Become a Social Worker in West Virginia

Social workers play a vital role in supporting individuals, families, and communities by addressing mental health, social, and behavioral challenges. Clinical social workers are licensed professionals trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent various mental health issues.

West Virginia, known for its Appalachian heritage and close-knit communities, is home to thousands of social workers dedicated to serving rural and urban populations alike. The average annual wage for social workers in the state is $53,290, though salaries vary depending on specialization and experience. This guide outlines the steps to becoming a licensed social worker in West Virginia.

Typical Steps to Become a Social Worker in West Virginia

Earn a Social Work Degree with CSWE Accreditation

To pursue a career as a licensed social worker in West Virginia, you must first complete a degree program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). The minimum requirement is a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) to qualify for entry-level roles, but a Master of Social Work (MSW) is needed for advanced clinical licensure.

Why CWSE?

CSWE (Council on Social Work Education) accreditation is crucial for social work programs because it ensures that the curriculum meets nationally recognized standards of academic and professional excellence. Attending a CSWE-accredited program is often a requirement for state licensure and provides graduates with the necessary foundation to succeed in various social work careers. Accredited programs include coursework and field experience that prepare students for real-world social work challenges. Learn more about CSWE accreditation and find accredited programs on their official website.

Meet the Experience Requirement and Pass Licensing Exams

West Virginia offers several levels of social work licensure, each with its own requirements:

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
• Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)

To become an LICSW, you must complete an MSW program, gain at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience over two years, and pass the relevant exam.

Apply for Licensure

Once you meet the educational and experience requirements, you can apply for licensure through the West Virginia Board of Social Work. Application steps include submitting transcripts, documenting supervised experience, and passing the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam.

Social Work Degree Programs in West Virginia

West Virginia offers several accredited BSW and MSW programs to help aspiring social workers meet state licensing requirements. These programs emphasize hands-on experience and community-based learning.

BSW Programs in West Virginia

• West Virginia University: Offers a strong foundation in social work principles with a focus on rural community practice and fieldwork opportunities in underserved areas.
• Marshall University: Provides specialized coursework in child welfare, mental health, and addiction treatment, alongside extensive internship placements.
• Concord University: Known for its small class sizes and a curriculum that integrates social justice and advocacy training.

MSW Programs in West Virginia

• West Virginia University: Features an advanced generalist curriculum with specializations in mental health, substance abuse, and rural social work.
• Marshall University: Offers both traditional and advanced standing MSW tracks with flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Field Experience & Internships in West Virginia

Social work students in West Virginia must complete field internships to gain hands-on experience. Internships typically take place in:

• Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities: Assisting patients with discharge planning, chronic disease management, and mental health support.
• Schools: Providing counseling and connecting families to community resources.
• Government Agencies: Working in child welfare, housing assistance, or social services.
• Nonprofit Organizations: Supporting advocacy, case management, and community outreach.

Types of Social Workers in West Virginia

West Virginia recognizes several social work titles, each corresponding to a specific license. These roles vary in terms of educational requirements, responsibilities, and work settings:

• Licensed Social Worker (LSW): Requires a BSW and passing the ASWB Bachelor’s Exam. LSWs often work in case management, child and family services, or community outreach.
• Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW): Requires an MSW and passing the ASWB Master’s Exam. LGSWs may work in policy development, program supervision, or mental health support roles.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW): Requires an MSW, supervised clinical experience, and passing the ASWB Clinical Exam. LCSWs provide therapy and counseling in various settings.
• Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW): An advanced license allowing professionals to practice independently and provide clinical supervision.

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain licensure, social workers in West Virginia must complete continuing education:

• LSW & LGSW: 40 hours of continuing education every two years.
• LCSW & LICSW: 50 hours of continuing education every two years, with specific ethics and clinical requirements.

Job Outlook & Demand for Social Workers in West Virginia

West Virginia has a strong demand for social workers, especially in rural and medically underserved areas. The state has significant needs in the following areas:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services: Due to the opioid crisis, demand for addiction counselors and mental health social workers is high.
• Healthcare Social Work: As West Virginia has an aging population, the need for geriatric and hospice social workers is increasing.
• Child Welfare and Family Services: Social workers are needed to support children and families in the foster care and child protective services system.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), social work employment in the U.S. is projected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031, with similar trends in West Virginia.

Alternative Careers with a Social Work Degree

Graduates with a social work degree can pursue careers outside of traditional social work roles, including:

• Nonprofit Leadership: Managing community programs, grant writing, and policy advocacy.
• Human Resources: Utilizing social work skills in employee assistance programs and workplace conflict resolution.
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Working in companies that focus on community engagement and social impact initiatives.

Social Work Salaries in West Virginia

The following table outlines average salaries for different types of social workers in West Virginia, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Social Work Scholarships in West Virginia

• Health Sciences Service Program: Provides loan repayment assistance for social workers in rural areas.
• West Virginia Higher Education Grant: Financial aid for undergraduate students in social work.
• Private Scholarships: Offered through universities like West Virginia University.

Social Work Organizations in West Virginia

• National Association of Social Workers – West Virginia Chapter (NASW-WV)
• West Virginia Behavioral Healthcare Providers Association

Sources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
• West Virginia Board of Social Work
• Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)