How to Become a Social Worker in New Hampshire
From the quickly growing city of Concord to the Atlantic coastline and White Mountains, New Hampshire has a lot in store for its residents. The state has several health systems, public school systems and private schools with a need for social workers. There has been steady job growth in this industry in recent years.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimated that social workers in New Hampshire had a mean wage of at least $93,910, making the state one of the higher-paying locations for this profession. The total state average for all social workers, regardless how of whether they work in mental health and substance abuse treatment, healthcare, school or child and family settings, is 8% higher than the national average. Becoming a social worker in this state offers many opportunities for advancement and allows for you to take new positions as needed.
Our career guide on how to become a social worker in New Hampshire discusses the educational requirements, the licensing process, social work organizations to join in New Hampshire and more. You are on your way to a career making a difference in others’ lives when you become a New Hampshire social worker. Having a thorough understanding of the steps will make the process go smoother and avoid delay-causing mistakes.
Information below was retrieved July 2024 and is only intended to be a high-level overview. Requirements are subject to change, and you should always check the state licensing board for complete, updated information.
Typical Steps to Become a Social Worker in New Hampshire
Do you want to know how to become a social worker in New Hampshire? You will need a combination of education, field experience, references, background check and licensure to become a social worker. For more on how to become a social worker in New Hampshire, follow these steps from the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.
1. Earn a Social Work Degree with CSWE Accreditation
You will need to complete a Master of Social Work (MSW) program with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation to become a New Hampshire social worker. You are also welcome to pursue a MSW degree from an accredited program in another state, with many schools offering online options convenient for New Hampshire-based students.
The state issues licensing as a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW).
New Hampshire licensing allows social workers to work as clinical social workers, school social workers, social workers, and social work associates. Social workers with a current license are free to work for local governments, organizations, and companies.
2. Complete Your Required Fieldwork
Recipients of MSW degrees have required fieldwork that provides an essential background in the work required. You will need a minimum of 3,000 supervised field hours and 100 hours of individualized supervision over two years for licensing eligibility. This experience must be summarized in your application. You will also need to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) clinical exam, which gives you additional proof of your knowledge.
3. Complete a Background Check
You must complete a background check before you can receive your license. This process also includes fingerprinting and ensures greater safety for the populations that you will work with.
4.
Receive Your License
Once you’ve completed your educational and fieldwork requirements, you may work as a licensed social worker in New Hampshire.
Social Work Degree Programs in New Hampshire
In New Hampshire, social work degree programs have Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation. This organization accredits social work programs across the United States, ensuring that prospective social workers have the best training. The following are three fully accredited social work programs:
Plymouth State University – Baccalaureate
University of New Hampshire – Baccalaureate
University of New Hampshire – Master’s
To obtain licensure in New Hampshire, you must receive a master’s in social work (MSW) on-campus or online. You may pursue your studies on-campus or online, on a part or full-time basis. Some social workers opt to take their experience further by pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degree, which may lead to higher pay or opportunities to teach Social Work students.
BSW Programs in New Hampshire
Name of University: Plymouth State University
Location: Plymouth, NH
Structure: On-campus, full-time or part time, 4 years
Name of University: University of New Hampshire
Location: Durham, NH
Structure: On-campus, full-time, part-time, 4 years
Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in New Hampshire
Master of Social Work (MSW} programs provide the required education needed for all social workers. These programs are also fully accredited.
Name of University: University of New Hampshire
Location: Durham, NH
Structure: On-campus, online, full-time, part-time, 2+ years
Online MSW Programs in New Hampshire
Online MSW programs in New Hampshire offer greater flexibility, such as different concentrations and full or part-time enrollment. These programs make it easier to balance your work and personal life while studying.
Name of University: University of New Hampshire
Location: Durham, NH
Length of Program: 2.5 years
The New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice issues social work licenses in New Hampshire.
The Board issues one kind of license for social workers.
Type: Licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW)
Description: Licensed to work in child, family, school, medical and mental health or substance abuse treatment settings. These positions may be in the public or private sector.
To become a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW), the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice requires:
- Completion of an approved Master of Social Work degree program with Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation.
- Completion of 3,000 hours of fieldwork, along with 100 hours of individually-supervised work.
- Three letters of reference, with one from a direct supervisor. The remaining letters should all come from people familiar with your academic or professional background.
- Passing score on the Master’s Social Work Licensing Examination from the Association of Social Work Boards, which provides extra verification of your knowledge.
- Application to the board, which results in licensure as long as you have submitted the necessary documents.
Social Work Licenses in New Hampshire
Licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW) in New Hampshire
Education: Master or Doctor of Social Work Degree
Fees: $313 application fee, $25 candidate agreement review, $298 renewal fee if active,
$163 renewal fee if inactive
Exams: ASWB clinical exam
Field Requirements: Two years of supervised clinical experience, 3,000 clinical experience hours, 100 hours of individual supervision
Renewal: Required every two years, with 40 hours of continuing education that includes six hours in ethics
Social Work Salaries in New Hampshire
| Career | Number in This State | Average Salary |
| Child, Family and School Social Workers | 880 | $60,810 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 590 | $74,750 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 430 | $72, 340 |
| Social Workers, all other | 80 | $93,910 |
| Social Work Teachers | 60 | $107,590 |
New Hampshire Social Work Scholarships
Scholarships available statewide and nationally for social workers in New Hampshire include:
UNH Dr. L. Rene Bergeron Scholarship Fund A needs and/or merit-based scholarship for undergraduate and graduate
Social Work students. Applicants with a demonstrated interest in working with older populations will be given preference. Recipients must be a junior or senior in their undergraduate program or an MSW graduate student with a demonstrated financial need.
UNH Robert Jolley Scholarship Fund A needs-based scholarship for Social Work majors. Juniors, seniors and graduate students with a demonstrated interest in international social work aspects.
Social Work Organizations in New Hampshire
Social work organizations in New Hampshire provide local and state support for social workers. Members of these groups have access to helpful networking opportunities. Organizations include:
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) New Hampshire Chapter
NASW’s New Hampshire chapter provides support for local social workers.
FAQs
Does New Hampshire have social work reciprocity?
No, according to the New Hampshire Board of Mental Health Practice, New Hampshire has no reciprocity with other states. A social worker with a license in another state must go through the licensing process as a new applicant.
What is the best way to look up my social work license in New Hampshire?
The best way to look up your New Hampshire social work license is to use the New Hampshire Online Licensing site. You will need to input your full name and license number.