How to Become a Social Worker in South Dakota
South Dakota, renowned for its iconic Mount Rushmore and expansive prairies, offers a unique landscape for aspiring social workers. The state’s commitment to community well-being is reflected in its support for social work professionals. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023, the employment and mean annual wages for various social work categories in South Dakota are as follows:
| Occupation | Employment | Mean Annual Wage |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 1,780 | $49,970 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 660 | $51,630 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 240 | $46,130 |
| Social Workers, All Other | 140 | $80,980 |
| Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary | Data not available | Data not available |
Note: Specific data for Social Work Teachers in South Dakota is not provided by the BLS.
Typical Steps to Become a Social Worker in South Dakota
Embarking on a career in social work in South Dakota involves several key steps:
1. Earn a Degree
Associate’s Degree: An associate’s degree in a human services-related field is the minimum requirement for the Social Work Associate (SWA) license.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): A BSW from a program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) qualifies individuals for entry-level positions and licensure as a Certified Social Worker (CSW).
Master of Social Work (MSW): An MSW is essential for advanced practice roles and is required for licensure as a Certified Social Worker in Private or Independent Practice (CSW-PIP).
2. Complete Field Hours
While specific field hour requirements may vary by educational program, practical experience is integral to social work education. For instance, an MSW program typically includes supervised internships or practicums.
3. Obtain Licensure
South Dakota offers several levels of social work licensure:
Social Work Associate (SWA): Requires an associate’s degree in a human services field or a bachelor’s degree in a non-social work field.
Certified Social Worker (CSW): Requires a BSW from a CSWE-accredited program.
Certified Social Worker in Private or Independent Practice (CSW-PIP): Requires an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program and additional supervised experience.
Each licensure level requires passing the relevant examination prepared by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB).
Social Work Degree Programs in South Dakota
South Dakota offers accredited social work programs to cater to various educational needs. According to the CSWE directory, the state has the following accredited programs:
BSW Programs in South Dakota
- University of South Dakota
- Location: Vermillion, SD
- Structure: On-campus, typically completed in four years
MSW Programs in South Dakota
- University of South Dakota
- Location: Vermillion, SD
- Structure: On-campus, with program length varying based on full-time or part-time enrollment
Online MSW Programs in South Dakota
Currently, there are no CSWE-accredited online MSW programs based in South Dakota. However, residents may consider accredited online programs offered by universities in other states.
Types of Social Workers in South Dakota
Social workers in South Dakota can pursue various specializations, including:
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers: Focus on improving the social and psychological functioning of children and their families.
- Healthcare Social Workers: Assist patients in understanding and coping with diagnoses, and provide information on resources and support systems.
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers: Provide treatment and support to individuals with mental illnesses or substance abuse problems.
Social Work Licenses in South Dakota
The South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners offers the following licenses:
- Social Work Associate (SWA)
- Education: Associate’s degree in a human services field or a bachelor’s degree in a non-social work field.
- Examination: Pass the ASWB Associate’s Level Exam.
- Fees: Application fee as determined by the Board.
- Certified Social Worker (CSW)
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Examination: Pass the ASWB Bachelor’s Level Exam.
- Fees: Application fee as determined by the Board.
- Certified Social Worker in Private or Independent Practice (CSW-PIP)
- Education: Master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program.
- Experience: Two years (3,000 hours) of post-master’s supervised experience.
- Examination: Pass the ASWB Clinical Level Exam.
- Fees: Application fee as determined by the Board.
For detailed and up-to-date information on licensure requirements, refer to the South Dakota Department of Social Services.
South Dakota, renowned for its iconic Mount Rushmore and expansive plains, offers a dynamic landscape for social workers committed to making a difference in diverse communities. The state’s dedication to social welfare is evident in the employment opportunities and compensation available to professionals in this field.
Social Work Salaries in South Dakota
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of May 2023, the employment and mean annual wages for various social work categories in South Dakota are as follows:
| Occupation | Employment | Mean Annual Wage |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 1,720 | $40,660 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | Data not available | Data not available |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | Data not available | Data not available |
| Social Workers, All Other | Data not available | Data not available |
| Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary | 90 | $67,100 |
Note: Specific data for Healthcare Social Workers, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers, and Social Workers, All Other in South Dakota is not provided by the BLS.
These figures provide insight into the earning potential for social workers across different specializations within the state.
Social Work Scholarships in South Dakota
Several institutions and organizations in South Dakota offer scholarships to support students pursuing degrees in social work:
NASW South Dakota Chapter Student Scholarships
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) South Dakota Chapter invites social work students to apply for scholarships awarded annually at their conference. Both Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students are eligible.
University of South Dakota Social Work Scholarships
The University of South Dakota’s Social Work Department offers various scholarships, including the Elizabeth King Booth Scholarship and the Faithe Family Scholarship for
South Dakota Freedom Scholarship
This need-based scholarship aims to help students complete their degrees and retain skilled workers in the state. It’s South Dakota’s largest financial need-based scholarship, available to students committed to working in South Dakota post-graduation.
Social Work Organizations in South Dakota
Engaging with professional organizations can enhance a social worker’s career through networking, professional development, and advocacy opportunities. In South Dakota, notable organizations include:
National Association of Social Workers South Dakota Chapter (NASW-SD)
NASW-SD is dedicated to promoting the quality and effectiveness of social work practice in South Dakota. They offer resources, continuing education, and advocacy for social workers across the state.
South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS)
The DSS provides a range of services aimed at improving the quality of life for South Dakotans, including child protection, economic assistance, and medical services. They also offer financial aid resources for students pursuing social work degrees.
FAQs
Does South Dakota have social work reciprocity?
South Dakota offers licensure by endorsement for social workers licensed in other states, provided they meet specific criteria set by the South Dakota Board of Social Work Examiners. Applicants must submit proof of their current license, verification of exam scores, and meet educational and experience requirements. Detailed information can be found on the South Dakota Department of Social Services website.
What is the best way to look up my social work license in South Dakota?
To verify a social work license in South Dakota, you can use the License Verification tool available on the South Dakota Department of Social Services website. This tool allows you to search by name or license number to confirm the status of a license.
In conclusion, South Dakota presents a supportive environment for social workers, with competitive salaries, educational support through scholarships, and active professional organizations. These resources collectively contribute to the advancement and recognition of the social work profession within the state.
Getting Started
Pursuing a career in social work in South Dakota requires a combination of accredited education, practical experience, and successful licensure. The state’s structured pathways ensure that social workers are well-prepared to serve diverse communities effectively.