To work as a social worker, must have either BSW or MSW?

[PinkGal]

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I'm wondering if you could do social work with a degree that isn't BSW or MSW? How do I know the type of work I do doesn't require licensure? I don't want to get into any legal trouble if people find out that I don't have any social work background or degree. The social work I'm doing is more focused on advocacy, employment, education, and referrals to various agencies and services, working with underserved population. If I already hold a BA degree that has nothing to do with psychology or social work but I did work as a teacher before for 5 years, is that enough to do the work? The pay isn't too bad so I'm not complaining because it's more than what I made before. I'm working towards a Masters degree in something else, not social work, MFT or psychology. I'm just taking on this job because I want to do something different, not because I want to become a social worker. However, I do enjoy working with and helping people, and am quite good at it based on retention rate. But I don't want to pursue social work degree nor do I plan to stay at my position in the long run, just until I get my MS degree in a different field. Tell me what do you think?

 

[spctle342]

What is the title of the position you're taking? I'm pretty sure that most (if not all) states have licensing requirements that explicitly state that no one (even someone who holds a BSW/MSW) can refer to him/herself as a "social worker" unless they are licensed as such. If your job title isn't "social worker" and you don't refer to yourself in a way that gives the impression that you are doing "social work," then there shouldn't be an issue.

 

[PinkGal]

Thanks for your reply. That makes sense. No, my title says nothing of the sort that implies social work nor am I labeled social worker at all but the the place where I work does provide all kinds of services including counseling and clinical therapy. I'm responsible for coordinating services and so on but not to provide any kind of therapy at all.

 

[sunlioness]

That sounds more like case management.