(1) Submit an application to the board;
(2) Be at least eighteen years of age;
(3) Be of good moral character;
(4) Have a baccalaureate degree in a related field, as provided by legislative rule;
(5) Have obtained regular supervised employment, or the reasonable promise of regular supervised employment contingent upon receiving a provisional license, in a critical social work workforce shortage position, area or setting requiring a social work license: Provided, That such employment shall not as an independent practitioner, contracted employee, sole proprietor, consultant, or other nonregular employment;
(6) Have satisfied the board that he or she merits the public trust by providing the board with three letters of recommendation from persons not related to the applicant;
(7) Not be an alcohol or drug abuser, as these terms are defined in section eleven, article one-a, chapter twenty-seven of this code: Provided, That an applicant in an active recovery process, which may, in the discretion of the board, be evidenced by participation in an acknowledged substance abuse treatment and/or recovery program may be considered;
(8) Not have been convicted of a felony in any jurisdiction within five years preceding the date of application for license which conviction remains unreversed;
(9) Not have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony in any jurisdiction if the offense for which he or she was convicted related to the practice of social work, which conviction remains unreversed; and
(10) Meet any other requirements established by the board.
(b) A provisionally licensed social worker may become a licensed social worker, by completing the following:
(1) Be continuously employed for four years as a social worker and supervised. The board shall promulgate by legislative rule the supervision requirements;
(2) Complete twelve credit hours of core social work study from a program accredited by the council on social work education, as defined by legislative rule, within the four-year provisional license period;
(3) Complete continuing education as required by legislative rule; and
(4) Pass an examination approved by the board.
(c) A provisionally licensed social worker or a person previously licensed as a provisionally licensed social worker may not reapply for licensure through this process if the process is not completed. Note: WV Code updated with legislation passed through the 2012 1st Special Session
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