School Social Worker

Socialworkdegree; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 45,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A forward-thinking organization is seeking a dedicated school social worker to enhance the well-being and academic success of students. This role involves providing vital mental health support, implementing treatment plans, and collaborating with educators to foster a positive school environment. As a school social worker, you will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between home, school, and community, ensuring that students receive the necessary support to overcome challenges. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and adolescents, this opportunity offers a rewarding career path in a dynamic and impactful field.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work is essential, MSW preferred.
• Licensure from the state board of education is required.

Responsibilities

• Implement treatment plans and provide therapeutic services to students.
• Consult with faculty and perform community outreach.

Skills

Mental Health Support

Crisis Management

Therapeutic Services

Community Outreach

Assessment Skills

Education

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Tools

ASWB Exam

Continuing Education Programs

Job description

Whether you’re already a social worker or want to get into the field, one position that might be of interest to you is a school social worker. This career gives you the opportunity to help children and adolescents improve their health and well-being while also reaching their full academic potential.

What is a School Social Worker?

A school social worker is a mental health professional who has received extensive training. You can earn a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or Master of Social Work (MSW) to gain the education necessary to start this career. In this position, you’ll be the link between the school, home, and the broader community. Your services can be provided to students and their families for the purpose of helping students improve their social and academic standing.

The exact qualifications you need depend on the school you apply with. Along with a bachelor’s degree, you may be expected to earn a license from the state you work in. The job responsibilities you’re tasked with performing can vary as well. For instance, you’ll likely be expected to perform assessments of a student’s social and academic history. You may also need to determine if students are experiencing peer pressure, substance use, or notable obstacles to academic performance. Your everyday responsibilities can involve:

• Implementing treatment plans
• Providing therapeutic services to students and their families
• Consulting with administrators and faculty members
• Helping special needs students
• Administering crisis management services
• Performing home visits
• Conducting community outreach
• Helping staff members make improvements to their teaching methodologies.

How to Become a School Social Worker

The exact path to obtaining this job differs with each state. Since school social work is often considered to be a social work specialization and career advancement opportunity, you’ll likely need to earn a Master of Social Work as well as the right license.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

When you wish to start a career that involves social work, your first step involves earning a bachelor’s degree. Even though most jobs will require an MSW degree, a BSW teaches you about the basics and most important components of social work. Obtaining this degree is also a requisite for most MSW programs.

Consider State Requirements

Since most school social workers are employees of schools or school districts, you’ll need to obtain authorization from your state’s board of education if you want to practice this type of social work in the community. Because licensing requirements can vary substantially, it’s essential that you do your research to understand what steps you need to take to enter this field.

Think About Earning a Higher Degree

Even though state requirements can vary when it comes to licensing, nearly every state requires these social workers to have an MSW that’s CSWE-accredited. The topics your curriculum should cover while you’re completing your education requirements include school violence prevention, child welfare, and adolescent mental health.

If you enter an accredited MSW program, you’ll likely need to complete around 900-1,200 practicum hours in hospitals, schools, and social service agencies. The experience you gain while in the field allows you to have a better understanding of how to provide care to real people while being overseen by a field instructor.

Seek Employment

Once you’ve received approval from the state and have obtained your license, you can begin to apply for jobs at schools and school districts in your vicinity. In general, you’ll want to submit a comprehensive list of your credentials alongside letters of recommendation and a well-written cover letter.

Licensure, Certifications, and Continuing Ed

Every state has unique requirements for licensure, certifications, and continuing education. Before you can earn a license, you must first request that you be allowed to complete the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) exam. This exam must be passed before you can receive your license. If the state approves this request, it’s possible for you to register to take the ASWB licensing exam.

Once you’ve obtained an MSW, you’re able to apply for certification or licensure in the state you currently live in. Most states require license holders to complete around 40 hours of continuing education on two-year intervals to maintain their license.

Some school social worker positions ask for applicants to have extra credentials, which could be something like the Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS). By obtaining this certification, you’re showing potential employers that you’re going above and beyond to improve your resume and become qualified for any position.