Wyo. Code R. 078-0001-6
Effective Date: 06/03/2015 to 07/26/2019
Rule Type: Superceded Rules & Regulations
Reference Number: 078.0001.6.06032015
Section 1. The Practice of a Certified Social Worker. The practice of a Certified Social Worker is the application of social work theory and methods to the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of psychosocial dysfunction, disability or impairment, including emotional and mental disorders, under the supervision of a designated qualified clinical supervisor licensed in the state of Wyoming as well as administrative supervision of an employer.
(a) The practice of a Certified Social Worker may be either face-to-face that involves the synchronous interaction between an individual or groups of individuals using what is seen and heard in person to communicate, or
(b) Via methods of electronic delivery that involves the use of electronic or other means (e.g. telephone, computers, etc.) to provide the service.
(i) When using electronic delivery means, all use must be in compliance with all professional ethical standards and all other requirements in these rules;
(ii) Special care should be taken to ensure the confidentiality and security of the provision of services; and
(iii) The Certified Social Worker shall provide only those services that are legal within the state that the recipient of services lives.
Section 2. General Requirements for Certification. Applicants shall have six (6) months from the date of employment to become certified. This grace period applies only to individuals who have submitted an application to the Board. Applicants must pass the exam within six (6) months of the date of employment as a Certified Social Worker in the State. If the applicant fails to pass the exam in that six (6) month time frame, the applicant shall immediately stop working as a Certified Social Worker. Providing the services regulated by this Act prior to submitting an application to the Board may result in the denial of the application. The Board may, for good cause shown, grant an extension of this grace period. It is the sole responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the Board receives all documentation necessary to prove to the Board's satisfaction that the applicant meets all the requirements for certification herein. The applicant shall provide satisfactory evidence to the Board that they:
(a) are of majority age;
(b) have no felony convictions, and no misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude, although exceptions to this requirement may be granted by the Board if consistent with the public interest;
(c) are legal inhabitants of the United States; and (d) satisfy the requirements established in these rules.
Section 3. Education Requirement for Certification. All educational requirements for certification shall be met through the completion of a Council on Social Work Education accredited baccalaureate degree program in social work.
Section 4. Professional Recommendation Requirement for Certification. Applicants shall demonstrate their integrity, professionalism and character in social work through three (3) professional recommendations which attest to the applicant’s abilities and professional performance.
(a) The Board shall accept a passing score as established by the examination provider on one of the following examinations:
(i) The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) examination at the Bachelor’s or Master’s Level; or
(ii) Other examination as may be approved by the Board.
(b) Applicants are allowed only three (3) attempts to pass the exam requirement. The Board may allow an applicant to make one (1) more attempt to pass the exam requirement upon approval of a remediation plan submitted by the applicant.
Section 6. Certification by Reciprocity. An individual holding a certification in good standing to engage in the practice of social work under the laws of another state having certification requirements substantially similar to those required by the Act and these rules may, upon approval of the board, be issued a certification as an Social Worker in this state.
(a) The terms “Certified Social Worker” or “Social Worker” shall be used only after the applicant is granted certification by the Board, and only in conjunction with activities and services that are part of the supervised employment.
(b) In the required professional disclosure statement, the Certified Social Worker shall also provide full disclosure to every client of the supervised nature of their work, which shall include the name, address and telephone number of their designated qualified clinical supervisor.
(c) The supervisory relationship shall be indicated, and the designated qualified clinical supervisor’s name, address and telephone number shall appear on all documents relating to advertisement by the Certified Social Worker.
(d) The Certified Social Worker shall comply with the National Association of Social Workers “Code of Ethics” incorporated into these rules in Chapter 15.