Board of Social Work Kentucky

Supervision

Request to be Approved Supervisor

for Clinical Social Work Supervision

Qualified supervisors must submit a request to the board for approval.

Request Approval

Supervision Forms

for Clinical Social Work Supervision

Required forms must be filled out completely:

Supervision

Qualifying education and qualifying experience under supervision.

Click here to read the regulation: 201 KAR 23:070

I’ve taken my Clinical exam and passed – can I stop meeting with my supervisors?

No. You must remain under supervision from the time you are approved to take the exam until your new license is issued by KBSW.

Can a CSW practicing clinical social work in Kentucky receive supervision outside of Kentucky?

No.

What are the qualifications for an approved LCSW supervisor?

An approved LCSW supervisor has to be: 1) licensed for three (3) years as a clinical social worker; 2) has to take an approved LCSW Supervision training course every renewal period; and 3) send a request to the board.

Can the “Notice to the Client” be hung up on the wall in my office?

Yes. If a CSW is practicing under supervision of a LCSW, the CSW is required to notify in writing each client during the period of the supervision. The board has determined that hanging the notice on the wall of the office meets the requirement. Please find the form on our website: bsw.ky.gov/forms/supervision forms/notice to client.

I don’t know what it means to have 60% in direct client-professional relationship?

Depending upon whether you are working full-time or part-time, at least 60% of your work per week must be directly working with your client.

How many hours of supervision do I have to complete for a LCSW license?

Supervision must total a minimum of 200 hours, which shall include individual supervision of not less than two (2) hours during every two (2) weeks of clinical social work practice.

Can I meet with my supervisor of record for MORE than two hours during every two weeks for individual supervision?

Yes. The minimum is two (2) hours during every two (2) weeks of clinical social work practice, but you can arrange more hours. Keep in mind that a LCSW is two year’s post master’s experience for full time (30 hours), or three years post master’s experience for part-time practice.

How much time will it take to get my supervision contract approved?

Average time is three weeks once all the required documents have been received. Kentucky law allows the board ninety (90) days. Link to Section 8 (5)

When do I need a new contract?

A new contract needs to be submitted for board approval when you change your 1) clinical practice setting or 2) supervisor of record.

What do I have to send the board if I am quitting my job?

You or your approved supervisor(s) can mail a termination letter to the board explaining the reason for termination (I’m moving out of state; I am taking a new job; my supervisor of record is changing (quitting, retiring, etc.).

Does my supervisor have to send anything to the board?

Your supervisor(s) should complete and mail the supervision experience documentation form (link) so the board can approve and document your hours under supervision.

Do I have to be employed at an agency to earn my LCSW supervision hours or can I be an independent contractor?

You have to be an employee with Social Security and taxes withdrawn from your paycheck – as a CSW who is practicing clinical social work, you are in “training” and you cannot practice as an independent therapist until you complete the supervision and are licensed as a LCSW by the board. You can be a full-time (minimum of 30 hours per week) or part-time employee (minimum of 20 hours per week).

I can work part-time in a clinical social work position but it’s less than 20 hours per week, do I still need a supervision contract?

Yes, but you cannot count the hours under supervision if you work less than 20 hours per week.

Where can I find a pre-approved supervisor near my location?

Please see the link for a list of approved LCSW supervisors.

Approved Supervisors list.pdf