school social work certificate faqs

What does a school social worker do?

The School Social Work Association of America states that school social workers “provide a focused reach to support all students specifically in areas of social-emotional learning and mental health needs, and are uniquely trained to integrate the school, community, and family context into interventions and resource referrals. School social work interventions reduce barriers to learning enabling students to be physically, mentally, and emotionally present and ready to learn in the classrooms.” 

Learn more: Who Are School Social Workers

Where do school social workers practice?

Public, private, charter, and cyber schools.

What steps does an MSW student at WCU have to take in order to earn a WCU-issued school social work certificate?

We have created a checklist that outlines each of the steps that you must take to earn a WCU-issued school social work certificate. Review this checklist for more detailed information.

What steps does a social worker have to take to obtain the School Social Worker Educational Specialist certificate in Pennsylvania*? 

  1. Complete a school social worker certification program that is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education
  2. Graduate with an MSW (the program must be accredited by the Council of Social Work Education)
  3. Earn your social work licensure as either an LSW or an LCSW through the Pennsylvania Department of State
  4. Submit an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Education via the TIMS educator online certification system

Learn more:    

Is WCU’s School Social Work Certificate program an approved program through the Pennsylvania Department of Education?

Yes, our program has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 

What services can I provide to youth as a School Social Worker Educational Specialist+? 

  • Complete assessments
  • Create, recommend and implement interventions
  • Provide crisis and emergency assistance
  • Provide individual and group therapy 
  • Provide supportive case management to children and families
  • Provide caregiver counseling and training
  • Connect youth and families to community supports
  • Collaborate with stakeholders
  • Consult and collaborate with educational professionals to promote student learning
  • Support staff with inter-agency collaboration
  • Develop programs and systems to promote student welfare
  • Engage in interdisciplinary panels
  • Participate in collaborative initiatives

What grade levels can I work with+? 

Pre-kindergarten to 12th grade

I'm interested in WCU’s School Social Work Certificate program, but not sure if it's right for me. Who can I contact to learn more about the program?

Please feel free to contact Dr. Meagan Corrado for more information.

Does the NASW offers a school social work credential?

Yes, the NASW offers a Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) credential. To obtain this credential, you must complete the following steps:

  1. Earn an MSW from a CSWE accredited program
  2. Complete at least 2 years of supervised experience as a school social worker
  3. Hold either (1) a state social work license or (2) a school social work license, registration, or certificate that has been issued by the designated state office
  4. Complete the NASW credentialing process

Learn more: NASW Certified School Social Work Specialist

Where can I access more detailed information about school social work practice?

*For those graduating with their MSW prior to 8/1/26, there is a process that allows you to be grandfathered in as a School Social Worker Educational Specialist. 
+Information taken from the Pennsylvania Department of Education website

   

Important Acronyms

CSWE – Council for Social Work Education
LCSW – Licensed Clinical Social Worker
LSW – Licensed Social Worker
NASW – National Association of Social Workers
PASSWP – Pennsylvania Association of School Social Work Personnel
PDE – Pennsylvania Department of Education
SSWAA – School Social Work Association of America