How to Become a Social Worker in Nebraska

Nebraska Social Work Licensing Requirements

Social Workers provide an important service that focuses on aiding and advancing the social, economic, mental and emotional health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. They can be found at all levels of society fighting for social and economic justice and providing important psychosocial services.

In Nebraska the state board offers four levels of certification and licensure:

• Certified Social Worker (CSW)
• Certified Master Social Worker (CMSW)
• Licensed Mental Health Professional (LMHP)
• Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP)

Learn more about social work degrees in Nebraska

CSW Requirements in Nebraska

Clinical Social Workers in Nebraska perform social services at the bachelor's level.

Education Requirements: Bachelorís degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution.

Work Requirements: Employment as a professional social worker.

Exam Requirements: No exam requirements at this stage.

Application Package: Submit an application package to the board which includes:

• Academic transcripts
• Completed application
• Documentation of legal status
• Criminal background check results

CMSW Requirements in Nebraska

This is the basic masterís level certification in Nebraska. It allows providing of clinical and administrative services under supervision. CSWs who are seeking a CMSW can obtain status as a provisionally certified master social worker (PCMSW) by applying to the state board.

Education Requirements: Master ís degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited institution.

Work Requirements: The candidate must obtain 3,000 hours of social work experience under the guidance of a certified or licensed supervisor at the CMSW or higher level. This experience is over a period of at least two years. Board approval of supervision is required.

Exam Requirements: Completion of the national advanced generalist or clinical level exam offered by the ASWB.

Application Package: Submit an application package that includes:

• Academic transcripts
• Completed application
• Documentation of legal status
• Criminal background check results
• Documentation of supervision duties and hours
• Completed exam results

LMHP Requirements in Nebraska

Licensed Mental Health Professionals can perform duties as practicing mental health professionals, and can treat and diagnose mental health issues provided they have the consultation and supervision of a higher-level mental health professional.

Prior Licensure: LMHPs must previously hold a CMSW license and apply to the board for Provisionally Licensed Mental Health Practitioner (PLMHP) status.

Work Requirements: Half of the 3,000 hours of post-masterís supervision must be spent at a mental health facility in direct client contact.

Exam Requirements: No additional exam requirements are required at this level, though the professional must choose the clinical level exam from the ASWB.

Application Package: The application package for this exam has the same requirements as for the LMHP, but includes verification of hours spent in direct client contact by the social work supervisor.

LIMHP Requirements in Nebraska

LIMHP status allows you to supervise other mental health professionals and provide a high level of clinical, diagnostic and mental health treatment services without the need for consultation or supervision.

Work Requirements: The 1,500 hours of supervised mental health facility experience must have been spent with clients who suffer from a major mental health disorder or condition.

Exam Requirements: No additional exams are required at this level, but the applicant must have completed the ASWB clinical level national exam.

Application Package: The application package at this level has the same requirements for the LMHP licensure, but the supervisor must verify and document the 1,500 hours of direct client contact treating and assessing major mental health disorders.

The Importance of CSWE Accreditation

CSWE accreditation is absolutely vital to pursuing a career in social work in the state of Nebraska. The CSWE, or Council on Social Work Education, is a national nonprofit group that represents thousands of individuals and institutions. It is the only group that offers accreditation for social work programs.

The CSWE ensures that the education and skills you receive are of the highest quality and must current and up-to-date with clinical practice and administrative methods. Without this accreditation, you may have difficulty finding work in the field, and you will not be eligible to pursue certification or licensure in the state of Nebraska.

Research Additional Psychology Professional Licenses Granted by Nebraska:

• Nebraska Psychologist Licensing
• Nebraska Counselor Licensing
• Nebraska Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing
• Explore Additional Social Worker Careers

Schools with Social Work Degree Programs Accepting Students from Nebraska