Social workers in Oregon are licensed mental health professionals who work in a variety of settings from schools and social service agencies to hospitals and hospice facilities. The board was created to ensure that individuals serving the public as social workers have the education and skills to do the job safely, effectively and efficiently. Currently, there are over 6,000 licensed social workers in Oregon.

 

The board has seven members, four who are social workers and three who represent the public. The board has its office in Salem and has six staff members. Board meetings are held monthly in Salem and are open to the public.

The board was created in 1979 to set policy and adopt rules for social workers. Currently, the board offers four license types: Registered Baccalaureate Social Worker (RBSW), Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW), Clinical Social Work Associate (CSWA) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).