School Social Work Specialization

What is School Social Work?
School social work is a specialized field of practice that provides support to students to help them achieve their goals. They assess for barriers to learning and equip the child and their family to advocate for supportive services. With specific training in systems theory, special education law, and school law, they assist schools to understand the connection between human development, education, justice, mental health, and families. (Michigan Association of School Social Workers, 2018) Western Michigan University School of Social Work is committed to preparing students for direct service and leadership positions in the field of school social work.

State Approval for School Social Workers

Western Michigan’s MSW program fulfills the educational component of the state requirements for approval as a school social worker. Detailed Michigan Department of Education (MDE) requirements can be found at www.michigan.gov. Please note that these are state-specific requirements. If you are seeking to pursue school social work approval in another state, please contact that state’s licensing board. 

Step 1: Complete State Eligibility Requirements

  • Completed MSW degree - At least one interpersonal practice course (grade "B" or better)
  • Completion of school social work courses SWRK 6200, SWRK 6210, SWRK 6220 (grade "B" or better)
  • 500 hours at a qualifying internship with children and families (school setting is preferred) 

Register for the Post MSW School Social Work Courses

Step 2: Temporary Approval as School Social Worker

  • Send the Recommendation for Temporary Approval as a School Social Worker form (REC:SSW 310) to WMU School Social Work Coordinator
  • WMU will grant REC:SSW 310 if all requirements have been met (valid for 5 years)
  • Obtain a job as a school social worker (SSW). This employer will complete the REC:SSW 310 form
  • Michigan Department of Education (MDE) will grant temporary approval as an SSW

Step 3: Approval as a School Social Worker (SSW)

  • Complete one full year of employment in a school setting under the supervision of a fully approved school social worker
  • If you meet the requirements, your employer will apply for full approval status
  • The Michigan Department of Education will issue full approval
  • Maintain your approval status by remaining employed as a school social worker 

Approval Renewal

If you do not secure and maintain employment as a school social worker, refer to the chart below for renewal options.

Years since last school social work employment

Steps to renewal

0-5 years

No refresher courses needed. Use original 310 form to apply for employment and temporary approval.

6-9 years

Complete a refresher course. WMU does not currently offer refresher courses. Submit verification of coursework and field placement completion to WMU. WMU will issue a new REC:SSW 310 form.

10+ years

Repeat all coursework and field placement, completing all steps in the approval process.

WMU Alumni seeking School Social Work training:

WMU does not currently offer the school social work training as continuing education courses. However, if you have completed at least 500 hours in an approved children and families or school social work setting within the past five years, you may take the required three courses as a returning non-degree seeking student (find application here). Then you can complete the steps indicated in the chart to be approved as a school social worker. 

Contact

Phone: 269-387-3200
Email: swrk-admi@wmich.edu