Social work in schools
Preliminary approval by the State Department of Education is required for employment as a school social worker. The School of Social Work can recommend preliminary approval to the State Department of Education on behalf of MSW graduates with the submission of the SSW-310 paperwork.
Did you know...
- School social workers, school counselors, school psychologists and school nurses are frequently the first to see children who are sick, stressed, traumatized & who may act out, or may hurt themselves.
- Students are 21 times more likely to visit school-based health centers for treatment than anywhere else.
- Schools that employ more school-based mental health providers see improved attendance rates, lower rates of suspension or other disciplinary incidents, expulsion, improved academic achievement, career preparation and graduation rates.
- Almost half of the total social work workforce works in schools with children.
More than 10 million students are in schools without school social workers. The social, emotional & behavioral needs of these students aren't being met. Want to change that? Consider becoming a school social worker! School social work is a specialized field of practice within the social work profession that according to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) "acts as the connection for school, home, and community services to help children with emotional, developmental, and educational needs." School social workers work as part of interdisciplinary support teams in public and private schools, preschool programs, and in some cases social service agencies and residential centers for children. Learn more from NASW
Eligibility
Preliminary approval by the State Department of Education is required for employment as a school social worker. The WSU School Social Work Approval Coordinator will verify the credentials of applicants and provide Preliminary Approval to the Michigan State Department of Education. Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Received your MSW (interpersonal concentration) from Wayne State University
- Completed 500 documented MSW practicum hours working with children ages 0 - 18 years OR completed 500 documented post-graduate social work hours working while supervised by an LMSW. These hours may also be combined to total 500 hours (you may have completed a portion during your MSW program and a portion post-graduation to total the required 500). Please note that students who enter the MSW program with Advanced Standing and enroll in a two-day a week practicum placement must complete an additional 50 clock hours to meet this 500-hour requirement.
- Must hold a valid LLSW or LMSW issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
- Completed a Michigan approved school social worker preparation program. If completed at WSU, this must include a B or better grade in SW 8180 Social Services in the School and SW 8330 Psychosocial Assessment of Children and Youth
- Completion of the 2 School Social Work Courses:
- SW 8180 Social Services in the School
- SW 8330 Psychosocial Assessment of Children and Youth
Please note that we offer SW 8180 and SW 8330 through our WSU School Social Work Continuing Education Office.
If you earned your MSW from Wayne State University or have any eligibility questions please contact our WSU School Social Work Approval Coordinator Karen Weiner at ah9301@wayne.edu before you register for the courses. If you earned your MSW from another university in Michigan, you need to contact the preliminary approval coordinator for that university before you register.
Steps
- Complete credential eligibility requirements (see above)
- Upload verificiation of credentials via the Preliminary School Social Worker Approval form
- Application materials are reviewed by the WSU School Social Work Approval Coordinator and you will be contacted via email in 3 - 5 weeks with your review status and next steps.
Student perspective
To make a difference in the world, you have to make an impact on the individual. Choosing the School Social Work program was the start of my pathway to becoming someone's support that they need in their life. - MSW Alexis Schankowsk
Contact
Karen Weiner, LMSW, C-SSW
WSU School Social Work Approval Coordinator
ah9301@wayne.edu