| Aspect | Generalist Social Worker | Clinical Social Worker |
|---|
| Credentials | Bachelor's or Master's in Social Work (BSW or MSW), licensure often required | MSW or LCSW license, additional clinical training and supervision |
| Work Environment | Community agencies, schools, healthcare settings, social service organizations | Therapy settings, mental health clinics, hospitals, private practice |
| Job Focus | Assessing client needs, case management, connecting clients to resources | Providing psychotherapy, mental health diagnosis, treatment planning |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Public and nonprofit social service agencies, schools, healthcare |
In summary, Generalist Social Workers typically handle a broad range of social service tasks and connect clients to resources, while Clinical Social Workers focus on mental health treatment through therapy and diagnosis. Both roles require social work credentials, but Clinical Social Workers need specialized clinical licensure and training.