Budget Amendment ID: FY2015-S4-904-R2

2nd Redraft EHS 904

DCF Social Worker Licensing

Mr. Eldridge, Ms. Spilka, Messrs. Donnelly and Lewis moved that the proposed new text be amended moved that the bill be amended by inserting after section 19 the following section:-

“SECTION 19A. Section 7 of chapter 18B of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by adding the following subsection:-

(o) The commissioner shall require all social workers employed by the department to obtain a license as a social worker pursuant to section 131 of chapter 112 within the first 6 months of employment.  The commissioner shall require social workers employed by the department to participate in not less than 30 hours per year of paid professional development training; provided, however, that such training shall be consistent with applicable collective bargaining agreements. The commissioner of children and families may promulgate regulations to establish a hardship waiver process to ensure access for underserved populations.