School Social Work
We are one of the only graduate schools in Wisconsin to offer an approved Department of Public Instruction (DPI) school social work program.
All school social workers in Wisconsin are required to have a school social work license through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). According to the Wisconsin DPI: “Each educator profession, including school social work, has established program licensure guidelines that further delineate knowledge, skills, and dispositions that must be demonstrated in order to be certified to work in Wisconsin public schools.”
The School Social Work Program at the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare is an approved Wisconsin program that provides the state required institutional endorsement for obtaining a Wisconsin school social work license. Those who complete this program will meet all of the requirements for DPI licensure.
The main requirements for obtaining a school social work license include:
- A master’s degree in social work from a CSWE-accredited program
- Completion of specific course requirements for the school social work license
- Completion of a required field practicum in a school setting
What is School Social Work?
School social work is a specialized area of social work practice requiring training and experience that is uniquely designed to assist students in elementary, middle and high schools in being successful and productive.
School social workers in Wisconsin have a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and a school social work license through the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
The roles and job responsibilities of school social workers vary according to the specific needs of the students and the school. School social workers work with all students, including special education. Their practice includes assessment, crisis intervention, individual and group counseling, home visits, consultation, program development, and coordination of school and community services. School social workers provide a vital link between home, school and community, strengthening partnerships to address barriers within the child and their environment that interfere with achievement.
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) provides helpful resources for social work program students.
- Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction School Social Work Webpage
- School Social Work Practice Guide (further delineates the roles and responsibilities of school social workers)
- School Social Work Standard Guidelines (PDF)
The Wisconsin School Social Workers Association (WSSWA) website also provides helpful information. Students who are enrolled in a university program to obtain a school social work license in Wisconsin may obtain a one-year membership in WSSWA at no charge.
Tier 1 License
A one-year renewable license with stipulations and three pathways.
- Approved program: The applicant has completed all the coursework at an approved prep program, however still needs to complete something (ex. a portfolio or exam).
- School district need: The applicant is hired by a school district, has at least a bachelor’s degree and is enrolled in a prep program.
- Clinically trained social worker: The applicant holds an MSW and a valid certificate or license in social work from the Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling, and Social Work Examining Board.
Tier 2 License
A three-year provisional educator license with three pathways.
- Approved program: The applicant completed an approved prep program and received institutional endorsement for licensure.
- Out-of-state: Applicant completed a comparable out-of-state prep program and had instruction in Wisconsin tribes and bands.
- Clinically trained social worker: The applicant holds an MSW, has worked in a school as a school social worker for at least one year with a Tier 1 DPI school social work license and has completed training in the following areas:
- Developmental psychopathology
- Assessment of children
- Child abuse and neglect
- Working with children and families
- School social work practice
- Children with disabilities
- The study of minority group relations, including instruction in the history, culture and tribal sovereignty of the federally recognized American Indian tribes and bands located in Wisconsin
- Instruction in:
- 1. Resolving conflicts between pupils and between pupils and school staff
- 2. Assisting pupils in learning methods of resolving conflicts between pupils and between pupils and school staff, including training in the use of peer mediation to resolve conflicts between pupils
- 3. Dealing with crises, including violent, disruptive, potentially violent or potentially disruptive situations, that may arise in school or at activities supervised by a school as a result of conflicts between pupils or between pupils and other persons
The following are the course requirements for completing the licensure program at the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare:
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| SOC WRK 562 | Child Welfare and Family Services | 3 |
| SOC WRK 753 SOC WRK 754 | Adult Psychopathology* OR Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (SOC WRK 754 offered in fall and spring semesters) | 3 3 |
| SOC WRK 791 | School Social Work Practice (Must be taken in conjunction with your field practicum in a school setting) | 3 |
| SSW FIELD PRACTICUM | MSW students: Two semesters (SOC WRK 721, 722, 821, 822) Post-MSW graduates: One to two semesters (SOC WRK 921) | |
| SOC WRK 851 | School Social Work Policy (Recommended that this course is taken in conjunction with field practicum in a school setting) | 3 |
| SOC WRK 791 | Exploring Institutional Racism: School Social Work | 3 |
| SOC WRK 791 | Exceptional Individual: School Social Work | 3 |
Native Americans in Wisconsin
The content of coursework in Native Americans in Wisconsin must include the history, culture and tribal sovereignty rights of American Indian tribes and bands located in Wisconsin.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Option 1: ACT 31 Seminar | History, Culture and Sovereignty Rights of Wisconsin Indians (recommended) | Receive certificate for DPI |
Field Education
Completion of the Required Field Education (500-750 hours)
- Two semesters of graduate field work must be completed in an elementary, middle or secondary school setting under the supervision of a licensed school social worker, who will serve as the field instructor.
Post-MSW Students
- For post-MSW students, field hours and semester requirements may vary dependent on licensure pathway and employment status. Confirmation of field requirements will be determined during the meeting with the School Social Work Program Coordinator.
Individuals With an MSW Degree
If you currently have an MSW from an accredited university but did not complete the school social work requirements, we will need a copy of your transcripts and a recent resume. Email this information to Ke’Andra Hagans at klhagans@uwm.edu.
Ke’Andra Hagans will contact you after she reviews your information to discuss your specific requirements. (If you have any questions, please contact klhagans@uwm.edu.) Before taking any classes, you will need to apply for admission to UWM as a non-degree student. Apply for non-degree status here.
Completion of Academic Course Requirements
If you believe that you have met any of the course requirements listed in the Courses tab, please submit the syllabi for the courses that you would like reviewed. Email these documents to Ke’Andra Hagans at klhagans@uwm.edu.
Completion of Field Education Requirements
A two-semester field placement in a public school, under the supervision of a licensed school social worker in Wisconsin, will be required for obtaining a school social work license. An exception of one of these two semesters may be granted to individuals with an MSW degree provided they have at least three years of post-MSW social work experience in an agency setting whose primary mission is to serve children and youth. In addition, the student must be able to provide evidence of the knowledge and skills required of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (PI) subchapters 34.02, 34.04, 34.15, and the Content Guidelines for School Social Workers.
Individuals without significant experience with children and youth will be required to take an additional field placement in an agency whose primary mission is to serve children and youth.
Out-of-state Licensed School Social Workers
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction requires that individuals who have been practicing as a school social worker in another state must obtain a school social work license in Wisconsin to meet the state requirements for this position. Wisconsin offers reciprocity for licenses from another state.
- Individuals who hold a school social work license or a school social work certification in another state may apply directly to the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to obtain a school social work license in Wisconsin.
- The Department of Public Instruction will inform you of any additional requirements. If they direct you to first go through the university for “institutional endorsement,” then contact Ke’Andra Hagans to discuss the specific requirements that you will need to complete.
Competency Exam
The school social work competency exam has replaced the portfolio and serves as UWM’s assessment tool.
- The competency exam is a requirement for institutional endorsement related to school social work licensure.
- Clinical pathway applicants – those with an APSW or LCSW – may be exempt from taking the school social work competency exam. Consult with the school social work program coordinator to determine if you are exempt.
- The school social work competency exam is solely offered by UWM four times a year and requires an 80% pass rate as part of the school social work licensing program requirements.
- klhagans@uwm.edu
- 414-251-5928
- PO Box 786
Milwaukee, WI 53201