Become a Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager

Major Takeaways:

The C-ASWCM credential is a respected certification from NASW that recognizes advanced expertise in social work case management.
To qualify, applicants must hold an MSW degree, have 3,000+ hours of supervised case management experience, and maintain licensure.
Earning this certification leads to career advancement, higher salaries, and increased credibility in complex social work settings.
The application process involves submitting documentation, paying a fee, and completing 20 CEUs every two years for renewal.

There’s a growing demand for skilled case managers in social work because of the:

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Increased awareness and prevalence of mental health and substance abuse issues
Aging population
The increasing complexity of social and economic challenges that individuals and families face

Do you want to be on the frontline of it and make a positive difference? Consider becoming a Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM).

You’ll enjoy a wide range of benefits that come from being a C-ASWCM. For starters, you can earn between $90,000 and $100,000+ per year in salary.

Note that social workers earned $61,330/year in median wages (BLS, May 2024). The highest earners raked in more than $99,500/year.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) grants the C-ASWCM credential. The C-ASWCM credential is a professional certification that recognizes advanced-level social workers.

We’ll cover what it takes to earn C-ASWCM certification – education, experience, and process. Then, we’ll discuss its benefits in more detail.

Related:

What Is the Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager (C-ASWCM)?

The C-ASWCM credential is:

A professional credential recognizing advanced knowledge and skills in social work case management
A certification intended for licensed social workers who meet strict eligibility requirements
Evidence of expertise in the management of complex client needs

In short, earning it validates your advanced competencies in case management. You must apply for it through the NASW. This is the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the US.

Once you’re a C-ASWCM, you’ll serve diverse populations in settings like:

Healthcare facilities
Mental health organizations
Child and family services
Substance abuse treatment centers
Housing assistance
Aging and elder care centers
Community-based organizations

Suffice it to say that you can – and should – make a positive impact on people’s lives.

Benefits of Becoming a C-ASWCM

Why become a C-ASWCM despite the challenges that becoming and being one bring? Here are the benefits that will make it worth your while.

Career advancement opportunities

You’ll be a strong candidate for leadership and advanced positions in the social work field.

Higher earning potential

You have a stronger negotiating position with an advanced certification on your resume.

Greater credibility and professional recognition

You’ll enjoy these benefits because the C-ASWCM credential isn’t easy to achieve.

Enhanced skill set in managing complex social work cases

You have the advanced knowledge and skills to carry out more complex tasks than, say, a CSWCM.

Opens doors to leadership and supervisory roles

You’re more competitive for supervisory, administrative, and policy-making roles.

Education Requirements for C-ASWCM Certification

If you’re wondering how to become a C-ASWCM, here are the basic steps. Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program. But remember that it’s only the first step – a BSW isn’t sufficient to earn the C-ASWCM credential.

You must earn a Master of Social Work degree from a CSWE-accredited program. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the only accreditation agency for social work programs in the US.

When choosing an MSW program, check if its coursework includes focused study on:

Case management
Clinical social work
Behavioral policy
Systems theory and policy

If you’re a working professional, consider online or hybrid programs. You’ll enjoy their flexible schedule, affordable costs, and convenient access.

Then, there are also accelerated MSW programs with 12-18 months of time-to-completion. But these are intensive programs that demand effective time management and study habits.

Supervised Experience Requirements

Earning the social work case manager certification doesn’t stop with an MSW degree. You must also meet strict supervised experience requirements.

Here are the key points you must remember to meet them.

At least two years or 3,000 hours of paid supervised experience in social work case management. You must gain supervised experience after earning your MSW degree.
The supervised experience must involve direct delivery of case management services. These include client assessment, advocacy, service coordination, and monitoring outcomes. You must keep detailed records of your performance as proof.
The supervision must be provided by either of the following. In either case, the supervising professional must verify and support your skills development:
- Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
- Qualified clinical social work professional

You must keep accurate and complete records of your supervised hours. Otherwise, you can fall short of the advanced social work case management requirements.

Remember these best practices to do so.

Keep a detailed log of the hours you’ve worked. Log in the dates, case types, and supervision sessions.
Get a signed verification form from your supervisor on a regular basis. If you get it at the end of your supervised experience, it can be a challenge.
Use physical tracking and/or digital tracking tools. A binder system is a good idea, but try MS Excel or digital log apps (e.g., HoursTracker), too. Check that you’re following NASW requirements.

Are you having trouble finding supervised positions? No, it isn’t an easy task, but it’s essential to earn the NASW C-ASWCM credential. But you can overcome its challenges by keeping these tips in mind.

Explore your options in a wide range of workplaces.
Prioritize positions in mental health, healthcare, social services, and aging.
Look for positions with “care coordinator” or “case manager” in the job description.
Confirm if, indeed, an LCSW or other qualified professional will provide the supervision.
Prioritize roles that involve systems navigation and/or interdisciplinary teams.

Be patient and persistent, too.

NASW C-ASWCM Certification Application Process

You must apply to the NASW Credentialing Center to start the certification process. Here’s a breakdown of the process to make it more manageable.

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility.

Check that, indeed, you meet the C-ASWCM education requirements and others, particularly:

Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program
Valid social work license
C-ASWCM supervised experience of at least 3,000 hours over two years, minimum

Step 2: Gather the required documents.

You must have valid documents to prove your education and supervised experience.

MSW transcript of records from the college attended
Proof of social work licensure
Work verification forms
Supervisor references

Step 3: Complete the online application through the NASW credentialing center.

Check that all required fields contain accurate and complete information. Confirm that your supporting documents have been uploaded, too.

Step 4: Pay the application fee.

The application fee depends on your membership status, as follows:

$165 for NASW members
$350 for non-members

The application fee is non-refundable. So, it’s crucial to ensure a complete and accurate application before submission.

Step 5: Await review and credential approval.

The estimated processing time varies depending on application volume and other factors. But it typically takes between four and six weeks.

If you want a smooth application process, keep these tips in mind.

Double-check your online application and supporting documents for completeness and accuracy.
Check for signatures and proper dates, too.
Use NASW’s guidelines and checklists.
Contact your supervisors ASAP for your references.
Keep physical and digital copies of your documents.

There is no certification exam to become a C-ASWCM. But you must adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics.

Continuing Education and Renewal Requirements

The C-ASWCM credential must be renewed every two years. You must complete 20 hours of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) per cycle.

At least three CEUs must be in ethics (e.g., professional conduct). The remaining CEUs must be focused on:

Case management
Clinical best practices
Policy

Here are tips to stay current:

Use NASW CE Institute, PESI, CE4Less.
Attend national conferences or local workshops.

Tracking your CEUs and submitting for renewal is easier with these tips:

Maintain a detailed record of your CEUs.
Submit your renewal application form ASAP.

Maintaining your NASW certification for case managers is a must for many reasons. You’ll want to take advantage of the benefits that it brings, for one thing.

Top Resources to Prepare for the C-ASWCM Credential

Explore these professional development platforms:

NASW Continuing Education for on-demand and live courses
Social Work Online CE Institute for NASW-approved CEU courses
University certificate programs for a wide range of courses

Consider books and journals to enhance your case management knowledge, too.

Do you want valuable application and supervision insights? Join peer groups and mentorship programs.

Career Paths and Work Settings for C-ASWCM Professionals

The beauty of being a clinical social work case manager is the diverse opportunities it brings.

Job titles may include:

Clinical Case Manager
Hospital Social Worker
Behavioral Health Case Manager
Lead Social Work Supervisor

Work settings include:

Hospitals and health systems
Government and human services agencies
Mental health centers
Schools and educational institutions
Nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups

Conclusion: Your Path to Becoming a C-ASWCM

Become a Certified Advanced Social Work Case Manager and reap the rewards soon. Enjoy more career advancement opportunities as a social worker.

But prepare early, too. Choose the right education pathways, secure strong supervision, and stay organized.

Remember, too, that it isn’t all about you. You have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of clients.

Ready to take the next step? Explore the certification requirements on the NASW Credentialing Center website.