How to Become a Social Worker in Oregon

Tourists and residents find Oregon an interesting state not just for its numerous outdoor recreational opportunities but also for the many job opportunities it has to offer. A perfect example is social work. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Oregon is the second-highest paying state for healthcare social workers as of May 2022, with an average annual wage of $77,150.

All other social workers in the state earned an average of $59,600. Interested in learning how to become a social worker in Oregon? This article will provide you with everything you need to know, including educational requirements, wage information, licensure information, and what this entails. Once you’ve checked out the steps toward becoming a social worker, you’ll be ready to join this rewarding career.

Typical Steps to Become a Social Worker in Oregon

The steps to become a social worker in Oregon are like those of other states. Follow the guidelines below on your way to becoming a social worker.

1. Submit an application

Anyone interested in becoming licensed as a clinical social worker must complete a supervised clinical experience (more info below). Prior to the clinical experience, the individual must register as a Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA), submit an application to the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers, and inform the Board of who will be supervising you with the clinical experience. Submitting the application as soon as possible is important because you can’t begin the clinical until the application has been approved.

2. Earn a bachelor’s degree

Becoming a social worker requires at least a bachelor’s degree in social work. While certain types of social work require a master’s degree, other types require only an undergraduate degree. The four-year undergraduate degree is typically sufficient for entry-level non-clinical social workers.

3. Earn a master’s degree

Aspiring clinical social workers must have a master’s degree in social work. Students in the graduate program can choose an area of specialty. The Master of Social Work program generally takes about two to three years beyond the bachelor’s degree. Whether you choose a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree in social work, it’s important that you choose a program that’s accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

4. Complete required fieldwork

In addition to earning a degree, social work students in Oregon must also complete field work, particularly if they want to become fully licensed as a clinical social worker. To become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), you must complete 3500 hours of supervised clinical social work. The hours must be completed within a five-year period but cannot be completed in less than two.

Of the 3,500 hours, at least 2,000 must be from your direct contact with patients. Additionally, at least 100 hours of supervised experience must take place with a social worker who has been licensed for at least two years. The LCSW must also have completed continuing education in supervision.

It’s important to remember that the required hours cannot be started until the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers has approved the student’s application.

5. Obtain licensure

Before the candidate can become licensed, the candidate must take and pass a clinical examination through the Association of Social Work Boards. The social work exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions.

Once the board notifies you that you’ve passed the exam, you must fill out a licensing application and send it to the Board along with the required fee. The license must be renewed every year, which can be accomplished by completing the required hours of continuing education. This will be from 20 to 40 hours depending on the type of social worker.

Social Work Degree Programs in Oregon

For individuals interested in becoming a social worker or a clinical social worker, there are more than a couple of options for colleges and universities. Some are on-campus programs, and some are online programs. There are currently 5 Oregon universities offering CSWE-accredited social work programs.

• George Fox University
• Pacific University
• Portland State University
• University of Portland
• Warner Pacific University
• Oregon State University

BSW Programs in Oregon

• George Fox University – GFU is a Christian university in St. Newburg, Oregon, GFU offers a full-time on-campus Bachelor of Social Work program that can be completed in 4 years.
• Pacific University – Located in Forest Grove, Pacific University offers a full-time on-campus Bachelor of Social Work program that can be completed in 4 years.
• Portland State University – Situated in Portland, Oregon, Portland State University offers a full-time on-campus Bachelor of Social Work program that takes 4 years to complete.
• University of Portland – Located in Portland, this university offers a full-time on-campus Bachelor of Social Work program that can be completed in 4 years.
• Warner Pacific University – Situated in Portland, Oregon, WPU offers a full-time in-person Bachelor of Social Work program that can be completed in 4 years. WPU also offers a dual degree program where students can earn both a social work degree and a bachelor’s in criminal justice.

Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs in Oregon

• George Fox University – GFU offers an on-campus Master of Social Work program that can be completed in 2 years. Students with advanced standing can complete it in 8 months.
• Pacific University – PU offers an on-campus Master of Social Work program that can be completed in 2 years.
• Portland State University – PSU offers an in-person Master of Social Work program that students can finish in 2 years.

Online MSW Programs in Oregon

As appealing as it may be to attend college, some people just can’t fit it into their schedules. These individuals have the option to earn their degrees online. There is one college in Oregon that offers online degree programs for aspiring social workers.

• Portland State University – PSU offers an online master’s degree in social work. This program, which can be completed in 2 to 4 years, prepares students for licensure.

What types of Social Workers and Social Worker Licenses are in Oregon?

Despite many people thinking all social workers are the same, there are actually a few different licensed social workers in Oregon. They each offer something a little different and each has different requirements for licensure. The one thing they all have in common is that passing an examination through the Association of Social Work Boards is a requirement.

Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW)

• RBSWs can pursue social work jobs where they perform general basic duties.
• RBSWs must have a Bachelor of Social Work degree and must pass the bachelor’s ASWB examination. There are no field requirements.

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)

• LMSWs can work in specialized areas of social work.
• LMSWs must have a Master of Social Work or may have a Doctor of Social Work. There are no field requirements, but the individual must pass the Master’s LMSW examination.

Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA)

• CSWAs are typically working toward becoming Licensed Clinical Social Workers.
• CSWAs must have a Master of Social Work and must meet the board’s requirements of 3,500 hours of clinical social work experience, 2,000 of which must include contact with clients.
• They must also have 100 hours of supervised work with 50 of those hours in individual supervision. They must also pass the clinical CSWA examination.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)

• LCSWs are social workers with advanced skills and specialized clinical knowledge that allows them to work as licensed social workers in a clinical setting.
• LCSWs must have a Master of Social Work or a Doctor of Social Work and must meet the board’s requirements of 3,500 hours of clinical social work experience, 2,000 of which must include contact with clients.
• They must also have 100 hours of supervised work with 50 of those hours in individual supervision. They must also pass the clinical LCSW examination and pay the application and licensure fees.

Social Work Scholarships in Oregon

Students pursuing a career in social work may find help through a scholarship. Two examples of some scholarships worth checking into include:

R.W. and Bernice Ingalls Stanton Scholarship – This scholarship pays 12 students up to $6,550. It’s for students living in Oregon, attending the University of Oregon, and in financial need.

Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation – This scholarship pays up to $30,000 for junior and senior students intending to attend graduate school. This scholarship is aimed at students who want to work in educational institutes, government agencies, and in public service.

Career, Employment, and Annual Salary

Below you will find the various types of social workers in Oregon, the number employed in Oregon, their potential job growth between 2021 and 2022, and their average annual wage as of a May 2022 report by the bureau.

Types of Social Worker Jobs in Oregon

As indicated above, there are several types of social workers in Oregon. While these types can offer steady employment growth, there are other types of social worker jobs in Oregon.

• Case Manager
• Care Manager
• Program Manager
• Community Manager
• Mobile Integrated Health Paramedic
• Medical Social Worker in the Emergency Department

Social Work Organizations in Oregon

Oregon School Social Work Association – Established in 2011, The OSSWA is an organization that helps school social workers connect, network, and support each other. They offer conferences and workshops and provide a place for school social workers to meet regularly.

National Association of Social Workers – Oregon Chapter –The NASW is not only the world’s largest but also the most recognized association for social workers. Its mission is to develop, protect, and promote social workers and the social work practice.

FAQs

Q: Does Oregon have social work reciprocity?

A: Oregon does not have any reciprocity agreements with other states. Licensed social workers from other states must submit an application with the board.

Q: What is the best way to look up my social work license in Oregon?

A: You can look up any social work license in Oregon on the Oregon Licensing Board of Social Works