Do CWs have to have an MSW?

FAMILY SERVICE SPECIALIST TRAINEEAs a Family Service Specialist Trainee (Bilingual or Non-Bilingual), you will perform field and office work involving collecting, analyzing and recording significant facts.Responsibilities may include responding to child abuse/neglect referrals, responding to requests for child welfare services, in-home visits and arranging for residential or foster care placements. The starting salary is $46,315.33.NOTE: During the first 12 months, employees hired in the position of Family Service Specialist Trainee (Bilingual or Non-Bilingual) will attend a comprehensive in-service training program, in addition to performing field and office casework duties.

Here's What You NeedFamily Service Specialist Trainee (Bilingual or Non-Bilingual) [LIST][*]A bachelors degree from an accredited college or university.NOTE: Bachelors in Social Work or Masters in Social Work preferred.[*]A valid driverҒs license is required to perform the essential functions of this position. Because driving of state vehicles with clients is an essential function of this position, the following may disqualify you from consideration: driving record with five points or more within the past five years; any driving under the influence conviction within the past five years; or, any combination of three motor vehicle violations/license suspensions involving the unsafe operation of a motor vehicle within the last five years.[*]The ability to read, write, speak, understand and communicate sufficiently in English to perform the duties of the position[*]For bilingual positions only, to successfully pass an examination to test your ability to communicate effectively in both Spanish and English.[/LIST]

Thanks. Very helpful.

Yup, a Bachelor's, a driver's license, and a pulse. Period.

Then why do people call them SWs? As if they are social workers?Are there specific jobs within DYFS that require an MSW?

I *believe* that most of the higher-ups are required to have the MSW (though I'm sure that could be circumvented with enough experience). The impression I get is that a lot of the issues stem from the 'Generals' having lots of book training, but no experience (hired over others straigh out of college), and the 'Soldiers' having the experience (though with the rate of turnover, meh) but little procedural education. I think it would do a lot good for both to have both... or, ya know, if everyone just actually gave a crap. That, unfortunately, doesn't seem too likely to happen anytime soon. *edit* I do know they offer assistance for current employees toget their MSW while working for DYFS. How many of them stay after the required time insteadof moving to a job that pays better, I do not know.

For the employees that use the DYFS assistance to get their MSW, they have to commit to a certain number of years with the agency after they get their degree. I think it is 3 years, but I'm not certain. And no, even the higher ups are not required to have the MSW. Promotions are determined by ranking on the civil service promotional lists!! Basically how well they do on the test (or if they get priority points for being a veteran!)

As a social worker, this is my BIGGEST pet peeve...I went through a lot of schooling, training, licensing and still am required to go through a certain amount of yearly training to hold that title... To be a caseworker at DYFS you can basically have a bachelors degree in basket weaving. Not to put down caseworkers, there are several very good ones, and a handful with MSW, LCSW...