How to Become a Social Worker in Austin, Texas
- 1). Enroll in a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and earn a bachelor's in social work degree, or BSW. The CSWE, a national non-profit association of professional and educational institutions and social agencies responsible for the approval of social work degree programs offered at colleges, lists 470 accredited bachelor's degree in social work programs across the United States. For college acceptance, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with college placement test results. For acceptance into a social work collegiate program, schools such as the University of Texas at Austin have students complete prerequisite coursework in introductory studies as "pre-social work majors." The social work program at Saint Edward's University in Austin requires social work candidates to take an Intro to Social Course as a prerequisite to program admission in their sophomore year of collegiate study. Individuals returning to college from the work force may be exempt from some requirements for acceptance into a BSW program and should consult the department or school of social work within the desired college for additional information.
- 2). Take the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners Jurisprudence Exam. One of the requirements for licensure is the completion of the Jurisprudence Exam. Though formally called an exam by the Board, this test includes provided learning material the test-taker can use to answer questions that affirm his or her knowledge of thr rules and codes associated with social work practice. The "test" is a requirement for licensing and can be taken online through a Department of State Health Services (DSHS) test website. (See Resources) The exam has no time limit and candidates cannot fail this exam under a "no-fail" policy enforced by the Board.
- 3). Register for the Licensing exam through the Association of Social Work Boards. First, visit the DSHS website and complete the application for initial licensing online. (See References). You will need to provide a social security number, school information verifying your completion of a BSW program, and a valid, state-issued, driver's license or identification card. (See Resources) After you receive your confirmation letter and licensing materials from the DSHS, register with the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) to take the licensing examination for the State of Texas. Register by contacting the ASWB candidate registration center at its toll-free phone number: 1-888-5SW-EXAM.
- 4). Take the ASWB licensing exam. After registration, you will recieve an authorization letter from the ASWB indicating your approval to test, the location of the nearest testing site to you, and a list of materials you should bring with you to the site. Pass the licensing exam and your test scores will be sent to the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners for processing of your state issued license. It may take up to six weeks for you to receive your license from the Board after the exam results have been posted.
- 5). Seek employment as a social worker. To pursue job opportunities, first consult your academic institution's career placement center for job opportunities. If you completed a program at the University of Austin or Saint Edward's University, you will have access to Austin based organizations that post job openings at local colleges and universities. Update your resume with your new credentials and keep your information on file with your placement center. Visit the City of Austin municipal website to find social worker job listings through such city agencies as the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department. You akso can find social worker job openings in classified ads posted in such local or regional publications as the Austin American Statesman newspaper. (See Resources)
Source...