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School Social Worker Credentials

School Social Worker Credentials

The role of a Michigan School Social Worker can be fulfilled by individuals who hold any of the following credentials:

  • Preliminary School Social Worker Certificate (PSSWC)
  • Professional School Social Worker Certificate (PSWC) 
  • School Social Worker Permit (SSWP)
  • School Social Worker Full Approval*

All applicants seeking a credential must apply on the Michigan Online Educator Certification System (MOECS) for a review to determine certificate eligibility.

*A School Social Worker Approval issued prior to 2014 and not visible in MOECS can be located in the Approval Legacy Report.

Roles and Responsibilities of School Social Workers

In accordance with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE), Office of Special Education (OSE) Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) regulations, the Administrative Rules for School Social Workers R 340.1001-1016, (2024) MDE issues School Social Worker credentials. Individuals required to hold School Social Worker credentials have multifaceted, complex roles servicing K-12 pupils. As noted in R 340.1002 public school employees hired to fulfill the role of a School Social Worker are trained to provide services to students with disabilities whose Individual Education Program (IEPs) and Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSPs) require social work services.

Credentialed School Social Workers provide individual and group counseling to students and their families in need of assistance utilizing an ecological framework addressing variations in development and learning, as well as reciprocal influences of home, school, and community. School social workers often develop treatment or action plans for a specific student.

Educators who hold a Michigan School Social Worker credential are eligible to be hired to fulfill the role and responsibilities of a School Social Worker.

Credentials

Educators who hold a Michigan School Social Worker credential are eligible to be hired to fulfill the role and responsibilities of a School Social Worker. In-state applicants seeking a Preliminary or Professional School Social Worker Certificate should consult with an advisor at a Michigan Department of Education (MDE) approved school social worker preparation program. An advisor of a school social worker program will guide in-state applicants on criteria that must be fulfilled prior to being recommended for a School Social Worker Certificate. More information may be accessed at Becoming a School Social Worker.

Preliminary School Social Worker Certificate (Completed a Michigan approved School Social Worker Program)

The Preliminary School Social Worker Certificate (PSSWC) is an interim credential for individuals serving in the role of a school social worker.

This certificate is valid for three (3) years, may be renewed only once, and may be issued to applicants who:

 

Professional School Social Worker Certificate (Completed a Michigan approved School Social Worker Program)

The Professional School Social Worker Certificate (PSWC) is the most advanced credential offered for individuals serving in the role of a school social worker. 

This certificate is valid for five (5) years and may be issued to applicants who:

  • Completed a Michigan approved school social worker preparation program,
  • Hold a valid Master Social Worker License (LMSW) issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA),
  • Hold a Michigan Preliminary School Social Worker Certificate, School Social Worker Full Approval, or School Social Worker Permit; and 
  • Completed one (1) full school year as a school social worker providing social work services to students with disabilities whose Individualized Education Program (IEP) required those services under the supervision of an individual who holds a valid Professional School Social Worker Certificate or a valid School Social Worker Full Approval.

Preliminary School Social Worker Certificate (Out-of-State)

The Preliminary School Social Worker Certificate (PSSWC) is an interim credential for individuals serving in the role of a school social worker.

This certificate is valid for three (3) years, may be renewed only once, and may be issued to applicants who:

  • Hold an earned Master of Social Work degree or its equivalent or higher from an accredited college or university recognized by the Council for Higher Education (CHEA) or U.S. Department of Education (USDE).
  • Completed an approved out-of-state school social worker preparation program including a minimum of a 500-clock-hour supervised social worker practice that supports state standards, and
  • Holds a valid Limited Master’s Social Worker License (LLMSW) or valid Master’s Social Worker License (LMSW) issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Professional School Social Worker Certificate (Out-of-State)

The Professional School Social Worker Certificate (PSWC) is the most advanced credential offered for individuals serving in the role of a school social worker.

This certificate is valid for 5 years and may be issued to applicants who:

  • Completed an approved out-of-state school social worker preparation program or its equivalent,
  • Hold a valid Licensed Master Social Work (LMSW) credential issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA),
  • Hold valid out-of-state certification equivalent to a Professional School Social Worker Certificate, and
  • Have completed one (1) full school year as a social worker in a school setting providing social work services to students with disabilities whose IEP required those services under the supervision of an individual holding a valid Professional School Social Worker Certificate or a valid School Social Worker Full Approval.

Individuals who do not hold a valid LMSW issued by LARA will be considered for a Preliminary School Social Worker Certificate and can apply for a Professional School Social Worker Certificate after earning a valid LMSW from LARA.

Renewing School Social Worker Credentials

Both the Preliminary School Social Worker Certificate and the School Social Worker Certificate are renewable after the applicable criteria has been fulfilled. 

Preliminary School Social Worker Certificate Renewal

A Preliminary School Social Worker Certificate expires on June 30, three (3) years from the calendar year of issuance. This certificate type may be renewed one (1) time to an applicant who:

  • Holds a valid LLMSW or valid LMSW issued by LARA; and
  • Was supervised by an individual who held a valid Professional School Social Worker Certificate, or
  • Held a Full School Social Worker Approval under former R340.1012 and the applicant was supervised while he/she provided social work services to students with disabilities whose individualized education program (IEP) required those services.

Professional School Social Worker Certificate Renewal

A renewal of this credential can be requested any time after January 1 in the year the credential expires. A Professional School Social worker renewal expires 5 years after June 30 of the calendar year of issuance.

The Professional School Social Worker is required to complete 75 education-related professional learning hours for renewals every 5 years. 

This credential may be renewed by an applicant who:

  • Holds a valid LMSW issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA); and
  • Has completed 75 education-related professional learning hours since the issuance of the most recent Professional School Social Worker Certificate or renewal.
 

Questions?

MDE-EducatorHelp@michigan.gov or 517-241-5000.

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