There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to social work. It takes a vast network of social service agencies to meet each person’s and each community’s highly complex needs. While this means new social workers have an exciting career ahead of them, moving from one stage to the next can be intimidating. With people’s well-being at stake, how do you know when you’re ready?
The answer to that question varies from person to person, but to answer it for yourself, you need two things: information and support.
At, illinoissocialworkedu.org, our team has completed hours upon hours of research to help you find both and start your social work career in Illinois. On this page, we’ve collected links to social service organizations across Illinois as well as links to helpful information on our own site. Together, these resources can help you help others.
Important Social Work Agencies in Illinois
Social work is a highly regulated field. If you plan on becoming a social worker in Illinois, there are a few prominent agencies you’ll likely have to work with and seek guidance from.
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
To become a social worker in Illinois, you must obtain a social work license through the IDFPR. This state-run agency is also in charge of enforcing professional codes of conduct, approving continuing education providers, and issuing licenses to other types of professionals.
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
The CSWE accredits schools of social work across the nation. To become accredited, schools must adhere to strict curriculum guidelines and undergo a rigorous review process. In Illinois, you must have a degree from a CSWE-accredited school to become a social worker.
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)
As Illinois’ main government social service provider, the IDHS is one of the biggest social work employers in the state. However, they’re also influential in establishing the state’s social service laws and supporting non-government providers.
The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
The IDFPR and similar agencies in all 49 other states form the ASWB. Among other duties, this organization creates and administers social work licensing exams. If you want to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Illinois, you’ll have to attempt the ASWB clinical exam at least once.
Finding the Right MSW Program
Illinois is home to about 20 CSWE-accredited MSW programs. Each one has its own degree specialties and offers a unique set of opportunities to their students. The following pages can help you find one that fits your needs, budget, and schedule.
Types of MSW Programs
MSW programs are more diverse and accessible than ever before. There are full-time and part-time programs, online, on-campus, and hybrid programs, and even accelerated programs for students with prior social work experience. This guide can help you choose the right one.
MSW Programs in Illinois: Editor’s Picks
After figuring out which type of MSW program fits you best, it’s time to investigate specific programs across the state. Our Editor’s Picks list includes information about tuition, course offerings, and other things you need to know about Illinois’ top MSW programs.
Most Affordable MSW Programs in Illinois
If a tight budget is keeping you from answering the call to advocacy, don’t write off your dream just yet. Some of Illinois’ best MSW programs cost much less than the estimated average state tuition.
Financial Resources for Social Work Students
Illinois needs more social workers. To bring more talented professionals into the fold, government agencies, nonprofits, and private organizations alike all offer financial aid. Learn about different types of aid, scholarships, and where and how to apply.
Resources for Veterans
While veterans are often the best source of support for other veterans, their experiences mean they’re adept at serving just about any vulnerable population. If you’d like to become a social worker during or after your service, find out about the many financial and support services that can help you get there.
Becoming a Social Worker in Illinois and Planning Your Career
Deciding to become a social worker is a big step. But each step is a little different. The guides in this section focus on everything from considering your career options to maintaining your license.
Licensure Requirements for Social Workers in Illinois
While organizations like the IDFPR and the NASW provide up-to-date information about social work licensing in Illinois, our guide can get you started. Learn about the different levels of licensure, fieldwork, and other requirements.
License Reciprocity
Because each state has different requirements, becoming a social worker in one state doesn’t mean you automatically qualify for licensure in another. You may have to pass additional exams or fulfill different criteria. Whether you’re moving to or from Illinois, find out what the license reciprocity process is like.
Continuing Education
Social work is constantly evolving. The IDFPR encourages professionals to keep up by requiring all licensed social workers to fulfill continuing education hours before they renew their licenses. This page breaks down the state’s continuing education rules and can help you find approved providers.
MSW Careers in Illinois
In Illinois, you can become a Licensed Social Worker with just a bachelor’s degree. However, if you want to become an LCSW or take on a more advanced role, you’ll likely need an MSW. Find out what career options are available to people with this advanced degree in Illinois.
MSW Salaries in Illinois
Social work is a calling, but even passionate advocates have bills to pay. Fortunately, Master’s-level social workers in Illinois have impressive salary potential. Our salary guide includes government-reported, state-specific income data for different types of social work professionals at all stages in their career.
But salaries and career opportunities vary widely by location. In addition to a state-wide guide, we’ve compiled salary and job information for specific cities across Illinois:
- Chicago
- Springfield
- Peoria
- Aurora
- Naperville
With these resources, a career in social work in Illinois is within your reach. If you still have a few more questions, our FAQs can give you the quick, concise answers you need to make an informed decision. But no matter what path you take, you stand to make a real impact in real people’s lives.
Professional Support Resources
Every day, social workers help people through the most challenging and seemingly hopeless moments in their lives. But social workers aren’t just experts in helping their clients. They also use their skills to help each other. Here are a few organizations in Illinois that support social service professionals.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
As the world’s largest professional social work organization, the NASW is a great resource. They advocate for legal reform, budget increases, and even provide continuing education opportunities. Through the Illinois Chapter, you can find out about local events and issues that affect Illinois social workers and the people they serve.
Illinois Association of School Social Workers (IASSW)
From the troubled public school districts of Chicago to the underserved schools of Illinois’ more rural areas, school social workers face a lot of challenges. The IASSW provides professional support by lobbying for reform, hosting conferences and retreats, and connecting social workers to potential employers.
National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) Illinois
NAMI is one of the nation’s leading mental health advocacy organizations. They have about 20 regional offices in Illinois that support local mental health initiatives and provide direct services. As a social worker, NAMI could be a powerful resource for expanding your talents, discovering new career opportunities, and finding support for the unique challenges you face.
Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care (SSWLHC) — Illinois Chapter
Established in 1965, the Illinois Chapter of the SSWLHC is instrumental to keeping the state’s healthcare services centered on whole-person care. They support their members by hosting networking events, leadership development courses, and doing everything they can to empower social workers to empower patients.