Becoming a school social worker in NY is a fulfilling career path for those passionate about supporting students and creating a positive school environment. School social workers play an essential role in addressing students’ emotional, social, and academic challenges. In this blog we are going to give a step-by-step breakdown on how to become a school social worker in NY.
What is a School Social Worker?
Social workers are professionals who aim to help individuals over all well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of communities and people. School social work is a specialized focus amongst the broad field of the social work profession. In the niche field of school social work, they provide counselling and consulting services to students, their families, and educational professionals in order to help students thrive in a learning environment. Social workers are the bridge between the students’ home, school, and community.
What Do School Social Workers in NY Do?
Since school social workers have their hands in many areas, they can have a wide range of responsibilities depending on the current needs. School social workers in NY provide services to students, parents/families, school personnel, and more.
- Services for students:
- Increase academic success by creating intervention strategies
- Provide crisis intervention
- Assist in providing conflict resolution and anger management
- Assist in helping students develop appropriate social interactions and understanding/accepting self and others
- Services for districts:
- Develop plans for students who struggle with attendance issues or involvement with the law
- Identify and report child neglect and abuse cases
- Provide consultation on school laws/policies including the IDEA act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Provide case management services for any student or family requiring multiple resources
- Services to parents/families:
- Enable students to be more active in the school and community to alleviate family stress
- Support students adjustment to school and work with their families on how to help support the adjustment
- Assist parents/families in accessing and utilizing school/community resources
- Assist parents/families on how to access programs available for students with special needs
- Services for school personnel:
- Educate staff on how to have a better understanding of factors affecting student’s behavior and performance
- Evaluate students with mental health concerns
- Provide direct support to staff and developing staff in-service training programs
- Assist teachers on how to handle students with behavior management
How to Become a School Social Worker in NY
- Understand the Role
School social workers serve as a bridge between students, families, and educational institutions. They provide counseling, crisis interventions, and resources for students facing various challenges including mental health issues, bullying, and family problems. Familiarizing yourself with this role will help clarify your motivations and goals.
- Earn a Bachelor’s & Master’s Degree
Depending on your goal of where you want to be in the hierarchy of school social work, you’ll need to at least earn your bachelor’s degree. This foundational education will provide you with essential knowledge about human behavior and social systems. For most entry-level positions such as a school social work in administration or caseworker, a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) will be required.
However, in the state of New York, it is required to have your masters degree in order to be a licensed social worker. Most school social workers hold a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree from an accredited program through the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). An MSW typically takes two years to complete and includes coursework in social work practice, mental health, and research methods.
The state of New York requires any individual practicing licensed master social work in a public or pre-school must also be certified by the Office of Teaching (OT) in the Department. For those that have an acceptable MSW degree, OT will issue a provisional school social worker certificate. The provisional certificate is only valid for five years by which time the certificate holder must be a licensed LCSW or LMSW to receive the permanent school social worker certificate.
- Gain Relevant Experience
During your MSW program, engage in field placements that focus on working with children. Having these practical experiences is invaluable for developing necessary skills and understanding the dynamics of a school environment. Look for internships or volunteer opportunities in schools, community centers, or organizations that support youth.
- Obtain Licensure
In New York, you must obtain a license to practice as a social worker. After earning your MSW, you’ll need to pass the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam. There are two types of licensures you can pursue:
- LMSW (License Master Social Work): This license allows you to practice under supervision
- LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Work): This is a higher-level license that requires additional clinical experience and supervision.
- Apply For Certification
In order to work specifically as a school social worker in New York, you’ll need to obtain a certificate from the New York State Education Department. This requires:
- A valid LCSW or LMSW license
- Completion of a graduate program with a focus on school social work or related experience
- A passing score on the required examination for school social work services
Conclusion
Becoming a school social worker in NY requires a commitment to education, licensure, and ongoing professional development. This career offers the chance to make a meaningful contribution to the lives of students and their families, helping them navigate challenges and achieve their potential. If you’re passionate about supporting youth and fostering a healthy school environment, this could be the perfect path for you. Let Horizon Staffing Solutions connect you with your dream school social work job in NY by sending us your resume or applying to our current open jobs!