History of the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers
The Oregon State Board of Licensed Social Workers was created in 1979 by legislature and is authorized by ORS 675.510 - 675.600 to regulate social work in Oregon.
The Board of Licensed Social Workers (Board) is statutorily responsible to protect the citizens of Oregon through the regulation of social workers. This is accomplished by setting policy, establishing standards of practice and ethical conduct, establishing standards for certification and licensure, including renewals, and monitoring continuing education requirements. The Board is comprised of seven members, appointed by the Governor, and confirmed by the Senate. Three members must be licensed clinical social workers, one must hold one of the other three licenses, and the other three must be members of the public and not be licensed social workers. The Board licenses and regulates approximately 8,000 social workers. The Boards licensure program covers two clinical licenses (CSWA and LCSW), and two non-clinical license types (LMSW and RBSW). The Board's compliance program covers cases alleging the unlicensed practice of clinical social work and violations of the professional standards for social workers. The Board's responsibilities and functions are administered by a staff of six.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Board is to protect the citizens of Oregon through the licensing and regulation of social workers.
Meet the Oregon BLSW Board Members
Board Chair Amy Ashton-Williams, LCSW
Location: Pendleton, OR
Term Number: First
Term Dates: 07/01/22022 - 06/30/2026
Vice Board Chair Mollie Janssen, LCSW
Location: Portland, OR
Term Number: Second
Term Dates: 06/30/2023-06/30/2027
Board Member Olivia Borman, CSWA
Location: Portland, OR
Term Number: First
Term Dates: 05/01/2025 - 06/30/2027
Public Board Member Nicole Pantley
Location: Pendleton, OR
Term Number: First
Term Dates: 07/01/2025 - 06/30/2029
Public Board Member Troy Costales
Location: Keizer, OR
Term Number: First
Term Dates: 11/20/2025 - 06/30/2029
Public Board Member - OPEN
Location: N/A
Term Number: N/A
Term Dates: N/A
Licensed Board Member - OPEN
Location: N/A
Term Number: N/A
Term Dates: N/A
Oregon Government Ethics Law: 2026 Guide for Public Officials
Are you interested in joining the Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers?
The Oregon Board of Licensed Social Workers is looking for individuals interested in serving on the Board as professional and public representatives. Currently, there are no openings for board members. Members of the Board of Licensed Social Workers are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
If you are interested in a Board position and would like to apply, go to the Governor's Executive Appointment Website: https://www-auth.oregon.gov/gov/Pages/board-list.aspx. or contact the Oregon BLSW Executive Director, Ray Miller at ray.miller@blsw.oregon.gov