What is a defining characteristic of a certified independent social worker?

A defining characteristic of a certified independent social worker is that they may practice social work independently. This designation indicates that the social worker has met the required educational and licensing standards, allowing them to deliver services without the need for supervision or oversight from a licensed practice social worker. This autonomy enables independent social workers to provide a wide range of services, including therapy, case management, and advocacy, based on their expertise and training.

In contrast, the possibility of only referring clients to other resources is too limiting to describe the scope of practice for certified independent social workers. The ability to conduct assessments without supervision speaks to the independence of practice but is not the comprehensive defining characteristic since it doesn't encapsulate the full breadth of their capabilities. Lastly, specializing only in group therapy does not accurately represent the diverse range of practices that independent social workers can engage in, as they are trained to address individual, family, and community needs in various formats.