School Social Work – Class & Field Expectations

The UNC School of Social Work offers a program of classroom and field based instruction that leads to the Masters of Social Work degree. Approximately 300 MSW students are enrolled each year. The curriculum prepares students for agency-based practice with an emphasis on public and non-profit programs. Preparation for North Carolina licensure as a “School Social Worker” at the MSW or MSW Specialty level is offered as an elective option for students in our School. An ecological approach to practice is employed.

The goals of the school social work program are to (1) prepare MSW level social workers who can help children and their families overcome barriers to learning through interventions in the home, school, and community; (2) enable matriculating students, graduates, and other qualified MSWs to meet the NC Department of Public Instruction’s requirements for MSW or Specialty school social work licensure; and (3) encourage schools and communities to develop and maintain effective school social work services throughout the state. Since 1988, over 240 students have been placed in school social work or related practica and many of these have sought licensure. Over 850 MSWs have sought licensure information and almost 400 of these completed licensure requirements and were recommended for licensure by the School.

The UNC School of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (2010) and offers a school social work program approved by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Knowledge, Skill, and Value Objectives for School Social Work Students

The following knowledge and skills should be derived from foundation, concentration class and field content and assignments; consultation field instructors and advisors; and independent study. Competency in the following areas means that the student has achieved a synthesis of professional behaviors, which incorporate the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for the performance of MSW level school social work tasks and responsibilities.

1. 1. Students should acquire foundation social work skill and knowledge in the following:

Concentration student practica should reflect advanced knowledge and skills in the above.

2. Skills in oral and written communication appropriate for professional practice.
   
3. Basic knowledge of normal childhood development and of the socio-educational needs of special populations including the mentally handicapped, developmentally delayed, behaviorally disordered, emotionally disturbed, physically handicapped, and gifted.
   
4. Understanding of the impact of race, gender, sexual orientation, and ethnicity on school social work practice.
   
5. Acquisition of a sound social work identity which reflects professional ethics and values as defined in the NASW Code of Ethics and an understanding of the knowledge, skill and values of social workers in general and school social workers in particular as reflected in the NASW Standards for School Social Work Services.
   
6. Knowledge of NC school law, rules and regulations which impact on school social work practice including the Basic Education Program; Compulsory Attendance Law; Dropout Prevention and Student at Risk Programs; In School Suspension Programs, Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities, Abstinence Unit Marriage, Special Education Services; crime legislation related to schools, and the ABC Program.
   
7. Knowledge of important federal legislation which impact on school practice, such as, Section 504, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997; Personal Responsibility & Work Opportunity Act of 1996; Leave No Child Behind (ESEA); McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act; the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and appropriate due process procedures for students, parents, and guardians.
   
8. Knowledge of NC laws, rules and regulations related to services to children and families such as child abuse and neglect recognition and reporting and appropriate public health and public welfare information.
   
9. General knowledge of the educational process, including knowledge of the school as a system; its general policies and procedures, relevant school board policies, the role of the superintendent and other administrators and how school social work is incorporated into this system.
   
10. Knowledge of written school social work policies and procedures specific to the placement site and unwritten standard operating procedures.
    
11. Ability to understand and work with others within the school system, (both professional and non-professional), including administrators, teachers, school counselors, school psychologists, nurses, secretaries, maintenance personnel, and volunteers.
    
12. Working knowledge of the tools of assessment used in the schools by other professionals and the ability to generally interpret educational jargon into meaningful language for persons outside of these professions.
    
13. Knowledge of resources and referral processes for local community agencies serving children and their families.
    
14. Awareness of local community standards, mores, and expectations.
    
15. Skill in the organization of personal workloads by setting priorities and goals in conjunction with others as appropriate so that school social work tasks can be accomplished efficiently.
    
16. Knowledge of basic administrative skills including needs assessment, program development, implementation and evaluation appropriate to a school setting.
    
17. Ability to use social work supervision in an effective and appropriate manner.
    
18. Ability to use consultation in an effective and appropriate manner.
    
19. Knowledge of social work research methods including needs assessment, formulation of intervention strategies, implementation of intervention strategies, and evaluation of outcomes.

SOWO 199, School Social Work: Policy & Practice, is required for MSW and MSW Specialty licensure as is an approved course in education. Course outline and other licensure information are available on our School website (http://ssw.unc.edu). School social work materials for current school practica students and field instructors are also available on Blackboard. Questions? Contact Dr. Gary L. Shaffer, UNC-SSW, 301 Pittsboro St., CB # 3550, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3550; 919-966-4916; GLShaffe@email.unc.edu.