How to Start Become a Social Worker in Montana: License Requirements Made Simple
Montana is giving experienced social workers a chance to advance their careers. Social workers with 4,000 hours of experience can get their LBSW or LMSW license without supervision hours or exams until December 31, 2024 4,000 hours of social work experience.
The Legacy Clause adds to Montana’s complete social work licensing system. The state provides three distinct paths: Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). Each license needs specific qualifications. Social workers must have bachelor’s or master’s degrees, and LCSW candidates need 3,000 hours of supervised practice.
Your professional success depends on understanding Montana’s social work license requirements. This piece explains everything you need to know about becoming a licensed social worker in Montana. You’ll learn about educational requirements and application processes that will help you grow in your career.
Understanding Social Work Career Paths in Montana
Social work careers in Montana offer many opportunities in different specializations and settings. The field shows steady growth. Community and social service jobs should see an 8% increase in employment through 2032.
Types of Social Work Roles
Montana’s social work field includes specialized roles that serve different community needs. Child and family social workers help with child protective services, adoption agencies, and family welfare programs. Mental health social workers offer therapy and create treatment plans. Their job growth looks promising at 12% in Montana.
Healthcare social workers help patients navigate medical systems and coordinate care plans. This specialty should grow by 11% in Montana. On top of that, substance abuse social workers help people in rehabilitation facilities and treatment centers. They can expect a 12% growth rate statewide.
School social workers cooperate with students, teachers, and families to help with social and emotional challenges. Geriatric social workers help older adults. This becomes especially important as the U.S. population aged 65 and older will reach 25.2% by 2032.
Work Settings and Opportunities
Montana’s social workers can work in many different places:
- Individual and family service organizations
- Local and state government agencies
- Educational institutions
- Healthcare facilities
- Mental health clinics
- Rehabilitation centers
- Community organizations
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) employs many social workers throughout the state.
Social workers are needed more than ever. Montana faces tough challenges with high suicide rates, addiction rates, and not enough service providers. About 2.5 million people struggled with opioid use disorder in 2021, and one in 10 people had alcohol use disorder. These numbers show why we need qualified social work professionals.
More Americans seek regular mental health support now – up from 13% to 23% between 2004 and 2022. Mental health systems don’t deal very well with this increased demand. This creates more opportunities for social workers who specialize in mental health support and counseling.
License Types and Requirements
Montana’s Board of Behavioral Health manages three different social work license types. Each type serves specific practice levels and specializations.
Licensed Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) serves as the entry-level credential for general practice. You’ll need to complete a background check through Montana’s Department of Justice. Passing the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) bachelor’s exam is essential. Active license renewal costs $149, while inactive status is available for $75.
Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) opens doors for advanced non-clinical practice. This credential best fits professionals who want administrative or policy-focused roles instead of direct clinical work.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) stands as the highest license level, allowing independent clinical practice. Requirements include:
- A master’s degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- 3,000 hours of supervised work experience over at least 24 months
- Passing the ASWB clinical licensing exam
- Three professional references from licensed practitioners
- Fingerprint-based background check
Supervised experience has specific requirements:
- 1,500 hours must be direct client contact
- 50 hours of direct supervision from an LCSW
- Supervisors must have three years of post-licensure clinical experience
Candidate licenses exist at each level for professionals who still need to complete their supervised practice hours. This smart approach helps new practitioners while protecting public safety through proper oversight.
License renewal happens yearly between November 1 and December 31, with a 45-day grace period. Active status requires continuing education credits.
The Board has improved its licensing framework through multi-tiered licensure legislation. This system works to:
- Boost public safety through better accountability
- Stop misrepresentation by unqualified practitioners
- Ensure proper supervision for new social workers
- Meet workforce needs across the state
The Montana Board of Behavioral Health helps applicants with licensing requirements or application procedures through their office line or email. They provide guidance based on your chosen license path.
Educational Requirements and Programs
Montana has several paths you can take to become a licensed social worker. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits programs that meet strict standards for social work education.
LBSW vs LMSW vs LCSW
A CSWE-accredited bachelor’s program requires 400 hours of field placement experience. An MSW program needs 900 hours of field experience in generalist social work. The LCSW path requires a master’s degree plus 3,000 supervised work hours.
Application Process Steps
- Complete your degree from a CSWE-accredited program
- Submit official transcripts directly from your educational institution
- Register as a Social Worker Licensure Candidate (USD 200.00 fee)
- Complete fingerprint-based background check
- Get three professional references
- Pass the appropriate ASWB examination
Degree Options in Montana
The University of Montana is the flagship institution that offers both BSW and MSW programs. Their MSW program focuses on Advanced Integrated Practice and runs synchronously online through a 37-credit curriculum. The program has:
- 9-credit summer bridge program
- Specialization year courses
- 6 credits of elective courses
Choosing the Right Program
Here are the key factors to think about when picking a program:
- Accreditation status
- Field placement opportunities
- Program flexibility
- Faculty expertise
- Specialization options
The University of Montana’s MSW program needs a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students write two essays: one about personal qualities and experiences, another analyzing current social issues.
Online vs Traditional Learning
Employers now recognize online social work degrees as legitimate. The University of Montana offers hybrid options where students attend classes on Thursdays and Fridays. Their Advanced Standing Program runs fully online, and qualified applicants can finish their MSW in one year.
Field education is mandatory whatever the learning format. Students must complete:
- 300 hours for foundational practicum
- 600 hours for advanced practicum
The practicum experience typically runs from late August through early May. Students need to secure placements during regular business hours when agency staff can provide support. Private practice placements are available only during specialization year practicum.
Gaining Required Experience
Supervised practice is the life-blood of getting your social work license in Montana. Each type of license just needs specific experience hours before you can be fully licensed.
Supervised Practice Hours
LBSW candidates must complete 2,000 hours of supervised work experience over at least 18 months. LCSW candidates need 3,000 hours spanning a minimum of 24 months. Client contact must make up half of these hours.
Montana’s Legacy Clause allows social workers with 4,000 hours of experience between January 2018 and January 2023 to skip supervision requirements. In spite of that, supervision plays a vital role to reduce burnout and maintain ethical practice standards.
Finding a Qualified Supervisor
The NASW Montana Clinical Supervisor Registry helps license candidates connect with potential supervisors. The registry has:
- Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
- Licensed Master Social Workers (LMSW)
- Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors (LCPC)
- Licensed Addiction Counselors (LAC)
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
NASW members can join the registry free of charge, while non-members pay $20 yearly. You should really assess potential supervisors’ qualifications and experience before starting a supervisory relationship.
Documentation Requirements
Supervisors and candidates must keep detailed supervision records for seven years. Key documents you’ll need:
- Training and Supervision Plan form
- Regular supervision session records
- Notification forms for supervisor changes within 20 business days
- Montana Evaluation of Supervisory Experience form
Montana accepts documentation that shows completed supervised hours from other states. Supervisors from previous states can also fill out Montana’s evaluation form.
The Board of Behavioral Health runs random compliance audits of supervision records each year. Keeping accurate, complete documentation during your supervised practice period will help ensure your success in getting licensed.
Social Work Salaries in Montana
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for May 2023, here’s an overview of social work salaries in Montana:
| Type | Amount Employed | Mean Annual Wage |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers: | 1,090 | $49,330
|
| Healthcare Social Workers | 650 | $59,210 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 570 | $45,270 |
| Social Workers, All Other | 450 | $52,330 |
Additional insights:
- Employment Concentration: Montana has a higher concentration of social workers compared to the national average. For example, the location quotient for Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers is 1.51, indicating 51% higher concentration than the national average.
- Regional Variations: Salaries can vary within different regions of Montana. For instance, in the East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area:
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers earn a mean annual wage of $50,890
- Healthcare Social Workers earn a mean annual wage of $58,010
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers earn a mean annual wage of $46,190
- Comparison to National Averages: While specific national averages aren’t provided in the Montana data, we can see that social work salaries in Montana are generally competitive. For instance, the national mean annual wage for Social Workers, All Other category is $68,800, compared to Montana’s $52,330.
- Employment Opportunities: The data shows that Child, Family, and School Social Workers have the highest employment numbers in Montana, followed by Healthcare Social Workers.
- Salary Range: Taking the “Social Workers, All Other” category as an example, the salary range can be quite wide. Nationally, the 10th percentile annual wage is $39,580, while the 90th percentile reaches $104,580.
It’s important to note that these figures represent state-wide averages and can vary based on factors such as experience, specific employer, and location within Montana. Additionally, the cost of living in Montana should be considered when evaluating these salaries.
Social Work Scholarships in Montana
Scholarships provide crucial financial support to help you complete your social work education in Montana. The University of Montana’s social work department offers several exclusive scholarships for its students.
The Bonnie and Phil Hamilton MSW Scholarship gives around $4,000 each year. Native American students who plan to work on reservations after graduating get priority for this scholarship. The Srock Family MSW Scholarship provides $1,600 yearly to students who need financial help while raising their families.
Students focused on child welfare can get substantial support through the Montana Child Welfare Training Partnership. Full-time MSW students receive $15,000 per academic year. Current employees at Child and Family Services Division can get $30,000 over two years while pursuing their MSW.
Here are some external scholarship options:
- The Bertha Morton Fellowship: $2,000 to $3,000 yearly awards
- Montana Gerontology Society: $1,000 for students pursuing aging-related careers
- Davis Memorial Foundation: Grants up to $5,000 for bachelor’s and graduate studies
- Trinity Scholars Program: $10,000 plus professional coaching support
Montana Community Foundation gives out more than $1 million in scholarships each year. Students typically receive between $500 and $5,000, and some scholarships can be renewed for multiple years. The application period starts January 1st annually.
The Scholarship for Disadvantaged Students helps many MSW students, with half the recipients getting $1,000 to $3,000. Students must complete their FAFSA through the University’s Financial Aid Office to be eligible.
LGBTQ+ students can apply for specialized awards like the All My Relations Scholarship and the Bill Bendiner and Doug Morgenson Scholarship. These scholarships support students who want careers in human services and social justice work.
The Sydney Davidson Maxwell Scholarship gives about $1,600 yearly. Students can apply during fall semester for spring awards. Graduate programs send application announcements directly to their students.
Social Work Organizations in Montana
Professional organizations are vital to advancing social work practice in Montana. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Montana Chapter is the state’s biggest and most prominent membership organization for social workers.
NASW Montana helps define best social work practices, protects the profession, and pushes forward public policies that meet human needs. The chapter runs conferences on many topics throughout the year. These conferences give practicing social workers their needed continuing education credits.
The chapter works with Wyoming to run virtual conferences that help social workers tackle challenges in rural and frontier areas. Expert instructors like Andrew Laue, LCSW, lead these events and cover supervision models along with legal and ethical issues.
Montana has several other professional organizations that support social workers besides NASW:
- Montana Association of Community Disability Services (MACDS)
- Unifies disability service providers
- Shapes future disability services
- Keeps members updated on key issues
- UM BSW Club
- Links undergraduate students with experienced professionals
- Plans visits to facilities like Warm Springs State Hospital
- Helps with resume writing and BSW applications
Social workers take part in community-based organizations that champion human rights, peace, and social justice. These groups include:
- Montana People’s Action
- Indian People’s Action
- Working for Equality and Economic Liberation
- Jeannette Rankin Peace Center
- Montana Human Rights Network
- Montana Food Bank Network
NASW Montana stands out as the only organization that exclusively serves social workers and counselors in the state. These organizations strengthen Montana’s social work community through professional development events, advocacy work, and networking opportunities.
The chapter stays active through several channels:
- Professional development programs
- Advocacy campaigns
- Regular events
- Donation opportunities
These organizations work together to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities through dedicated advocacy and support.
Start Your Social Work Career in Montana Today
A social work career in Montana gives you excellent chances to grow professionally and make a real difference in communities. You can advance from entry-level roles to advanced clinical practice through the state’s three-tier licensing system, based on your goals and experience.
Montana’s qualified social workers are in high demand across healthcare, mental health, schools, and family services, which points to stable career prospects. The current Legacy Clause is a chance for experienced practitioners to speed up their licensure process until December 2024.
Becoming a licensed social worker takes dedication – you’ll need to complete accredited education programs and achieve supervised practice hours. Professional organizations, scholarships, and mentorship networks provide substantial support. These resources will guide you forward and help you build valuable connections within Montana’s social work community.
Social work success comes from adapting to community needs and learning constantly. You can build a fulfilling career and create lasting positive change in Montana’s communities by getting proper education, gaining supervised experience, and staying active in professional organizations.