![]() ![]() Then, apply to your state licensing board.Įxact licensing requirements vary by state, but you can stay updated with your state’s prerequisites through ASWB’s website. After meeting the education and experience requirements for licensure, you must pass a clinical exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Obtain Licensureīecoming licensed as a school social worker qualifies you to provide clinical services independently. While exact requirements and training duration vary by state, be prepared to invest about 2,000 to 3,000 hours. To become a social worker, all states require hands-on experience in supervised clinical settings before applying for licensure. Complete Supervised Experience and Training Earning an MSW is a prerequisite for becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) as this degree equips students with diagnostic and psychotherapy skills.Įarning an MSW takes about two years and 60 credits, after which graduates must undergo supervised clinical training before applying for licensure. MSW programs build on graduates’ foundational knowledge of the field while offering opportunities for specialized education. However, they must earn master of social work (MSW) degrees to practice. ![]() Obtaining a BSW requires 120 credits and takes about four years of full-time study.īachelor’s degree holders with degrees in related majors including psychology, public policy, social science and political science can also become school social workers. Earn a Bachelor’s DegreeĪ bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) is the minimum academic requirement to become a school social worker however, a BSW only qualifies graduates for entry-level, non-clinical positions.īSW course requirements differ by college, but social work undergraduate curricula typically include topics in child development, psychology, behavioral science, human rights policies and social work ethics. CSWE accreditation, which is usually required for social work licensure, indicates that a degree program meets industry standards. Steps To Become A School Social Workerīecoming a licensed school social worker requires years of education and supervised experience before passing a state-specific licensing exam.īefore enrolling in any social work degree program, you should verify its accreditation status with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). During counseling sessions, school social workers look for signs of child abuse or neglect and report any concerns to the authorities. They help students develop proper social skills, manage their emotions and build habits that enable academic success. Promoting student welfare is the primary role of school social workers. School social workers’ responsibilities include educating and training teachers and non-teaching staff to help them understand the likely causes of students’ poor academic performance or attention-seeking behavior. Using strong communication and collaboration skills, school social workers encourage communal support between schools and communities through donations, volunteering and mentorship to help students succeed. Liaising Between the School and the Community They help parents access professional help and other resources for children experiencing emotional distress. Part of a social worker’s job is counseling parents on creating balanced family routines that improve their children’s academic and social well-being. They also help administrators in the district develop policies that protect students living with disabilities. School social workers partner with school districts to develop alternative educational programs for gifted children and those with special needs. Given the delicate nature of their job, school social workers need high levels of patience, empathy, verbal and non-verbal communication skills, critical thinking and emotional intelligence. In cases of emotional and domestic distress, these professionals relay incidents to students’ families, school-appointed therapists or Child Protective Services, depending on the situation. School social workers are also responsible for following up with the appropriate authorities, depending on the students’ needs. School social workers identify students’ challenges through one-on-one or group counseling sessions and collaborate with teachers and school administration to help students overcome academic struggles. They either represent the government or private welfare agencies. Most school social workers practice in K-12 schools, while others assist children in residential care settings. School social workers are licensed mental health professionals who support students’ academic, emotional and social welfare. ![]()
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