So You Wanna Be a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Illinois? Buckle Up, Buttercup, We're Talking Hours!
Ever dreamed of wielding the coveted title of LCSW in the great state of Illinois? Well, hold on to your metaphorical hats, social work warriors, because before you can diagnose, counsel, and therapize your way to glory, there's a little hurdle called supervised experience hours. Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the nitty-gritty of what counts and what doesn't!
The Big Hours Question: How Many Do I Need?
This, my friends, is where things get interesting. The number of hours you need depends on the degree you hold. Got a Master's in Social Work (MSW)? Then you're looking at a cool 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience. But if you're rocking a Doctorate in Social Work (DSW), then congratulations, you only need 2,000 hours. Talk about a doctoral discount!
Wait, There's More! Not All Hours Are Created Equal
Now, before you start counting all those coffee breaks with your clients (hey, a therapist needs their caffeine fix!), hold your social work horses. The hours you log need to be supervised by a qualified LCSW. Think of it like social work Jedi training, but with less lightsabers and more case management.
Tip: Read the whole thing before forming an opinion.
Here's the Catch: Acceptable Supervision Shenanigans
Here's the good news: you can score those supervised hours working full-time (around 30-40 hours a week) or part-time (minimum 15 hours, but no more than 29). The key is to make sure your work directly involves providing clinical social work services. That means assessments, therapy, crisis intervention – the whole social work superhero package.
But Wait, There's Even More! (Sorry, Not Sorry)
Here are some things that don't count towards your precious hours:
QuickTip: Pause when something clicks.
- Administrative duties (filing is important, but it's not therapy)
- Research (unless it's directly tied to your clinical work)
- Personal errands for your clients (because boundaries, people!)
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| What Counts As Hours For Lcsw Illinois |
Phew! That Was a Lot. Let's Recap
- The number of hours depends on your degree (MSW = 3,000 hours, DSW = 2,000 hours).
- All hours need to be supervised by a qualified LCSW.
- You can work full-time or part-time, but the work needs to be clinical in nature.
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Frequently Asked Hours Questions (FAQ):
QuickTip: Read again with fresh eyes.
How to track my hours?
Keep a detailed log of your work, including dates, hours worked, and the type of services provided.
How to find a qualified supervisor?
Contact the Illinois Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW-IL) for a list of approved supervisors.
Tip: Reread the opening if you feel lost.
How to make sure my work experience counts?
Discuss your work with your supervisor beforehand to ensure it aligns with LCSW requirements.
How to avoid burnout while accumulating hours?
Self-care is crucial! Maintain a healthy work-life balance and don't be afraid to ask for help from colleagues.
How to celebrate becoming a licensed LCSW?
Treat yourself! You deserve it after all those hours. (But maybe avoid celebrating with therapy clients...awkward!)
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