Frequently Asked Questions
General
How do I know if a social worker is licensed?
A social worker must display a current license where they work, and you may ask to see it. You may also search for a specific licensee using the Licensee Search or you may call the New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners at (505) 476-4890.
Complaints
What should I do If I have a problem with a social worker?
If you feel you have been treated unfairly or unprofessionally by a social worker, you can complain to the New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners by following the instructions on the Complaint Procedures page.
What types of complaints does the New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners handle?
The Board of Social Work Examiners can investigate and decide on complaints that include, but are not limited to, those where a social worker:
- Behaves in a way that is unprofessional or unethical
- Abuses alcohol or controlled substances
- Has been convicted of a felony
- Has been judged mentally incompetent by the proper authorities
- Is obviously careless, indifferent, or unskilled in practicing social work
- Has lied or misrepresented themselves to get a social work license in New Mexico
- Has had a license to practice social work taken away or denied in any other state or territory of the United States
What is unprofessional or unethical conduct?
A social worker's conduct is unethical or unprofessional if they:
- Have any sexual contact with a patient
- Abuse or threaten a patient physically or mentally
- Provide services for which they have not been trained or licensed
- Focus on their own problems rather than on the patient's problems
- Go beyond providing social work to a patient, such as developing a friendship, lending a patient money, hiring a patient to work for them, etc.
What happens if I choose to file a complaint?
After your complaint is received by the New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners, it is sent to the Complaint Committee. The Committee will review your complaint and take appropriate action. Click here for details about complaint procedures.
Licensure
Does the New Mexico Board of Social Work Examiners have reciprocity with any other states?
No, The Board of Social Work Examiners has licensure by credentials. In order to obtain a license by credentials you must meet the following requirements:
- Applicants must have a current valid social work license issued by an appropriate examining board under the laws of any other state or territory of the US or the District of Columbia or any sovereign nation at the level of licensure being sought for a minimum of five years.
- Passing test scores from the Association of Social Work Boards for licensure level sought
- A baccalaureate degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program, if applying for the LBSW, or a masters degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program, if applying for the LMSW or LISW
- Present to the NM board all documentationrequired to certify that any other license granted to the applicant by any other state has not been suspended, revoked, voluntarily surrendered or otherwise restricted for any reason except non-renewal or for failure to obtain the required continuing education credits
- Verification the applicant has completed one of the following:
- A three credit hour course in New Mexico cultures listed on the applicants transcripts
- A board approved course, workshop or seminar in New Mexico cultures
- Proof of pervious passing the New Mexico cultural examination
Once the following documentation is on file for you, a provisional license may be issued:
- Completed application for licensure (pages 1-3 for LBSWs and LMSWs, pages 1-4 for LISWs). The application must be submitted with a check or money order for the appropriate fee and a current 2" X 2" photo. The application must also be signed and notarized.
- Official Transcripts sent from the conferring institution directly to the Board office with BSW or MSW posted
- Completed form titled "Statement of Registration, Certification, or Licensure in another state", to be submitted directly to the Board Office from the conferring agency. This form is only required for individuals who are or have been registered, certified, or licensed as a social worker in another state.
- Completed form entitled "Supervisor's Verification of Applicant's Social Work Experience and Supervision", to be submitted directly to the Board Office from the conferring supervisor(s). This form is required for LISW applicants only.
How long does it take for a provisional license to be issued after all my required documentation is on file?
After all required documentation is on file for you, a provisional license will be issued within two weeks.
How long is a provisional license valid?
A provisional license is valid for one year from the date of issue.
May I be issued more than one provisional license?
You may only be issued one provisional license per level of licensure.
Can a provisional license be extended?
A qualified provisional licensee may apply for an extension of a provisional license if he or she fails to sit for the examination due to extenuating circumstances. These circumstances are defined as serious, physician-verified illness or death in the immediate family, and military service. The extenuating circumstances must be presented in writing for the Board Administrator's consideration on a case by case basis. The extended provisional license will not exceed four (4) months under any circumstances.
Supervision and Postgraduate Experience
What are the supervision and postgraduate experience requirements that need to be met to become a Licensed Independent Social Worker?
Applicants for licensure at the Independent level, must document a minimum of 3,600 hours of post graduate social work experience and 90 hours of supervision which has been accumulated over no more than a 60 month period and can not be completed in less than two years. At least one hour of supervision must be documented for every 40 hours worked.
Who is an appropriate supervisor?
Supervision must be provided by a Licensed Independent Social Worker.
Is group supervision acceptable?
Yes, but no more than 60% of the 90 hours of supervision may be group supervision. A group is defined as four individuals or fewer.
How do I document the supervision and post graduate social work experience hours?
The supervisor(s) must fill out the form entitled "Supervisor's Verification of Applicant's Social Work Experience and Supervision," to be submitted directly to the Board Office from the conferring supervisor(s). This form is page five and six of the Application for Licensure. A separate form should be used by each supervisor.
