In five years of writing for various audiences, Uche has learned to simplify career-focused content for ambitious learners regardless of their qualifications. Her work is published in notable platforms such as Hackernoon and Hashnode.
Nneoma Uche Education WriterIn five years of writing for various audiences, Uche has learned to simplify career-focused content for ambitious learners regardless of their qualifications. Her work is published in notable platforms such as Hackernoon and Hashnode.
Written By Nneoma Uche Education WriterIn five years of writing for various audiences, Uche has learned to simplify career-focused content for ambitious learners regardless of their qualifications. Her work is published in notable platforms such as Hackernoon and Hashnode.
Nneoma Uche Education WriterIn five years of writing for various audiences, Uche has learned to simplify career-focused content for ambitious learners regardless of their qualifications. Her work is published in notable platforms such as Hackernoon and Hashnode.
Education Writer Brenna Swanston Deputy EditorBrenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accol.
Brenna Swanston Deputy EditorBrenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accol.
Brenna Swanston Deputy EditorBrenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accol.
Brenna Swanston Deputy EditorBrenna Swanston is an education-focused editor and writer with a particular interest in education equity and alternative educational paths. As a newswriter in her early career, Brenna's education reporting earned national awards and state-level accol.
Updated: Jul 28, 2023, 9:48am
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School social workers serve as an intersection of counseling and advocacy for school children. These professionals identify struggling students, advocate for them, and help them better adjust to academic or social life.
This guide explains how to become a school social worker, including what a school social worker does, required education, certification options and salary prospects for this role.
School social workers are licensed mental health professionals who support students’ academic, emotional and social welfare. Most school social workers practice in K-12 schools, while others assist children in residential care settings. They either represent the government or private welfare agencies.
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.
School social workers are also responsible for following up with the appropriate authorities, depending on the students’ needs. 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.
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.
School social workers partner with school districts to develop alternative educational programs for gifted children and those with special needs. They also help administrators in the district develop policies that protect students living with disabilities.
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 help parents access professional help and other resources for children experiencing emotional distress.
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.
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.
Promoting student welfare is the primary role of school social workers. They help students develop proper social skills, manage their emotions and build habits that enable academic success. During counseling sessions, school social workers look for signs of child abuse or neglect and report any concerns to the authorities.
Becoming a licensed school social worker requires years of education and supervised experience before passing a state-specific licensing exam.
Before enrolling in any social work degree program, you should verify its accreditation status with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). CSWE accreditation, which is usually required for social work licensure, indicates that a degree program meets industry standards.
A 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.
BSW 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.
Obtaining a BSW requires 120 credits and takes about four years of full-time study.
Bachelor’s degree holders with degrees in related majors including psychology, public policy, social science and political science can also become school social workers. However, they must earn master of social work (MSW) degrees to practice.
MSW programs build on graduates’ foundational knowledge of the field while offering opportunities for specialized education. Earning an MSW is a prerequisite for becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) as this degree equips students with diagnostic and psychotherapy skills.
Earning an MSW takes about two years and 60 credits, after which graduates must undergo supervised clinical training before applying for licensure.
To become a social worker, all states require hands-on experience in supervised clinical settings before applying for licensure. While exact requirements and training duration vary by state, be prepared to invest about 2,000 to 3,000 hours.
Becoming licensed as a school social worker qualifies you to provide clinical services independently. After meeting the education and experience requirements for licensure, you must pass a clinical exam administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Then, apply to your state licensing board.
Exact licensing requirements vary by state, but you can stay updated with your state’s prerequisites through ASWB’s website.
Obtaining licensure also involves completing continuing education credits and renewing your social work license. Like most licensing requirements, continuing education requirements also vary by state. To learn more, see our guide on how to become an LCSW.
Social workers in the private and public sector earn certifications to enhance their credentials, gain specialized knowledge and prove they’re qualified for certain positions. Certification validates your expertise, boosts your résumé and may lead to job opportunities or increased pay.
Certifications are optional, but school social workers can consider earning the Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) designation granted by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).
The C-SSWS credential is designed for professionals who provide students and their families with consultation, crisis intervention and advocacy. Whether they work in public or private schools, the C-SSWS designation equips school social workers to support students dealing with academic and personal challenges.
Qualification requirements for this certification include:
In May 2022, the median annual income for child, family and school social workers was $50,820, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
School social work compensation varies based on job location, industry, qualifications and experience. The lowest 10% of earners made a median income of $36,380 annually, whereas the top 90% of earners made $81,920, according to the BLS.
The BLS projects the social work industry to see a 9% employment growth from 2021 to 2031, resulting in an average of 74,700 annual job openings over the decade.
The first step to becoming a social worker in the U.S. is earning a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field. To pursue a clinical role, you must then earn an MSW from a CSWE-accredited program, complete supervised work experience and pass a licensing exam. Otherwise, your BSW degree qualifies you for entry-level or non-clinical social work positions.
Social workers help clients access necessary resources and support vulnerable people and communities. A school social worker works specifically within school systems and advocates for students facing academic, behavioral or domestic challenges.
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Education WriterIn five years of writing for various audiences, Uche has learned to simplify career-focused content for ambitious learners regardless of their qualifications. Her work is published in notable platforms such as Hackernoon and Hashnode.
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