.
Get the Master’s License and start training
Before moving on to the next steps to the Clinical certification, a Master’s License must be earned first. Also, the hours in training are 3,200 for experience and 96 hours under direct supervision.
Apply for LCSW Application
This is an add on to the regular LMSW-C license which certifies the applicant to earn the clinical portion. It opens a whole new opportunity.
Pass the ASWB Clinical Exam and wait for the license
The Clinical portion of the exam costs $260. The passing score is 150/170, and the student can receive their license within two weeks and start their private practice.
Social Work Licenses in Maine
The state of Maine issues five different licenses for social workers. They are listed below. Application fees are $70 with a $21 criminal background check. All schools must be accredited with the CSWE. Upon completing the program, the school must submit the transcripts to the BSW.
Licensed Social Worker Conditional (LSX)
This license grants social workers to work at entry level positions and requires the bare minimum of a bachelor’s degree. A consultation agreement must be submitted to the board.
Field Requirements: Complete 3,200 hours of experience with 96 hours direct supervision.
Exam Required: Score no less than 150/170 on the Bachelor’s ASWB Exam (Fee $260).
Licensed Social Worker (LS)
To obtain a Bachelor’s Degree, follow the same path as the LSX. You will not need a consultation agreement for this position. This is also an entry level position.
Field Requirement: Complete 3,200 hours of supervised experience training.
Exam Requirements: Pass the Bachelor’s ASWB Exam with a score of 150/170. The cost is $230
Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LM)
The person must get a master’s degree to earn this license. These are considered upper management positions.
Field Requirements: The person must work under supervision for no less than 3,200 hours which includes the 96 hours of direct supervision.
Exam Requirements: Register with the ASWB and pass the Master’s Exam ($230).
Licensed Master Social Worker Conditional Clinical (MC)
Signing and submitting a consultation agreement is the only addition to having applied with the board. This license is available for upper management positions but not private practices.
Field Requirements: 6,400 hours of experience is required with 192 of those hours under direct supervision.
Exam Requirements: ASWB Master’s Exam ($230 cost)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LC)
The same qualifications apply for the LC as the rest. The only difference is, this one requires more education and training to work as a private practice.
Field Requirements: The first half is 3,200 hours of experience, with 96 hours direct supervision. If the person completes the second half it is 6,400 total with 192 hours of direct supervision.
Exam Requirements: ASWB Master’s Exam ($230), and the ASWB Clinical Exam ($260)
Social Work Salaries in Maine
The BLS reports these as the number of workers and highest earnings.
| Child, family, and school social workers | 1,820 employed | $61,760 annual wage |
| Mental health and substance abuse social workers | 1,370 employed | $68,900 annual wage |
| Healthcare social workers | 470 employed | $60,430 annual wage |
| Social workers teachers, and post-secondary | 70 employed | $76,680 annual wage |
| All other social workers | 740 employed | $58,000 annual wage |
Social Work Scholarships in Maine
Several awards and scholarships are granted in Maine. One of these is the NASW Scholarship.
Scholarships from the University of Maine
Social Work Organizations in Maine
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Maine Chapter: The primary goal of the NASW Maine Chapter is to monitor and assist the licensing of social workers.
Social Work Student Organization at the University of Maine
FAQs
Does Maine have Social Work reciprocity?
For some, yes; however, particular licenses require additional training and education.
Go to the Board of Social Worker Licensure-Licensing and Forms website.