Social Work can be challenging and difficult, however, it can also be very rewarding. That's what first attracted Shelley to the field when she was in college and thinking about career choices. In the ten years since she earned her license and started her career, she has helped many clients through difficult situations, often making a positive difference in their lives. Once she made her career choice, Shelley, like more than ten thousand other social workers in the state, had her first contact with the Minnesota Board of Social Work when she took the national examination and was licensed. Currently, she works with the board as it investigates and resolves a complaint filed against her. Operating with a 15-member board appointed by the governor and a small staff, this state agency is charged with protecting the public by regulating Social Work practice in four main areas. The board ensures that applicants meet licensing standards, issues licenses to qualified applicants who pass an examination, oversees continuing education and supervision requirements, and investigates and resolves written complaints against applicants and licensees. The Board of Social Work is directed by Minnesota statute to promote and protect the public health, safety, and welfare by licensing and regulating Social Work and those who practice it. This video is designed to give you a general overview of how the board investigates and resolves complaints. The process will vary depending on the facts of a specific case. A letter, like the one Shelley is reading, is generally the first formal step in the compliance process. After the board receives a complaint written by board staff, these letters provide information about the allegations made in the complaint and ask for a written response. In compliance with the Minnesota Data Practices Act, the person filing the complaint is not identified in...