Resources for New Social Workers
Starting your journey as a social worker can be both exciting and overwhelming—it's a big step, but you don’t have to go it alone. Whether you're fresh out of school or transitioning into the field, this page offers a curated collection of tools, tips, and guidance to help you feel supported, prepared, and confident as you begin making a meaningful impact from day one.
Job Search
Kickstart your job search with trusted tools and support from NASW. Start local by exploring the NASW-MN job board for opportunities right here in Minnesota. For a broader search, the NASW Social Work Career Center offers a nationwide job database along with expert tips on resumes, cover letters, and interviews. You can even create a free job seeker account to upload your resume, request a professional review, and get alerts for new positions.
Don’t miss the annual NASW Virtual Career Fair—an excellent chance to connect with top employers, network with recruiters, and gain valuable career advice, all from the comfort of home. Check NASW’s Virtual Events Calendar for upcoming dates and details.
Tips When Getting Started
Whatever your next professional step might be, NASW has the tools to help you take it with confidence. From practical interviewing tips to guidance on crafting strong resumes and cover letters, these resources are designed to help you stand out in a competitive job market. You can also explore up-to-date salary insights to better understand earning trends across the field of social work.
Finding a License Supervisor
Supervision is a structured, ongoing process that allows supervisees to receive guidance and feedback from their supervisor(s). Social workers encounter supervision at various points in their career. As described by the BOSW, licensing supervision is required for:
- LSWs and LGSWs in nonclinical practice: Once licensed, licensing supervision is required for at least the first 4,000 hours of social work practice for each license type
- LGSWs and LISWs in clinical practice: Once licensed, ongoing licensing supervision must be maintained until an LICSW is issued
- Provisional License for all four license types; LSW, LGSW, LISW, LICSW: Once licensed, provisional supervision is required for 2,000 hours of social work practice and 37.5 supervision hours prior to applying for a standard license.
NASW-MN is committed to being a top resource to connect supervisors and supervisees through our supervision matching process. NASW members can enjoy this service for free! Are you a supervisor or supervisee looking to join our supervision network? Reach out to us at admin.naswmn@socialworkers.org to get started!
Licensure Exam Review Preparation
Our licensure exam review prep course is designed to help you feel confident and ready for your social work licensure exam. offered multiple times a year at an affordable rate, this full-day session covers exam structure, test-taking strategies, and common pitfalls—plus you'll review sample questions and earn ceus if you're already licensed. the course is suitable for all exam categories and focuses on how to approach the content, rather than reviewing topics in depth. visit our licensure exam review preparation page to learn more about the course, included materials, and commonly asked questions.
Additional exam preparation resources can be found at the Minnesota board of social work (bosw).