Become a Social Worker in Rhode Island
Table of Contents
- Rhode Island Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
- Rhode Island Licensed Master Social Worker (LCSW)
- Rhode Island Social Work Salary
- Rhode Island Social Work Scholarships
Disclaimer: Due to the rapidly changing nature of social work regulations, for the most up-to-date information on becoming a social worker in Rhode Island, contact the Rhode Island Social Work Licensing Board.
Rhode Island law recognizes two classes of social workers: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The requirements are as follows:
Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
- Join the #16 ranked Howard University School of Social Work1
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
- Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
- Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
- Three certificates: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice or Practice with Groups and Families.
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Three academic departments: Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth – and Families; and Social Change and Innovation
- Features field education in or near students’ own communities.
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
- Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
- Specialize in clinical practice or community practice
- CWRU’s Mandel School is a top-10 ranked graduate school of social work (2019).1
- Three paths of study are available to prepare social work leaders to work in clinical or community practice.
Rhode Island LICSW (Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker)
Rhode Island Education Requirement: A doctorate in clinical social work from a duly accredited college or university or a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited school
Rhode Island Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Clinical Level Examination
Field Requirement: 3,000 hours of supervised experience over two to six years; 1,500 hours must be spent providing clinical social work services directly to clients
Fee: $70 application fee, $260 ASWB examination fee
Additional Information: A statement documenting the required hours of post-master’s supervision under an LICSW is required; two professional references required
Endorsement: Available upon board approval
License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 30 contact hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of cross-cultural practice and the alleviation of poverty and 3 hours in ethics, and payment of a $100 renewal fee.
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Rhode Island LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker)
Rhode Island Education Requirement: A doctorate in clinical social work from a duly accredited college or university or a master’s degree in social work from a CSWE accredited school
Rhode Island Exam: Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Master’s Level Examination
Field Requirement: None
Fee: $70 application fee, $230 ASWB examination fee
Additional Information: Two professional references required
Endorsement: Available upon board approval
License Renewal: Renewal is required every two years. Requirements for renewal are the successful completion of 30 contact hours of continuing education, including 3 hours of cross-cultural practice and the alleviation of poverty and 3 hours in ethics, and payment of a $100 renewal fee.
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In order to become a licensed social work practitioner in Rhode Island, you will need to complete prerequisite coursework, examination requirements, and, in some cases, supervised work requirements. Also, certain levels of social work in Rhode Island can only be reached after completing an on-campus or master in social work online program. We are committed to keeping updated information on Rhode Island social work licensure policies available to you.
Disclaimer: There may be additional methods of certification that have not been covered here. Please contact your state social work licensing department for more information. Last updated 09/06/2018.
Rhode Island Social Work Salary
| Rhode Island Social Work Career | Average Social Work Salary |
|---|---|
| Child, Family and School Social Workers | $61,530 |
| Healthcare Social Workers | 52,090 |
| Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers | 47,780 |
| All Other Social Workers | $75,710 |
| Salary Increase from BSW to MSW | +$9,000 |
Disclaimer: Social Worker Salary information is taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Information about social worker salaries in Rhode Island is subject to change. Please confirm salary information with your state before applying for licensure or renewal. Last updated: 8/22/2018.
Rhode Island Social Work Scholarships
For social work financial aid options, check out our social work scholarships page.
Sponsored Online Social Work Programs
- Join the #16 ranked Howard University School of Social Work1
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Research-driven faculty dedicated to making an impact on social problems
- Prepares you to apply social work skills across practice settings
- Four areas of focus: Individuals and Families, Organizations and Community, Evaluation, and Policy Practice and Advocacy
- Three certificates: Trauma Practice, Mental Health Practice or Practice with Groups and Families.
- Four program tracks: Advanced Standing, Accelerated, Full Time and Extended
- Three academic departments: Adult Mental Health and Wellness; Children, Youth – and Families; and Social Change and Innovation
- Features field education in or near students’ own communities.
- Traditional and Advanced Standing tracks
- Concentrate your degree in integrated practice or clinical practice
- Ethically integrates faith and social work practice
- Specialize in clinical practice or community practice
- CWRU’s Mandel School is a top-10 ranked graduate school of social work (2019).1
- Three paths of study are available to prepare social work leaders to work in clinical or community practice.
Licensure information including requirements, renewals, and fees were retrieved as of August 2018. Information may have changed since, check with the state’s board of licensing for more information.