Social Work Licensure & Career Guidance

Child welfare scholars are uniquely positioned to make a lasting impact in child welfare in Colorado.

Our Commitment

Did you know that child welfare work at all levels counts towards clinical experience for social work licensure?

Part of the CCWSC’s commitment to supporting a well-educated and prepared workforce includes providing resources that help agencies and alumni navigate the social work licensure process in Colorado. Whether you are preparing to apply for your first social work license, pursuing clinical licensure, or looking for jobs, this page will provide guidance, resources, and links to help you take the next step in your professional journey. 

The CCWSC also supports child welfare agencies with promoting and developing clinical licensure pathways for social work graduates. This information includes:

• Why social worker are so important to child welfare practice;
• The benefits of employing licensed social workers in your agencies;
• Practical ways you can support your staff.  

In 2024, the CCWSC became a demonstration site with the Center for Workforce Excellence & Leadership (CWEL) to develop educational pathways into child welfare and a clinical bridge to social work licensure for child welfare scholars in Colorado.  

The CWEL research team developed a comprehensive Exploration of Clinical Licensure Efforts survey and four ThoughtExchanges™ with Colorado child welfare professionals. These are both to ascertain perceptions regarding clinical licensure as a retention strategy for increasing the child welfare workforce. When asked whether access to clinical supervision or the pursuit of clinical licensure is an ongoing staff retention challenge, 50% of participants answered “yes” (Public Research and Evaluation Services, 2025).  

The Clinical Bridge Workgroup

The Clinical Bridge Workgroup was established as part of this work to develop strategies that help support individuals and agencies interested in promoting and receiving social work licensure. The work group consisted of Colorado-based and national child welfare and social work subject matter experts who could help inform the process.  

The Clinical Bridge Workgroup developed the following toolkits and resources:  

• Improving child welfare practice through clinical licensure – This guide provides an overview of the benefits of clinical licensure from a variety of perspectives and can be an important tool when discuss the licensure process with county agencies and other stakeholders. Beginning on page 5, this guide also includes a step-by-step guide to navigating the licensure process in Colorado.  

• Colorado Clinical Bridge Framework Guide – This guide is geared towards county and other agencies interested in developing a clinical supervision program. It includes several models and other considerations such as: 
  • Internal and external support 
  • Budget and staffing 
  • Roles and responsibilities 
  • Communication 
  • Evaluation and sustainability 

• Benefits of licensed clinical social workers in child welfare – This 2-page document outlines the benefits of social work licensure across all child welfare roles and positions. It includes benefits for children and families, staff and agencies.  

• Colorado Call to Action Toolkit – This toolkit includes content that can be used to promote social work licensure for a variety of audiences and includes variations based on county size (small, medium and large). Primary audiences for this information includes: 
  • Current unlicensed social workers (MSWs) in child welfare 
  • Recent and upcoming MSW graduates 
  • Child welfare supervisors who hold an LCSW 
  • Child welfare workers without an MSW 

Social work licensure in Colorado is managed by DORA. All candidates will apply, renew, and reinstate their licensure through the Applications and Forms Website. 

DORA has also provided this guide that explains what a person must do to become a social worker in Colorado.  

National Association of Social Workers 

The Colorado chapter of the National Association of Social Workers is the best way to learn the most up to date information about social work licensure. They are strong advocates for the social work profession throughout Colorado and beyond. In addition, they provide continuing education and networking events and activities throughout our state.  

Learn more: National Association of Social Workers Website Licensure Page

Looking for LCSW Supervision? Here’s some folks we recommend: 

• Emily Dobson, MSW, LCSW
• Charleen Bell, LCSW
• Jen Marine, LCSW