LCSW Jobs - What Are They and How to Get One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A licensed clinical social worker, or LCSW, works to provide mental health care, life skill coaching, and behavioral and emotional development support for clients. In a career as an LCSW, your duties may include assessing the needs of a client and then taking steps to counsel them or provide treatment for mental health issues. You may help them obtain access to additional social services, such as public health services, if necessary. Your responsibilities typically include working with case managers, physicians, and other mental health workers to make and carry out a treatment plan.

The qualifications that you need to start a career as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) include a degree in social work or a closely related field and professional certification. The first step in your education is to develop the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue this career by earning a bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, child development, or public health. You then need to pursue a master’s degree in social work at an accredited school. After obtaining a master’s degree, you need to pass the licensing exam to become a clinical social worker in your state. Experience working with mental health can be beneficial.