New Jersey School Social Workers Association September 17, 2007
Posted by njschoolsocialworkers in School Mental Health, School Social Work, Social Services.trackback
Welcome to the NJASSW Web Blog. Here you are invited to contribute information and resources about school social work, mental health in schools,child study teams, students and their families. This is public web blog dedicated to sharing and best practices.
Kelly:
To apply for certification as a school social worker in New Jersey, you must do so through the licensing office at the NJ Department of Education. The hours they take phone calls are from 3:00 to 6:00 PM daily. The phone number is 609-292-2070.
An alternate way to do this is through a County Superintendent of Schools in New Jersey. If you have an MSW, you automatically qualify, but you have to apply and submit the required documentation. Unfortunately, when you look on the website of the licensing/certification office, they mainly deal with teacher credentialing.
You can then download from the NJ Department of Education a list of all Special Education directors by district, pick those districts you like and send your resume, a cover letter and a copy of your certification.
Hello. I really want to become a school social worker. I am currently in my sophomore year of college and a county college and am looking to transfer upon graduating. Does anybody have any suggestions as to where I should look? I really want to stay in state at a public college, because I am a NJStars student and NJStars will pay my tuition if I stay in state. Thank you for your help!
-Erin
Erin: Most school social workers(but not all) have a masters degree in social work (MSW) and Rutgers has a fine MSW program. You might check with Rutgers to see if they have a combined BSW/MSW program so that you could transfer there and save a year of study. Even if you have a BSW, there are many job opportunities such as working for DYFS but I would say that school districts rarely hire a social worker without a master’s degree.
Sam Bernstein
West Orange, NJ
thank you. I plan on getting my masters, because it just makes so much more sense. I mean heck, if I’m going to do something, I might as well go all the way. I was thinking about Stockton College first, because I really want to play soccer there. And then off to Rutgers if all goes well. After graduating from Stockton it does not matter anymore whether or not I stay in the state. It just comes down to I want to play soccer as long as possible and still do what I need to in order to become a school social worker
Hello
I am a school social worker and a member of NJSSW, and SSWA. I was wondering if there is any meetings or groups that meet to discuss different issues or regulations that we face. I am interested in talking with any one that needs support or looking to provided support.
Thanks
Mary
Mary:
There is a monthly meeting of the NJASSW executive board that is open to all NJASSW members. In addition to Association business, there is a lot of the meeting devoted to the issues facing school social workers. Our next meeting is on January 6. Also there is an active local chapter operating in Gloucester and a soon-to-be organized chapter in Essex County. Get all the information you need at NJASSW.org.
Sam Bernstein
I am a social worker with an LSW and School Social worker certification. I have been serching for a job in the school system for over two years and I must say it has been a very frustrating process for me. I have sent resumes to almost all schools within 30 miles of my town, but I have not been granted one interview.
Is it that the school systems are saturated with social workers or are we no longer needed in this field. I am a little disappointed because this is the reason that I went back to school to get a second masters degree in social work. Can any one offer any suggestions.
Thank You
Joy
Karen:
The NJ School Social Worker’s Association presents an intensive day of workshops and training twice per school year. The next event, The 2008 Spring Institute, will be held at the Holiday Inn in East Windsor on April 14. Please see details as they become available on our web site at http://www.njassw.org.
Sam Bernstein
Joy:
I hear your frustration. Job hunting in a the field of school social work can be difficult but not impossible. Members of the NJASSW can attend monthly Board meetings in order to network. In addition there is a Gloucester County Chapter and soon there will be an Essex County chapter. These are great places to network and find out about unadvertised positions. The Department of Education maintains a data base of Special Education coordinators with their addresses and phone numbers. When applying for positions don’t for get to include a copy of your State certification.
Sam Bernstein
I will am looking for an evidence based curriculum that would help me in developing a peer mentoring program at an elementary school. Specifically, the goal is to assist 5th grade students helping 2nd grade students interact and play together during recess.
Thanks
Joy,
May I suggest that you contact the Special Services Supervisor in your county for job openings and also County Educational Services Commissions (which provide CST Services to private and public schools). Working for a Commission will often lead to openings directly in a school district. Also, many private special educational schools have openings for school social workers.
I have been a social worker with DYFS for 2 yrs + now, I really would like to enter the school system. I have a BA with my experience-what do you think my best route would be to go about this? Thanks four your help.
Henry
I have just received my LSW in NJ after transferring from NY. I want to work in the schools, but would like some assistance as to how I can get my foot in the door. I am unfamiliar with NJ networking opportunities, as I recently moved here.
Thank you for your assistance.
I’m a BSW student currently interning at a middle school. I’m interested in a school social work license. I’ve been to the website so I know how to acquire a license but I can’t find any information on maintaining the license. Is there a maintainence process?
I have a BA and MA in Sociology. I also have in the past been a Director of a drug and alcohol abuse program. I have some teaching experience at the junior college level. At this time in my life I would love to become a school social worker. Is there an alternate path?
Ed:
This web site has some additional information for you about certification as a School Social worker in New Jersey. Pretty much if you have an MSW you’ve qualified but if you don’t you have to prove you’ve taken a certain set of required course work even if you have an MA in sociology. By the way teaching experience is not required!
http://www.njassw.org/RevisedSchoolSocialWorkerCertificateRegulations.htm
Brittney:
There is a difference between licensure and certification. You do not have to possess a NJ license in social work (like an LCSW or LSW) to get certified as a school social worker. If you do have both, you still have to take professional development workshops to maintain your license. If you have a school social work certification you must follow your district’s PD policy. My district requires 20 PD hours for the district each year and 100 state hours over 5 years. Some of my state hours do not qualify for district hours.
Hi,
I recently grauated (aug/07) with a sociology degree. I am wondering if there is a way I can obtain ANY kind of licensing in social work, to obtain a better job, I currently work for a non-profit organization which is not too “organized” or “professional” at what they do. I am not sure if in order to get any kind of license in social work I have to have a BSW. Can some one please help me. I have been job searching since aug/07, I have sent my resume and cover letter to DYFS and still no answer (I believe I qualify). I also hear that there is a hiring hold in the state of NJ but I am not quite sure it thats true. I would like to know if there is a website that can provide me with any details in regards to my question. Some one please answer my question. Thank you in advance!
Hi everyone,
I recently graduated (aug/07) from an accredited university and obtained my BA in Sociology and a minor in Criminal Justice. I was wondering if there any type of licensing I qualify for, or if in order to qualify for ANY license in social work you have to have a BSW? I would really appreciate if someone can please clarify me on this? I have tried to research getting a LCSW and other types of license but I have had no luck. I would like to better myself and obtain a career in the social work field but have had no luck. I have applied to DYFS and have not received any feedback as of yet. Is there a hiring freeze? Thank you in advance for any information.
Would like your guidance on this. I am interested in working towards a Masters in Social Work. I have a BA from Villanova Univ but have been out of school for many years (about 20). I am looking for the best way to go about obtaining this degree. Any suggestions on schools or just the route I should take? Since I have children going full time is not an option. I know a lot of people are taking classes online these days but don’t know too much about that. I am in norther NJ.
I appreciate anyinput.
Dawn:
Many people decide to return to school to receive their masters and Social Work is no different. I believe most Schools of Social Work like Seton Hall and Kean (I’m not sure if Montclair State has a Master’s program) have a part time program, however all schools require that you do two years of field placement which, if you are employed, may cause some juggling and some flexibility on the part of your employer. I know of people who worked at a social service agency and were able to complete their field work but that is the exception and not the rule.
I strongly believe that the MSW degree is a very marketable degree compared with MA in Psych or a Masters in Counseling, etc.
Also the MSW does not lend itself to online classes, again in my opinion.
Hope that helps a little. Good luck to you.
Hello,
Can anyone tell me where I can find the law on restraining students in a public school. I am having a hard time finding it on the department of education’s website. I am looking for policies or regualtions that I can download or site.
Thanks
Mary
I am an MSW student at Rutgers and will complete my degree in fall 09. I took a leave of absence for a few years and returned this semester. I would like to know how I can find out about a refresher course to prep me for the licensing exam. Also, are there any study guides I can purchase that may help? I would like to take the exam my last semester-in about a year.
Does anyone know the specific requirements to maintain your NJ School Social Worker Certification? I cannot find information anywhere on whether or not you need to earn continuing education credits through trainings/workshops to sustain the certification, and when I received the certificate it didn’t indicate an expiration date or anything else about it.
Hey, I have a question,
I am currently a school counselor and I want to move to a school social worker. I have my MA in counseling and my BSW. Do you think I can get my certification without going back to school? And if so, what steps should I take.
Thanks, Erin
Erin:
Check the regulations at:
http://www.njassw.org/RevisedSchoolSocialWorkerCertificateRegulations.htm
If you have the required coursework you might qualify without any additional classes.
Kelly:
There are no requirements to maintain the School Social Worker certification however:
Each School district has a professional development requirement that is either similar to the state DOE requirement of 100 hours of PD over 5 years or in addition to the state requirement. In my district its 20 hours per year that count as state hours if the PDs are earned after school, weekends or summertime.
Sharon:
You might contact the NASW, New Jersey chapter at http://www.naswnj.org. They have study guides and courses for the licensing exam.
Hi,
I am having MSW degree from INDIA and having 6 months of work exp as Dept Manager in NDDB,INDIA. I want to continue my Social work in USA also can any one tell me how can i get job as MSW in USA??
I am looking to work for children. I am here in USA on H4 visa (as dependant of H1 B visa). Please Please Please provide me some information how can i get job as MSW.
Many many thanks in adv.
hiiii,
i am rakhi, i also did msw from india and now i m in US on h4 visa.I have two and half years experience in medical field.
I would like to continue my work as social worker in US.I do not know how to change my h4 visa to h1.if you got any information on it plese do inform me
hi rakhi….
My name is richa….is there any change in progress …I am also in the same situation as u however i have completed my all the requirements for licensing exam in social work and taking it in nov 2009 …pls be in contact
Does any one know if a School Social Worker can hold a position as a School Counselor or Guidance Counselor without obtaining additional endorsements? I recently got certified as a school social worker but can seem to find a job. I’ve had my MSW and LSW for two years now and would like to transition into working at a school.
Thanks.
Hi,
Boy can I relate with all of your frustrations about schools!!! I currently have my MSW and my certification to work in schools, however I have no experience when it comes to working in schools. Both my internships were in other areas. I have applied to many school systems and have only landed one interview; I think the only reason I had that interview was because my dad knew someone. I would have had the job, but it fell through because the social worker decided not to leave. I just don’t know what to do anymore. I feel like since I have no experience working in a school system, I’ll never have the opportunity to work in one. Any suggestions on how I can get into a school without experience??? I took a school social work class in graduate school at Rutgers and my professor said I should start in a private school first, but it seems private schools don’t have any opportunities for school social workers!! From that class, I have copies of IEP’s but no one knows that I took that class since you can’t exactly put that on your resume. Please help!!! I need a new job that I love and that pays better!!!! Thanks!!
I am a licensed social worker in NJ and would like to get a school social work certificate. How do I go about this process?
My only work experience in social work was during graduate school. After receiving my MSW, I went on to get my Master in Education and taught for 3 years in New York.
Hi I really like to get some information about becoming a school social worker. I will be graduating with a master’s in special education. Where do I go and How can I find out what school needs a social worker
As a school social worker, your license covers more clinical work and freedoms than a school guidance counselor. There is a definite territoriality between school social workers, school psychologists, and guidance counselors in the school systems. Guidance counselors can, which we cannot do/do not do, schedule and adminster state standardized assessments. NJ is one of the only states left that calls for a social worker on a CST, which should alert us all to the very imperative need to be well versed in our abilities/responsibilites as cited by our license. In many districts, social workers are shared between school buildings; you will more often than not find learning conultants and psychologists are assigned to one school. This impacts the amount of social workers “needed” by schools across the state, which in turn impacts the perceived need for our services. The best you can do is get your resume out there, follow nj.com for listings, and be prepared to answer questions about assessments and evaluations and resources in the community – that was my experience, at least.
Hello sir
I a julius Macwan
I have passed MSW in India with B grade and I am having a 3 years social work experience.
I have been aplied for te my WES evaluation report and I want to how can i get the social work licence.
pls reply Here I am coming as a F 1 student visa bust I am rellly intresting to work in socil work.
Julius:
To apply for certification as a school social worker in New Jersey, you must do so through the licensing office at the NJ Department of Education. The hours they take phone calls are from 3:00 to 6:00 PM daily. The phone number is 609-292-2070.
An alternate way to do this is through a County Superintendent of Schools in New Jersey. If you have an MSW, you automatically qualify, but you have to apply and submit the required documentation. Unfortunately, when you look on the website of the licensing/certification office, they mainly deal with teacher credentialing.
http://www.nj.gov/education/educators/license/
To apply for a certification in another state, you might try to contact the School Social Workers of America at http://www.sswaa.org
Sam Bernstein
NJASSW
Hello! I am currently an investigator for DYFS and am looking to get into the school system as a counselor. I have a BS in Bio/ Minor in Chem and a MS in Psychology. Is there an alternate route that I can take to get the certifications that I need to work in a school? I have been looking around the internet and everyhthing is pointing to having to go back to school. I would appreciate any suggestions.
Thanks
Rose
Hi I have a BA in sociology and i have been working as a social worker for about 2 years and i want to know would i be able to get my csw with this degree and if so how do i go about attaining it?
Rose:
You can qualify for certification as a school social worker in New Jersey if you can prove, through a transcript, that you have completed the following:
To be eligible for the standard educational services certificate with a school social worker endorsement, the candidate shall hold a master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university and complete a total of 30 graduate-level semester hour credits with a study in each of the areas listed below:
1. Psychology, including general psychology, educational psychology, psychology of adolescence and child growth and development;
2. Special education and/or learning disabilities;
3. Social problems, including study in dealing with delinquency, poverty, interracial and intercultural problems;
4. A minimum of six semester-hour credits in social case work, introductory and advanced, including principles and practices in social case work, interviewing, and methods and skills in diagnosis;
5. Mental hygiene and social psychiatry, including dynamics of human behavior and psychopathology;
6. Medical information, including the role of the social worker in health problems or fundamentals of substance abuse and dependency;
7. Community organizations, agencies and resources; and
8. Social policy and public welfare services, including the care and protection of at-risk children and families.
The above are requirements for candidates without an MSW.
Lisa:
You should contact the NJ State Board of Social Work Examiners at:
http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/social/swlic.htm
I received my school social worker certification in 2003 and worked as a school social worker until 2005. Now I want to apply for a school social worker position starting in January 2009 (in 2 months).
How long is my certification good for? Do I have to reapply (I recall it taking a long to process) or can I simply pay a fee if it needs to be renewed? And if so, who do I do this through?
Thanks,
Garrett
Hello Everyone,
I am a MSW candidate from Fordham University. I am interested in working in the school system, however I am having difficulty in finding out how to go about this process. Also, I can not find any information on any Loan forgiveness programs, benefits, salaries etc….Does anyone have any information???
Thanks,
Jessica
Oh, and I am Bilingual in Spanish (in case that is a plus)
Hello
Just hoping someone could help me. I have applied for many school social worker positions and have either received no response or a post card stating they have received my information. This is the frustrating part, when they request Bilingual I fit that category. I have the BOE certification, I have a LSW and a Masters in Psychology. The last 8 years I have been working in a different industry (sales). However, I have been working partime in private practice under a LCSW. I am not sure if they post the position out of courtesy but it is already filled. I would just like to know what exactly are they looking for and the person that gets hired what does their resume look like. I am just a little frustrated because I read about the need in the papers, I see the need in the news and I just dont understand the lack of urgency or maybe red tape. Just not sure. Can anyone on the other side provide some insight so I am not totally hopeless that our systems dont care….
I want to be a social worker, too! I’m just a sophomore in high school.
i did my master’s in social work in india in the year 2003 and now i would like to apply for certification in the same in usa particularly in NJ state. can you please guide me what kind of documents needed and what kind of examination is.
hi ,
My name is Richa I saw your question regarding social work license inquiry …well I want to know ur status …how long u have reached I am also in the same position like u…
PLease be in contact and provide me ur email address…
Satyam:
Thank you for contacting the NJ Association of School Social Workers about becoming certified as a school social worker in NJ.
To apply for certification as a school social worker in New Jersey, you must do so through the licensing office at the NJ Department of Education. The hours they take phone calls are from 3:00 to 6:00 PM daily. The phone number is 609-292-2070.
An alternate way to do this is through a County Superintendent of Schools in New Jersey. If you have an MSW, you automatically qualify, but you have to apply and submit the required documentation. Unfortunately, when you look on the website of the licensing/certification office, they mainly deal with teacher credentialing.
http://www.nj.gov/education/educators/license/
Is there any kind of traing or class that you can take to add to your resume to get a school social work job? Like others I have a MSW and I am certified but I have no prior school social work experience. Which seems to make it difficult to obtain a job. I am also looking for a class to learn more about the job duties of a school social worker. Any ideas?
I have a BA in Psychology, BA in Elem education and MA in School Counseling. In the fall 09 I will be licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and receive a certification in play therapy (RPT).
How do I find what classes if necessary I would need to get my school social worker certificate? I checked the NJ Dept of Ed website and it was not helpful.
Hello,
I currently hold an MSW, and LSW and was interested in becoming a school counselor. Can someonr explain what things need to be accopmplished for me to get a job in a school. Thanks so much for all the help.
I have a MPA degree from Rutgers and I am in the process of starting a non profit for children aging out of foster care. I would like to either get my LCP or LCSW. Do I have to have a MSW to do so? If yes, can some of my MPA credits go toward getting my MSW.
I have been a lawyer for the last few years but have been thinking about getting into education. Does anyone know if i will have to go back to school or can I test in? thanks.
I have my MSW (and am just waiting for my license and school certification to go through – everything is done). I am very interested in working in a school, however I am also interested in getting my LCSW. I cannot seem to find anything that says whether I can or cannot count work in a school setting as hours toward my LCSW in New Jersey. Does anyone know???
Dana:
I believe that work hours in school count towards an LCSW if you are supervised by an LCSW. You may have to pay out of pocket for that supervision if there are no LCSW’s working in that particular district. Remember, you do not have to have a license to work as a school social worker but without a license and with a school social worker certification you can only work in a school.
Hello,
I am curious as to why the new Director of School Counseling cert does not accept school social work as criteria for qualification. How is it that being a school counselor qualifies you to supervise social workers but being a school scoial worker does not qualify you to supervise school counselors !
In some districts social workers are placed in the guidance department because there may not be a better place for them to be supervised if they are not performing special services like on a CST. Most districts do not employ enough school-based (regular ed) social workers to warrant a full time supervisor. Remember that guidance counselors must be former teachers and the NJASSW has worked hard to prevent former teachers without an MSW from becoming certified school social workers.
Also, most school social workers receive some sort of supervision from Principals as well and they are rarely MSWs.
To answer your initial question, I do not think that school counselors are permitted to supervise social workers but a Director of Counseling, within the context of a school, should be permitted to do so. Without proper credentials, even the Director of Counseling can not provide clinical supervision required for licensure.
Thanks for your response but my real question is if a school scoial worker one day aspires to be a director of student support services, they are inelligible according to the new DOE certification…Director of School Counseling services.
I was not speaking of social work licensure.
Can a foreigner join your association? And how as a Social Worker.
I have my nj social school work liscensure and MSW and have been employed as a CST shcool social worker – Can I apply for elementary school guidance counselor positions? Is the rerecprocity between the certifications?
Are school social workers eligible for tenure in public school districts?
School Social Work positions usually have the same contract as that of a teacher so yes! they are eligible for tenure probably after 3 full years in district.
Hello all I just recently hired as a school social worker at a charter school. The school has never had a school social worker before and I’m a little nervous because i do not know what to expect. Or who to go to. I graduated with my MSW this past may and I also have my Certification for school social work already.. Can anyone give me any tips…
Hello all I was just recently hired as a school social worker at a charter school. The school has never had a school social worker before and I’m a little nervous because i do not know what to expect. Or who to go to. I graduated with my MSW this past may and I also have my Certification for school social work already.. Can anyone give me any tips…
Reply
I am a school social worker working with a Child Study Team. Does anyone know of a report writing program for Social History Assessments.
Hello.
I am a member of NJASSW and I’m wondering why the Fall conference this year has no choices in terms of different workshops? I remember attending a NJASSW conference last year and found it very rewarding as there were many workshops to choose from. I was a bit disappointed to find that there were no choices given for this year’s fall workshop. It definitely has a bearing on my decision making as to whether I’ll attend or not. Can you fill me in as to why there are no workshops to choose from this year? Thank you.
Neil Steinert
Neil:
Sorry this reply is so late but I do have an answer…For the past several years, since the Fall Workshop was instituted, the program has been limited to one topic and one presenter for the entire day. When we engaged Dr. Hubsher, he agreed to break up his presentation into three segments and asked if two of his therapists could present on different aspects of the same topic.
The Spring Institute (April 19th, 2010 this year) traditionally offers 8-10 workshops in addition to a keynote speaker and the workshops are varied and have no connection except that they are relevant to school Social Work.
Sam Bernstein
Hi,
I am Jason & I am studying in School of Social Work at Canada.
I want to know that how can I get nice information about exam preparation for social work education.
Thnx