Question 1

Why is there a requirement that a social worker must obtain 18 months of social work experience at the LCSW or LCSW-C level prior to supervising others for advanced licensure?

Accepted Answer

The Board believes that an 18 month period will provide additional time for a social worker to become more acclimated to the responsibilities associated with the LCSW or LCSW-C level of licensure. A more knowledgeable and confident social worker will be able to provide a more professional level of social work supervision to others seeking advanced licensure.

Question 2

If I am unable to obtain supervisory hours from a Board approved LCSW or LCSW-C supervisor in my agency, can I go outside of the agency to obtain supervision which will qualify for licensure at one of the advanced levels?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Arrangements to obtain supervision for licensure at one of the advanced levels can be made within or outside of the agency. All supervision must be under a contractual agreement form and the supervision must be accountable to the employer.

Question 3

Can hours from group supervision be used toward licensure at the LCSW or LCSW-C levels?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Fifty (50) hours of the 100 hours required for supervision can come from group supervision. However, the group size cannot exceed 6 supervisees.

Question 4

Can I obtain supervision via teletherapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, under the supervision of a Board Approved LCSW-C Supervisor.

Question 5

I am not providing therapy. I work for a telephone-based case management program in New Jersey that helps individuals with social work needs – financial, food insecurity, transportation, accessing local  resources and services. Do I need to be licensed by the Maryland Board of Social Work to provide these services to Maryland clients?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Case management services provided by a licensed social worker is social work and requires a Maryland license for Maryland clients.

Question 6

For example, could a social worker practice via telehealth in Maryland if the social worker is physically in Pennsylvania?

Accepted Answer

Yes (they are not licensed in Pennsylvania, only in Maryland).
​
Also, if practicing telehealth from another state is permitted, is that only during the      
COVID-19 emergency? 
No.

Question 7

I am licensed in Maryland and have a private practice.  A young lady will be starting counseling - she lives in Md.  In the fall, she will be going to college in New Jersey - her home address will remain in Maryland. Would I be able to continue providing her counseling or will she need to find someone in New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

You will need to contact the New Jersey Board of Social Work to determine the licensing and practice requirements.

Question 8

Are there limits to how far a social worker is committed to a client?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Standard 1.01 mentions the legal obligations social workers have to society. Although social workers occasionally choose to ignore some illegal acts of clients during therapy, we have a commitment to the law, and we are responsible for the consequences of those decisions. Standard 3.09 states that social workers should abide by their commitment to employers, as well. Agency procedures and rules should be followed if they are not in conflict with the Code, which may at times limit our ability to help a client with a specific need.

Question 9

Sometimes clients present with problems in areas about which I have little knowledge. What can I do in these cases?

Accepted Answer

Standard 1.04c states that social workers should “ensure the competence of their work and protect clients from harm.” This standard in the Code originated from Hippocrates. We can refer clients to whom we are not capable of providing good treatment, and we have trainings, formal and informal education, research, consultation, and supervision to support us.

At these times, a team approach is helpful. We may transfer a client, but Standard 3.08 tells us that we should minimize difficulties for the client in transfers by giving them adequate notice and explanation. Also, we should assure no duplication of services.

Question 10

I live and work in an area where I see my clients frequently at social settings, such as restaurants, church, while shopping, and so forth. Sometimes we serve on voluntary committees together. Am I in a dual relationship?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily, but Standard 1.06 indicates you are close to being in one and, therefore, should be cautious. A dual relationship is one in which there is a conflict of interest. Seeing people in church, for example, need not be a conflict of interest if we go about our business there without undue interaction with the client.

If there is a clear line, it is when a conflict of interest develops and social workers are in a position to take undue advantage of it.

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