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Navigating the pathway to becoming a licensed clinical social worker in California involves several steps, among which the Clinical Social Experience Verification form stands out as a pivotal requirement. This document, meticulously overseen by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, serves as a testament to the aspirant’s practical experience under professional supervision. Designed to ensure that each candidate possesses the requisite hands-on experience in clinical social work, mental health counseling, or psychotherapy, the form requires detailed information pertaining to the applicant’s employer and supervising mentor. Supervisors must affirm that the practice setting adhered to legal and regulatory standards, providing essential oversight and ensuring that the scope of practice and experience requirements were met. Additionally, the form demands a breakdown of the applicant’s accumulated supervised hours, highlighting both individual and group supervision, alongside direct clinical practice and other professional activities. By stipulating minimum thresholds for various types of supervised experiences and ensuring supervisors provide original or electronic signatures, the form plays a crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of the licensure process. In essence, it encapsulates a comprehensive evaluation of a candidate’s readiness for licensure, reflecting the state’s commitment to high standards in clinical social work practice.

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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - BUSINESS, CONSUMER SERVICES, AND HOUSING AGENCY

Gavin Newsom, Governor

Board of Behavioral Sciences

1625 North Market Blvd., Suite S200, Sacramento, CA 95834

Telephone: (916) 574-7830

www.bbs.ca.gov

CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

IN-STATE EXPERIENCE VERIFICATION

Have your supervisor complete this form as described below:

oUse a separate form for each supervisor and employer

oMake sure this form is complete and correct prior to signing

oProvide an original or electronic signature and have the signer initial any changes

oSubmit with your Application for Licensure

APPLICANT NAME: ___________________________________

 

ASW Number: ___________

 

 

APPLICANT’S EMPLOYER INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name of Applicant’s Employer:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address:

Number and Street

 

 

 

City

 

 

 

State

Zip Code

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Did this setting lawfully and regularly provide clinical social work, mental health counseling or

 

psychotherapy?

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Did this setting provide oversight to ensure the ASW’s work met the experience and supervision

 

requirements and was within the scope of practice?

 

 

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUPERVISOR INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supervisor’s Name

 

 

 

Telephone

 

 

 

 

Email Address (OPTIONAL)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

License Type

 

 

License Number

 

 

State

 

 

Date First Licensed*

 

 

 

 

 

 

If a physician, were you certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology during

 

the entire period of supervision?

 

Yes

No

N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If YES, provide certificate number:_________________

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*If licensed in California for less than two years on the first date of experience claimed, attach out-of-state license information

37A-201 (Revised 01/2022)

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APPLICANT NAME: __________________________________________ ASW#: _______________

SUPERVISOR INFORMATION (continued)

 

Were you (the supervisor) employed by the supervisee’s employer?

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

If NO, did you and the supervisee’s employer sign a written agreement pertaining to oversight of

 

 

the supervisee?

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EXPERIENCE INFORMATION:

Dates of experience: From ____________

to ____________

 

 

 

 

(mm/dd/yyyy)

(mm/dd/yyyy)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

Total supervised weeks (Minimum 104 overall):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Total hours in individual or triadic supervision (Minimum 52 overall):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Total hours in group supervision:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

Average hours worked per week (Maximum 40):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Total hours of clinical psychosocial diagnosis, assessment, and treatment, including

A.

 

 

 

 

individual or group psychotherapy / counseling (Minimum 2,000 overall):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6.

Of the above hours, how many were gained performing face-to-face individual or

 

 

 

 

 

group psychotherapy/counseling

(Minimum 750 overall):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

Total hours of client-centered advocacy, consultation, evaluation, research,

 

B.

 

 

 

 

workshops, seminars, training sessions or conferences and direct supervisor contact*

 

 

 

 

 

(Maximum 1,000 overall):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8.

Total hours of experience (Minimum 3,000 overall):

(A + B = C)

C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.

Was one additional hour of face-to-face individual or triadic supervision OR two

 

 

Yes

 

 

additional hours of face-to-face group supervision provided for every week in which more

 

No

 

 

than 10 hours of direct clinical counseling was performed?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*A maximum of six (6) hours of direct supervisor contact per week may be counted toward the 1,000 hours.

NOTE: Knowingly providing false information or omitting pertinent information may be grounds for denial of the application. The Board may take disciplinary action on a licensee who helps an applicant obtain a license by fraud, deceit or misrepresentation. All information on this form is subject to verification.

Signature of Supervisor: _____________________________________ Date: ______________

ORIGINAL OR ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE REQUIRED

37A-201 (Revised 01/2022)

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File Characteristics

Fact Name Fact Detail
Governing Body Board of Behavioral Sciences, California
Governing Law(s) State of California Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency regulation
Form Purpose Verification of In-State Clinical Social Work Experience
Submission Requirement Separate form for each supervisor and employer, submitted with Application for Licensure
Signature Requirement Original or electronic signature of the supervisor is required
Supervision Conditions Supervisor must ensure work meets experience and supervision requirements within the scope of practice
Experience Verification Details Includes dates of experience, types of supervision, weekly hours, and total hours of specific activities
False Information Warning Providing false information or omitting pertinent information may lead to denial of the application or disciplinary action

Steps to Writing Clinical Social Experience Verification

After completing your period of supervised clinical social work experience, it's essential to accurately document this experience to move forward with your licensure application. The Clinical Social Experience Verification form plays a critical role in this process, allowing the Board of Behavioral Sciences to validate the depth and breadth of your experience. Ensuring that every section of this form is filled out meticulously and submitted alongside your Application for Licensure is crucial. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to fill out the form properly.

  1. Collect Supervisor and Employer Details: Before you start filling out the form, gather all necessary information regarding your supervisor and employer, including names, contact details, and license information where applicable.
  2. Section on Applicant’s Employer Information: Begin by filling in your employer’s details, including the name of the institution, address, and telephone number.
  3. Answer the questions about your employment setting focusing on the legality and oversight of clinical social work, mental health counseling, or psychotherapy services provided.
  4. Supervisor Information: Under this section, input your supervisor’s full name, telephone number, email address (optional), license type, license number, the state of licensure, and the date they were first licensed. If your supervisor is a certified psychiatrist, provide their certification number.
  5. If your supervisor was not employed by the same employer, indicate 'No' and confirm if a written agreement was established between your supervisor and the employer.
  6. Experience Information: Accurately record the dates encompassing your period of experience, specifying the start and end dates in mm/dd/yyyy format.
  7. Quantify your supervised experience in terms of weeks, hours of individual/triadic and group supervision, average hours worked per week, and hours spent on clinical psychosocial diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and client-centered advocacy, among others. Ensure all required minimums are met as specified on the form.
  8. Diligently calculate the total hours of experience according to the categories listed (A + B = C) and verify compliance with the face-to-face supervision requirement for weeks with more than 10 hours of direct clinical counseling.
  9. Review the information provided for accuracy. Any corrections should be initialed by the signer.
  10. Supervisor’s Signature: The last step is to have your supervisor sign the form, denoting their validation of the experiences documented. Ensure the original or electronic signature is obtained, and the date of signing is indicated.

Once completed, this form stands as a testament to your supervised clinical experience, a pivotal part of your journey towards licensure. Accurately filled and submitted forms facilitate the Board’s ability to process your application smoothly, ushering you closer to your goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker.

Important Details about Clinical Social Experience Verification

What is the purpose of the Clinical Social Work Experience Verification form in the State of California?

The Clinical Social Work Experience Verification form is a crucial document used by the Board of Behavioral Sciences in California to verify the clinical work experience of Associates of Social Work (ASW) candidates. It is designed to ensure that the experience gained by applicants meets the state's specific requirements for licensure as clinical social workers. The form is filled out by the applicant's supervisor, detailing the nature of the work performed, the setting in which it was completed, and the supervision provided. This process is vital for maintaining the high standards of practice expected of licensed clinical social workers in California.

How should the Clinical Social Work Experience Verification form be completed and submitted?

To complete and submit the Clinical Social Work Experience Verification form properly, the supervisor needs to use a separate form for each position and employer where the ASW candidate gained experience. The form must be filled out completely and accurately before the supervisor signs it. It is important for the supervisor to provide an original or electronic signature, and initial any alterations made to the document. Once completed, this form should accompany the candidate’s Application for Licensure and be submitted to the Board of Behavioral Sciences following their submission guidelines.

Can electronic signatures be used on the Clinical Social Work Experience Verification form, and are there any specific requirements for making changes to the form after it’s been signed?

Yes, electronic signatures are permitted on the Clinical Social Work Experience Verification form. This flexibility facilitates the submission process, making it more convenient for supervisors and applicants. If there need to be changes to the form after it has been signed, the person who signed it must initial each change to validate them. This ensures that all modifications are acknowledged by the signer and helps maintain the document's integrity.

What happens if the information provided on the Clinical Social Work Experience Verification form is inaccurate or incomplete?

Submitting inaccurate or incomplete information on the Clinical Social Work Experience Verification form can have serious consequences. The Board of Behavioral Sciences treats the integrity of this information very seriously as it directly impacts the licensing process. Knowingly providing false information, omitting pertinent details, or assisting an applicant in obtaining licensure through deceit can lead to the denial of the license application. Additionally, it can result in disciplinary action against a licensee who is found to have engaged in such misconduct. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that all information on the form is truthful, complete, and verified for accuracy.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Clinical Social Experience Verification form is a critical step towards licensure for clinical social workers in the state of California. However, there are several common mistakes that can delay or negatively impact the application process. Awareness and attention to detail can significantly smooth the path towards successful licensure.

One common mistake is not using a separate form for each supervisor and employer. This requirement is designed to ensure clarity and organization of the applicant’s experience and supervision records. Each supervisory relationship might have distinct characteristics and time frames that need to be individually documented to meet the Board's standards for verification.

Another error involves submitting the form without ensuring it is complete and correct. It's crucial that both the applicant and the supervisor double-check the information provided for accuracy before signing. Misspellings, incorrect contact information, or incomplete sections can result in delays or the need to resubmit the form, prolonging the licensure process.

Applicants and their supervisors sometimes overlook the importance of original or electronic signatures and initials next to any changes made on the form. This oversight can question the authenticity of the information provided. The Board requires these measures to verify that any alterations were acknowledged and approved by the supervisor, thereby maintaining the integrity of the submission.

Failure to accurately report hours of experience is another frequent mistake. The form clearly specifies minimum requirements for different types of supervised work and education activities. Miscounting hours or incorrectly categorizing them can lead to disputes or reevaluation of the applicant's qualifications. Accurately tracking and reporting these hours is essential for demonstrating that the candidate has met all necessary criteria for licensure.

The necessity of attaching out-of-state license information if the supervisor was licensed in California for less than two years at the beginning of the supervision period often goes unnoticed. This detail is crucial for verifying the supervisor’s qualifications and the legality of the supervision provided. It lends credibility to the supervised experience and ensures it meets California’s standards for clinical social work practice.

Last but not least, there's the mistake of not adequately documenting the arrangement between the supervisor and the supervisee's employer when the supervisor is not an employee of the same. When this situation applies, a written agreement is required to clarify the nature of the oversight and the responsibilities each party has towards the ASW's development and adherence to experience and supervision standards. Failure to provide this documentation can result in questions regarding the validity of the supervision provided.

In conclusion, careful attention to the specific requirements outlined in the Clinical Social Experience Verification form is paramount. By avoiding these common pitfalls, applicants and their supervisors can facilitate a smoother process towards achieving licensure and embarking on a career in clinical social work within the state of California.

Documents used along the form

Completing the Clinical Social Experience Verification form is a critical step for clinical social workers in the state of California seeking licensure. However, this form is often just one component of a larger application packet. To provide a comprehensive demonstration of their qualifications, applicants typically need to submit additional documents and forms. Below is a list of five other forms and documents frequently used alongside the Clinical Social Experience Verification form.

  • Application for Licensure: This is the main application form where the applicant provides personal details, educational background, and attests to their understanding of the ethical standards required for licensure. It serves as a formal request for licensure evaluation.
  • Official Transcripts: Transcripts from accredited social work or related programs are required to prove the applicant's educational qualifications. These must be sent directly from the educational institution to ensure authenticity.
  • Supervised Experience Log: A detailed log of all the hours spent under supervision, including the type of experience (individual therapy, group therapy, etc.). This document complements the Clinical Social Experience Verification form by providing a comprehensive overview of the applicant’s supervised practice.
  • Examination Registration Form: To become licensed, applicants must pass a national or state clinical social work examination. This form registers the applicant for the appropriate exam, indicating their readiness to be tested on their knowledge and competency in the field.
  • Background Check Authorization Form: A form granting permission for a criminal background check, a necessary step for ensuring the safety and trustworthiness of future licensed clinical social workers. This process helps protect the public by filtering out individuals with relevant criminal histories.

Together, these documents form a dossier that supports the applicant's request for licensure by thoroughly detailing their educational background, supervised clinical experience, and readiness to ethically and effectively serve the public as a clinical social worker. Each document plays a unique role in painting a full picture of the applicant's capabilities and preparedness for licensure.

Similar forms

The Clinical Social Experience Verification form bears resemblance to the Medical Residency Verification Form used in the medical profession to confirm a candidate's residency experience. Both documents are integral for the verification process in their respective fields, aimed at ensuring candidates have obtained the required practical experience under proper supervision. They require detailed information about the period of training, supervision details, and the nature of the work performed. Supervisors must attest to the accuracy of the information, and there is a clear emphasis on the legality and relevance of the experience to the candidate's professional development.

Similar to the License Application for Registered Nurses, this form plays a crucial role in the licensure process for clinical social workers. Both forms require detailed documentation of practical experience under supervision, verifying that the applicant has met specific standards and hours of practice. They also include sections for supervisor verification and certification, underscoring their responsibility in the licensure process. This ensures that information provided by the applicant is true and reflects their qualifications accurately.

The Internship Completion Certificate typically issued by educational institutions also shares similarities with this form. Both serve as formal acknowledgments of the completion of a structured period of practical experience in a specific field. The verification of the duration, type of experience, and supervisor endorsement are common elements, providing a comprehensive overview of the individual’s hands-on experience. This documentation is vital for future employment opportunities or further licensure requirements, reinforcing the individual's preparedness for professional practice.

Another analogous document is the Professional Engineer Experience Verification Form used in the engineering sector to document and verify practical experience in the field. Like the Clinical Social Experience Verification form, it requires detailed accounts of the applicant's experience, supervisor verification, and a declaration of the work being within the profession's scope. These forms are essential for ensuring that candidates have the necessary practical experience to meet professional standards, promoting safety and competency within the profession.

The Teaching Experience Verification Form used in the education sector also shares characteristics with the Clinical Social Experience Verification form. It is designed to verify a candidate's teaching experience, requiring information about the duration, nature of the teaching experience, and the supervising authority. Both forms emphasize the importance of direct, supervised experience in their respective fields and ensure that the experience aligns with regulatory standards and requirements. This approach guarantees that professionals are adequately prepared and qualified for their responsibilities.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Clinical Social Experience Verification form for the State of California, adherence to accuracy and thoroughness is paramount. Below is a list of things you should and shouldn't do to ensure the process is completed correctly and efficiently.

  • Do ensure that each supervisor and employer has a separate form completed. This aids in the clarity and organization of your application.
  • Do double-check the form for completeness and correctness before signing. Any omission or error can delay the processing of your application.
  • Do provide either an original or electronic signature on the form and make sure to initial any changes made after the initial completion. This verifies the authenticity and finality of the information provided.
  • Do attach out-of-state license information if you were licensed in California for less than two years on the first date of experience claimed. This information is critical for verifying your qualifications.
  • Don't hesitate to confirm details with your supervisor, ensuring that both of you have a mutual understanding of the experience and supervision provided.
  • Don't forget to include the required numbers of supervised weeks, individual or triadic supervision hours, group supervision hours, and direct client contact hours. Each of these components is essential for a complete application.
  • Don't exceed the maximum hours worked per week as stipulated on the form. Adherence to these limits is crucial for the validation of your experience.
  • Don't overlook the need for additional supervision hours if more than 10 hours of direct clinical counseling are performed in any given week. This is a specific requirement that must be met.
  • Don't provide false information or omit pertinent details. Accuracy and honesty are vital, as providing misleading information can result in the denial of your application or disciplinary action.

By following these guidelines, applicants can effectively navigate the complexities of the Clinical Social Experience Verification process, ensuring a smoother path towards licensure.

Misconceptions

There are quite a few misunderstandings about the Clinical Social Experience Verification form that need to be cleared up. This is especially true for those who are in the process of becoming licensed clinical social workers. Below are ten common misconceptions and the facts to set the record straight.

  • Every supervisor needs their own form: Yes, a separate form is required for each supervisor and place of employment. This is to ensure all relevant details and experiences are accurately captured.
  • Electronic signatures aren't accepted: This is not true. Both original and electronic signatures are acceptable. The key is to ensure the form has been signed to verify its authenticity.
  • Changes don't need to be initialed: Actually, if there are any changes to the form after it's been filled out, the person making the changes should initial beside each one to maintain the integrity of the document.
  • You can submit the form before it’s completely filled out: The form must be complete and correct before submission. Incomplete forms might delay the application process or be returned.
  • All types of experience hours are treated the same: The form specifies different categories and minimum hours for supervised weeks, individual or group supervision, and clinical experience, among others. Each category has its own requirements.
  • Exceeding the maximum hours per week contributes to your total: The form indicates a maximum of 40 hours worked per week. Hours worked beyond this limit do not count towards the total required experience hours.
  • Supervisor’s presence at the employer's location is not necessary: If a supervisor is not employed by the applicant's employer, a written agreement outlining the supervision must be in place. This ensures the supervisee's work is properly overseen.
  • Any licensed mental health professional can sign off on the form: Supervisors must meet specific criteria, such as being licensed for more than two years if in California, and in some cases, having specific certifications. This guarantees that supervision is provided by qualified individuals.
  • The form only needs to be submitted with the Application for Licensure: While it is a critical part of the application, applicants should keep copies for their records. Sometimes, additional information or clarification may be requested by the licensing board.
  • Misrepresentations on the form don’t carry consequences: Providing false information or omitting important details can result in the denial of the application. Furthermore, disciplinary actions might be taken against those who assist in obtaining a license through deceit.

Understanding these points about the Clinical Social Experience Verification form can significantly smoothen the path to becoming a licensed clinical social worker. It's all about paying attention to the details and ensuring that the information provided is both accurate and verifiable.

Key takeaways

When processing the Clinical Social Experience Verification form crucial for aspiring clinical social workers in California, there are several key takeaways to ensure the process is completed correctly and efficiently. These steps are designed to streamline the verification of clinical social experience, an essential part of the licensure application.

  • Separate Forms for Each Supervisor: It's important that a separate Clinical Social Experience Verification form is used for each supervisor and employer. This approach maintains organized records and ensures that the experience under each supervisor is accurately documented and assessed.
  • Accuracy and Authenticity: Before signing the form, both the applicant and the supervisor need to double-check that all information provided is complete and correct. Inconsistencies or errors can delay the licensure process. Additionally, both original or electronic signatures are acceptable, but any modifications to the form after signing must be initialed by the signer, indicating authenticity and approval of the changes.
  • Comprehensive Documentation of Experience: The form requires detailed documentation of the applicant's experience, including the dates of experience, total supervised weeks (with a minimum of 104), total hours in individual or triadic and group supervision, and specific types of clinical work performed (with minimum hour requirements for various activities). This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of the applicant's clinical experience are considered for licensure.
  • Supervision and Employer Agreement: If the supervisor was not employed by the applicant’s employer, a written agreement between the supervisor and the employer pertaining to oversight of the supervisee is necessary. This condition verifies that there was a structured arrangement to oversee the applicant’s work, confirming that it met the required experience and supervision standards.

Adhering to these guidelines when filling out and using the Clinical Social Experience Verification form can facilitate a smoother licensure process for applicants. This methodical approach ensures that the Board of Behavioral Sciences receives all necessary information to verify an applicant's clinical social work experience accurately.

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