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School Social Work Competency Series

A School Social Worker is a specialized role within the social work field. They connect schools, homes, and communities to support student success. Working closely with school administration, they lead the development of discipline policies, mental health interventions, crisis management strategies, and various support services.

 

  • The School Social Worker Competency Series is designed for individuals with an MSW looking to enhance their expertise in social work interventions within educational settings. It focuses on assessment and the integration of psychological and educational testing for children with special needs. This series aligns with the educational standards established by the Michigan Department of Education.

 

  • All School Social Worker classes listed below are available on a rotating schedule. These courses are conducted entirely online and follow a semester-long format. Participants can take the courses in any order they choose.

 

  • Please be aware: All School Social Worker continuing education courses are eligible for continuing education contact hour credits. In Michigan, Social Workers can earn up to 50% of the required continuing education contact hours through online or electronic formats. If you reside outside of Michigan, please consult your state's social work regulatory body for specific guidelines.

School Social Worker Eligibility Requirements

Learn about eligibility requirements to become a School Social Worker in Michigan here.

If you reside outside of Michigan, we recommend reaching out to the Department of Education in the state where you plan to practice to understand the competencies and requirements established by that state.

Registration:

Course Listing and Registration Information

 

Class Listing:

To take the following 3 courses in the School Social Worker Competency Series you must have an MSW. All courses are 36 online CECHs and offered 3 times per year.

475-School Social Work Intervention: Children with Special Needs

This interactive, online, 7-week course delves into the integral place of assessment within the roles and functions of school social work services. Theoretical and practical knowledge about how psychological & educational testing and measurement procedures are included in problem-solving processes within schools and are embedded within the broader context of psycho-social assessment that leads to evidence-based interventions are examined.

473-Social Work in Educational Settings

The course explores social work practice in educational settings through an ecological lens that is grounded in the ethics, values, and standards of the social work profession. The course provides an overview of the theoretical foundation and policy context, the educational mandates for students with disabilities, and the foundations for multi-tiered interventions and evidence-informed practice in the school setting. It considers the needs of students, families, teachers, administrators, and the larger school community and the challenges and opportunities facing these diverse client groups with a particular focus on social justice, diversity and inequality, and human rights. Learners examine school social work roles and opportunities related to interdisciplinary leadership, collaboration, and advocacy. 

474-School Social Work Assessment: Integrating Psychological & Educational Testing

This instructor led, online, 7-week course considers School Social Work practice in the host setting of pre-K-12 schools. It examines the challenges and opportunities of social work practice in educational settings by addressing the roles and functions of School Social Workers within a complex ecological system of home/school/community. Topics are addressed from a MTSS, Multi-Tiered System of Supports approach to School Social Work practice. Prevention and intervention with students in general education and special education are examined. This course delves into the integral place of assessment within the general education classroom and with the MET, Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team for special education eligibility. This includes theoretical and practical knowledge about how psychological & educational testing and measurement procedures are conducted. The problem-solving processes, psycho-social assessment, and evidence-based interventions are examined.

If you are a current MSU MSW student you may apply for the School Social Work Certificate Program.

PRELIMINARY OR PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER CERTIFICATE: For information regarding Preliminary SSW Certificate (previously called Temporary Approval 310), and the Professional School Social Worker Certificate click here.

For questions you can email us at swkce@msu.edu