Social Work in School Settings

Social work in school settings is an exciting area of the field which allows social workers to assist K-12 students. School social workers help students thrive in their educational setting and overcome any barriers or challenges that may be impacting their learning. This could include family issues, physical/mental health diagnoses, disability statuses, peer relationship challenges, food/housing instability, etc. School social workers assess students' needs, help set up support plans within the school, and provide referrals or connections to outside organizations that can offer additional support to students and their families.

In order to work as a school social worker in a public school setting, social workers must be a licensed master's-level social worker (or working toward licensure), and they must be credentialed for school social work. Some MSW students enter our program with a primary interest in becoming a school social worker. Other students may be interested in working in a different setting but would like the option to pursue school social work after graduation. The School Social Worker specialization is offered within the MSW program for students who want to prepare for social work in a K-12 school setting.

There is no application process for this specialization; if the School Social Worker specialization required coursework and field hours are completed, the specialization is earned at the time of graduation. Upon conferral of the MSW degree, students who have met the requirements will receive a letter, via email, confirming completion of a state-approved educator preparation program in school social work. If a graduate has not received their certification eligibility letter within 5 weeks of degree conferral, they may contact the School's Registrar Office ([email protected]).

Completing the School Social Worker specialization during the MSW is usually helpful for obtaining credentialing in another state, but it is not always sufficient. Requirements for school social workers vary from state to state. If a student plans to practice after graduation in a state other than Michigan, it is important to research that state's school social worker requirements and, if possible, fulfill them during the MSW program. For example, the state of Michigan does not require that field hours be done in a school setting, while the state of Illinois does have this requirement. With advance planning, it is often possible to fulfill any additional requirements.

Students should talk with their academic advisor and consult with the School Social Worker specialization faculty, Zaynab K. Boussi ([email protected]), to consider whether a school-based field placement aligns best with state credentialing and professional interests.

In order to complete the School Social Worker specialization, MSW students must complete the following requirements:

• MSW from the University of Michigan School of Social Work
• Complete one of the following pathways*:
  • Children, Youth & Families
  • Interpersonal Practice in Integrated Health, Mental Health and Substance Abuse
• Complete the following MSW Courses:
  • SW 626: School Social Worker Assessments (grade of C- or above)
  • SW 628: School Social Worker Interventions (grade of C- or above)
• Complete 500 Field hours of direct, supervised practice with children and youth
  • These hours may not need to be completed in a school setting if the state where you plan to practice does not require them. It is important to check the school social worker certification requirements for each state where you plan to practice.

* Students in the Community Change or Global pathways may qualify if the field placement can accommodate 500 hours of direct, supervised practice with children and youth. These students must meet with Zaynab K. Boussi ([email protected]) to formulate a specific plan.