MSW Programs
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Social Work Licensure
Social Worker Careers with an MSW Degree
Social Work Licensure
To gain a greater understanding of how these kinds of social workers operate on a day-to-day basis, Lauren Gutierrez, LCSW, Board Certified Supervisor and career school social worker, founded the Social Work Scrapbook channel on YouTube. Dedicated to shining a light on the roles and responsibilities of school social workers, Gutierrez says, “As a first-generation college student, I am proud to have a career that allows me to be the person I needed in the past. It is so important to share my journey and the impact that I have been able to make in the school system.” She has developed a large following for her insightful and informative videos. In this article, she helps to illuminate the expectations and practices of school social workers as we explore their roles, history, and continued impact.
What Do School Social Workers Do?
The School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA), the leading advocate for school social workers nationwide, outlines the expectations of the role. Centrally, the SSWAA details that school social workers must be “trained mental health professionals who can assist with mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic and classroom support, consultation with teachers, parents, and administrators, as well as provide individual and group counseling or therapy.”
By operating within these parameters, school social workers support schools’ academic missions, students’ academic success, and faculty effectiveness. As the SSWAA notes, school social workers help to connect different parties to benefit the development of students best. In these positions, school social workers bring together families, school personnel, and students to offer a robust additional foundation that promotes academic and social progress.
Core Services Provided by School Social Workers
School social workers deliver essential services that address both academic and social-emotional needs of students. These services form the foundation of comprehensive student support systems in educational settings.
- Assessment: To gain a better understanding of how students perform academically, socially, and behaviorally, school social workers often need to provide diagnostic services. In this capacity, social workers must meet individually with the student, the student’s parents, and faculty, and sometimes may even need to make a home visit to understand how the student’s living situation may be affecting their development.
- Behavioral, Social, and Academic History: For children with disabilities, it’s imperative that school social workers actively prepare, monitor, and update students’ behavioral, social, and academic histories. These resources will be vital for future educators and educators who aim to provide the most effective support to students with disabilities.
- Counseling: One of the hallmark functions of the school social worker, administering counseling services helps students navigate difficult and often complex situations. School social workers offer counseling to individual students, groups dealing with shared issues, and families. Separately, in instances where child abuse or neglect is suspected, counseling services can help shine a light on what students need to improve their lives.
- Crisis Intervention: School social workers must occasionally provide crisis intervention support. This kind of assistance can take on many forms. From conflict resolution and anger management to sudden counseling services, school social workers must be prepared to help students understand and develop social interaction tools to ensure their personal and academic progress.
- Assisting Parents: To ensure the best progress and development of students in the classroom, school social workers sometimes must engage with parents and families to establish foundational support. For families with low incomes, health problems, disabilities, or other social or economic barriers, school social workers can help them identify and utilize community, state, and school resources.
- Faculty and Staff Training: One of the most critical responsibilities for school social workers is acting as a liaison to school faculty. As advocates for students of all backgrounds, school social workers provide faculty and staff with resources to better address external factors that ultimately impact a student’s development.
History of School Social Work
At the turn of the twentieth century, with the advent and popularization of public schooling, educators and administrators discovered that some of their students required additional support both in and out of the classroom. Because the field of psychology, specifically child psychology, was also in its early stages, school social workers were seen as helpful mediators for students who presented social or behavioral problems.
According to Randy A. Fisher in the scholarly article “History and Development of School Social Work within Professional Organizations,” social workers were initially integrated into school systems in 1906. These early school social workers would coalesce to become the National Association of Visiting Teachers and Home Visitors in 1919.
The group’s numbers and overall level of involvement in both private and public school systems increased until the 1930s, when the onset of the Great Depression destabilized public education systems across the country. In the early stages of the Great Depression, funding was cut mainly as many sectors of American society struggled to cope with these new and severe economic hardships. As the decade continued, New Deal policies would restore that funding and subsequently reinstate new opportunities to school social workers.
While the group name would eventually condense into the National Association of School Social Workers (NASSW) in 1945, the objectives would remain largely consistent:
- To outline the roles, responsibilities, and expectations of social workers operating within school spaces
- To plan and implement social work programs that would benefit students, faculty, and families
- To bolster the levels of training that faculty and staff would need to promote academic progress for all students
By the mid-1990s, the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) was formed to navigate he specific responsibilities that school social workers must adhere to. Importantly, as educators and lawmakers established protections for students with disabilities and special needs, school social workers would adopt another significant set of responsibilities to support those students.
How to Become a School Social Worker
Pursuing a career as a school social worker requires specific educational preparation and licensure. The path typically involves earning appropriate degrees, completing supervised field experience, and obtaining state-specific credentials.
Education Requirements
The educational pathway to becoming a school social worker varies by state, but generally follows these requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree: A Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE-accredited program provides the foundation for entry-level positions in some states. BSW programs include coursework in human behavior, social welfare policy, research methods, and field education.
- Master’s Degree: Most states require a Master of Social Work (MSW) for school social work positions. MSW programs offer specialized concentrations in school social work or child and family services. Advanced standing programs allow BSW graduates to complete their MSW in one year.
- Specialized Training: Many MSW programs offer specific school social work tracks that include coursework in educational policy, child development, special education law, and school-based interventions.
Licensing and Certification Requirements
School social workers must meet state-specific licensing requirements, which typically include:
| Requirement Type | Description | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| State Social Work License | LMSW or LCSW, depending on state requirements | After MSW completion |
| School Social Work Certification | State Department of education certification specific to schools | Varies by state |
| Supervised Experience | 2,000-4,000 hours of supervised clinical experience | 2-3 years post-MSW |
| Continuing Education | 20-40 hours every 2 years for license renewal | Ongoing |
School Social Worker Salary and Job Outlook
The career outlook for school social workers remains strong, with competitive salaries and growing demand across the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field offers stable employment opportunities with benefits typical of educational settings.
Salary Information
According to 2024 BLS data for child, family, and school social workers:
- National Median Salary: $53,940 per year
- Entry Level (10th percentile): $36,600 per year
- Experienced (90th percentile): $80,220 per year
- Top-Paying States: Washington D.C. ($72,760), Connecticut ($67,930), Rhode Island ($66,020)
Job Growth Projections
The employment outlook for school social workers is promising, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting:
- 7% growth rate from 2022 to 2032 (faster than average for all occupations)
- Approximately 63,800 new job openings annually
- Increased demand driven by growing student enrollment and mental health awareness
- Enhanced focus on early intervention and prevention services
Key Issues School Social Workers Address
School social workers demonstrate their importance in various areas. Because students from diverse backgrounds and age levels require varying levels of support, school social workers intervene to ensure that students can more effectively navigate issues that arise both in and out of school settings.
Bullying Prevention and Intervention
As one of the most common problems facing students across the country, cases of bullying can be found in practically every school system. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 22% of students between the ages of 12 and 18 reported that they had been bullied in the previous school year.
With the introduction of new technologies and social media in the last two decades and with the added increase in remote learning, cyberbullying has also become more commonplace. As the NCES found in 2019, approximately 16% of high school students reported that they had been victims of cyberbullying.
School social workers address bullying through:
- Implementing school-wide anti-bullying campaigns
- Providing individual counseling to victims and perpetrators
- Training faculty in bullying prevention strategies
- Creating safe reporting systems for students
- Facilitating restorative justice programs
Truancy and Attendance Issues
A major problem for schools in the United States is motivating students to have a high attendance record. According to a 2017 scholarly article published in Children and Youth Services Review, researchers found that truancy rates were approximately 11.1% as recently as 2014.
The Department of Education reported that more than 7 million students, or 16% of the student population, were absent for 15 days or more of school in the 2015-2016 academic year. Many students experience tremendous adversity in their lives, including poverty, health challenges, community violence, and difficult family circumstances.
School social workers combat truancy by:
- Monitoring attendance patterns and identifying at-risk students
- Conducting home visits to understand barriers
- Connecting families with community resources
- Developing individualized attendance improvement plans
- Coordinating with juvenile justice systems when necessary
Mental Health Support
As crisis intervention practitioners and counselors, school social workers offer a breadth of services to ensure that students can make social and behavioral progress. Through the mental health services that school social workers provide, students are more likely to progress in their behavioral and emotional skills.
Mental health services include:
- Individual and group counseling sessions
- Crisis intervention and suicide prevention
- Trauma-informed care approaches
- Behavioral management support
- Referrals to community mental health services
Academic Support and Special Education
While it is ultimately the responsibility of teachers to determine their classes’ academic goals, school social workers help students on an individual level. According to research by the Regional Educational Laboratory Program, high schools with social workers on staff were more likely to see higher graduation rates among seniors.
School social workers are particularly effective in helping students with disabilities or special needs receive personalized academic support through:
- Participating in IEP (Individualized Education Program) teams
- Advocating for appropriate educational services
- Coordinating between special education and general education settings
- Supporting transition planning for students with disabilities
School Social Workers vs. Other School Support Professionals
Understanding the distinctions between different school-based support professionals helps clarify the unique role of school social workers:
| Professional Role | Primary Focus | Required Education | Key Responsibilities |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Social Worker | Social-emotional and environmental barriers | MSW with school specialization | Home-school-community liaison, crisis intervention, family support |
| School Counselor | Academic and career development | M.Ed. in School Counseling | Course planning, college readiness, career guidance |
| School Psychologist | Learning and behavioral assessments | Ed.S. or PhD in School Psychology | Psychological testing, learning disability evaluation, and behavior plans |
| School Nurse | Physical health and medical needs | BSN with school nurse certification | Medical care, health screenings, and medication management |
Impact of COVID-19 on School Social Work
While school social workers have traditionally been best able to support student development on physical campuses, the COVID-19 global pandemic has presented several new, complex issues that educators, faculty, administrators, and social workers must now negotiate.
The pandemic has presented unique complications to the learning process for students across age levels. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has highlighted the significance of social workers in this unprecedented moment.
As COVID-19 has destabilized many already vulnerable families and children, school social workers have adapted to address:
- Housing instability: Connecting families with emergency housing resources
- Healthcare access: Facilitating connections to medical and mental health services
- Food security: Coordinating meal programs and food assistance
- Digital divide: Advocating for technology access for remote learning
- Mental health crisis: Providing teletherapy and virtual counseling services
- Physical safety: Monitoring for signs of abuse during remote learning
The Future of School Social Work
As roles and expectations have expanded since the introduction of school social workers to school systems over a century ago, careers and job placements in school social work have continued to grow in importance. Supporting students, teachers, families, and the broader community, school social workers must wear many hats both in and outside of school.
However, the need for resources to guide professionals through this process is not scaling with the industry’s growth and subsequent staffing needs. For instance, there is no definition in the Texas Education Code for school social work services, as is the case in many major education systems. A proposed bill for the issue stated, “Adding social work services to schools and school districts allows teachers and administrators to focus on their work yet still provides valuable assistance and support to students.”
Emerging trends in school social work include:
- Integration of trauma-informed practices across all interventions
- Increased focus on preventive mental health services
- Utilization of technology for service delivery and documentation
- Greater emphasis on culturally responsive practices
- Expansion of restorative justice programs
- Enhanced collaboration with community organizations
Getting Started in School Social Work
If you’re inspired to make a difference in students’ lives through school social work, the first step is obtaining the proper education. A strong educational foundation prepares you for the complex challenges and rewarding opportunities that this field presents.
Begin by exploring accredited social work programs that offer school-specific concentrations or field placements. The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accreditation ensures your degree meets professional standards required for licensure.
Ready to Start Your School Social Work Career?
Explore CSWE-accredited programs that prepare you for this rewarding profession:
Frequently Asked Questions
What degree do you need to be a school social worker?
Most states require a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from a CSWE-accredited program to work as a school social worker. Some states allow Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) holders to practice under supervision, but an MSW provides better career opportunities and is often required for licensure. Many MSW programs offer specific school social work concentrations that include specialized coursework and field placements in educational settings.
How much do school social workers make?
According to 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data, school social workers nationwide earn a median annual salary of $53,940. Entry-level positions typically start around $36,600, while experienced professionals can earn up to $80,220. Salaries vary significantly by state, with the highest-paying areas including Washington D.C. ($72,760), Connecticut ($67,930), and Rhode Island ($66,020). School districts often provide additional benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and summer schedules.
What is the difference between a school counselor and a school social worker?
While both professionals support students, they have distinct roles and responsibilities. School social workers focus on addressing social, emotional, and environmental barriers to learning, often working with families and connecting them to community resources. They typically hold an MSW degree. School counselors primarily focus on academic planning, career development, and college readiness, normally having a Master’s degree in Education with a specialization in counseling. School social workers often handle crisis intervention and home visits, while counselors manage course scheduling and coordinate standardized testing.
Do school social workers get summers off?
School social workers’ summer schedules vary by district and contract type. Many work on 9-10 month contracts aligned with the academic calendar, receiving summers off. However, some districts employ school social workers year-round to provide summer school support, conduct home visits, prepare for the upcoming year, or offer extended school year services for students with special needs. Year-round positions typically offer higher annual salaries than academic-year-only contracts.
What are the biggest challenges facing school social workers today?
School social workers face several significant challenges, including high caseloads (often 250-800 students per social worker), limited resources and funding, increasing student mental health needs, navigating complex family dynamics, and balancing crisis intervention with preventive services. Additionally, they must address the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on student well-being, manage increased incidents of cyberbullying, and adapt to diverse cultural needs within school communities while maintaining professional boundaries and preventing burnout.
Note: This article provides general information about school social work careers. Specific requirements vary by state. Please consult your state’s Department of Education and professional licensing board for current requirements in your area.
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Child, Family, and School Social Workers reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed August 2045.
