What happens after I file a complaint? The Board has the authority to discipline Licensed, Certified and Registered Social Workers. The Board's Consumer Protection Committee reviews all complaints. The Committee will require the Social Worker to respond in writing or in a face-to-face meeting. If the Committee decides that it should investigate the complaint further, the person who complained or others with knowledge of the complaint may be asked for additional information. Once the Committee gathers the necessary information, the Board may take disciplinary action. If the investigation shows that a Social Worker violated laws, rules or ethical standards that govern them, the Social Worker may face: •
Formal disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of the license or certificate, and a financial penalty.
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Probation with limitations added to the license or certificate to assure that the acts that led to the disciplinary action do not occur again.
State of Oregon
Board of Licensed Social Workers
The Social Worker may, with the Board's approval, voluntarily take corrective actions to assure that similar violations do not occur in the future. If there is not enough evidence of a violation, the Board will dismiss the complaint or close the case. In every case the Board will inform the person who complained of the result of the disciplinary process.
Regulating the Practice of Social Work
Website: www.Oregon.gov/BLSW State Board of Licensed Social Workers 3218 Pringle Road SE, Suite 240` Salem, OR 97302-6310 Email:
[email protected] Ph: (503)378-5735 F: (888)252-1046
What is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA)? What qualifications do they have? Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) and Clinical Social Work Associates (CSWAs) are mental health professionals licensed by the State of Oregon who are trained to help individuals, groups, families and organizations. LCSWs and CSWAs can help you deal with emotional problems and help you resolve conflicts or problems relating to others at home, at work, in school, and in the world around you. LCSWs and CSWAs have specialized knowledge, education, and training in the fields of human behavior, psychology, and problem solving. CSWAs must earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) and complete a two year postgraduate plan of practice and supervision which has been approved by the State Board. Once that plan is completed, they are required to pass national and state examinations prior to licensure. To become an LCSW an applicant must earn a Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) and complete a two year postgraduate supervised clinical certification period as a CSWA. After completing two years of supervision, the applicant must pass national and state examinations. To keep their license, LCSWs must complete 20 hours of continuing education each year.
What is a Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) and Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW)? What qualifications do they have? Licensed Masters Social Workers (LMSWs) have specialized knowledge and advanced practice skills in the areas of assessment, treatment planning, implementation or evaluation, case management or referral, counseling, nonclinical supervision, consultation, education, research, advocacy, community organization, or the development, implementation or administration of policies, programs or activities. LMSWs must earn a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) and pass a masters level examination. Registered Baccalaureate Social Workers (RBSWs) practice basic social work that includes assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, case management, information and referral, counseling, nonclinical supervision, consultation, education, advocacy, community
organization, and the development, implementation and administration of policies, programs or activities. RBSWs must earn a Baccalaureate Degree in Social Work (BSW) and pass a baccalaureate level examination.
What is the Oregon State Board of Licensed Social Workers? The Legislature established the Oregon State Board of Licensed Social Workers to protect the public by assuring the qualifications and professionalism of Social Workers. The volunteer seven-member Board, appointed by the Governor, is charged with establishing standards for licensing; identifying individuals meeting those standards; and administering licensing examinations. The Board is also charged with developing and enforcing ethical standards for licensed individuals; investigating complaints; and disciplining licensed individuals who violate ethical standards, Board rules, or state licensing laws.
How can the State Board of Licensed Social Workers help protect me? The Board protects you by assuring that Social Workers meet national standards regarding their qualifications, knowledge, and experience before certification and licensing. The Board also investigates complaints made by members of the public regarding possible abuses by Social Workers. The Board disciplines Social Workers when a violation has occurred. The Board requires Social Workers to maintain their skills and update their knowledge with continuing education in the field of social work.
How do I check a Social Worker's qualifications? When selecting a Social Worker you may want to check the Board website www.Oregon.gov/BLSW to look up the Social Worker by name, license number or city. You may also email the State Board of Licensed Social Workers at
[email protected] or call at (503) 378-5735. Not all individuals practicing social work in Oregon have a license, but only licensed social workers may use the title “Social Worker”. The Board can tell you whether a social worker is licensed. Licensing is your assurance that the
Social Worker has met the education, experience and examination requirements for professional practice established by Oregon law. The Board can also tell you if the individual's license is current and whether a Social Worker has been disciplined for violating professional standards of conduct.
What are my rights as a client? You have the right to professional and ethical treatment regardless of your age, sex, race, color, religion, orientation, national origin, or disability. You have the right to a clear description of services, fees, and how you (and your insurer) will be billed. Client records and communications are confidential and, subject to few exceptions, may not be released by a Social Worker without the client's consent.
What if I have a complaint? You should file a written complaint if a Social Worker has: •
Abused or mistreated you or any client in any way, verbally, financially, or sexually.
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Lied to or misled you or any client in the provision of services or billing.
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Treated you or any client while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
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Released information without your consent.
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Been negligent in your treatment, or in the treatment of any client.
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Shown an inability to practice safely and competently for any reason.
How do I file a complaint? You may file a complaint if you believe a Social Worker has violated the law, rules, or ethical standards governing the practice of social work. Complaints must be in writing and on a Consumer Complaint Packet available from the “Forms” section of the Board website www.Oregon.gov/BLSW or by calling the Board office.
