Social Worker, Licensed License in Maine

Maine licenses social workers through the Board of Social Worker Licensure, offering Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker Conditional (LCSW-CC), and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) credentials. Each level requires the appropriate ASWB exam and CSWE-accredited degree. The LCSW requires an MSW plus two years of supervised clinical experience. Maine's conditional clinical license (LCSW-CC) allows practitioners to practice under supervision while accumulating clinical hours, which is a helpful transition mechanism. Continuing education is required for biennial renewal. Maine faces significant social work workforce shortages, particularly in rural and northern communities. The state's aging population creates growing demand for social workers in geriatric care, hospice, and long-term care settings. Maine's Department of Health and Human Services is a major employer. The University of Maine and University of New England produce social work graduates, but retention in rural areas remains challenging. Maine has explored the Social Work Licensure Compact.