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Degrees and Schools

In many states, school counselors must have a minimum of a master's degree in school counseling and typically need to have a license from the state they work in. However, educational requirements for licensing and employment vary by state, so students need to make sure the program they enroll in meets the specific requirements of their state. In some states, the license is specific to elementary school or high school and thus requires the person have completed coursework that pertains to that population. They must also meet the continuing education and license renewal requirements of the state.

Family social workers are usually required to have either a Bachelor's of Social Work or a Master's of Social Work and will need to be licensed, certified or registered by the state. Some entry-level positions are available to those with a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology or other human services degree although full licensure may not be granted until the person has gained field experience. Social workers must also meet the continuing education requirements as defined by the state they work in and renew their license as required.

Coursework

School Counseling majors will take classes such as those listed below in addition to a significant field practicum/internship:

• counseling techniques
• research and evaluation
• theory and process of group interaction
• career counseling
• legal and ethical issues
• psychopathology and developmental issues

Social Work majors will take courses similar to those listed below as well as participate in one or more field practicums/internships:

• human behavior in the social environment
• social welfare policy
• communication skills in social work practice
• direct practice with families
• social work research
• ethnic and cultural issues in social work
• childhood stressors and maladjusted behaviors
• cognitive and behavioral intervention
• social work and family violence

Online Classes and Programs

There are numerous online programs available for both school counseling and social work degrees. These programs are sometimes the only way a working student can earn their degree due to the flexibility and convenience these programs provide. Both social work and school counseling degrees require an internship, also known as a field practicum, which will be the student's responsibility to arrange since it is not feasible for online schools to arrange placements all over the country. Since state licensing requirements vary by state for both school counselors and social workers, those attending an online school need to make sure the program they complete meets all the requirements of their state. In some cases, a student may need to take additional coursework elsewhere if the online school doesn't meet a specific requirement.

Employment Requirements

School Counselor positions typically require that candidates obtain a state license. In some states, the license will be specific to elementary school or secondary school or there will be a separate endorsement attached to the license.

Social workers will need to obtain the appropriate license, certification or registration from the state they will be working in. Licensing, certification and registration requirements vary from state to state in terms of what degree is required and how often renewal is required. Some states award initial licenses until the person has completed additional coursework or gained experience. Other requirements may include fluency in a foreign language or reliable transportation if the position involves extensive travel.

How to Evaluate Schools and Programs

When deciding among school and program options, prospective students may want to find answers to the following questions:

• Concentration - Does the social work program offer a concentration in children and youth services? If not, are there options in the curriculum that allow a student to focus on social work for children? Does the school counseling program allow students to take courses specific to the school population (elementary vs. high school) they want to work with?
• Field Practice - What are the requirements for field practicum? Who is responsible for arranging an appropriate placement? Are students able to receive placements that match their career plans?
• Accreditation - Is the school accredited by a regional accrediting agency? Is the program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) or other national accrediting agency?
• Licensing - Does the program meet the requirements for licensing, certification or registration in the state where the student plans to work?
• Courses - Are there courses offered that pertain to specific areas of interest? Can students take electives in other subject-areas?
• Financial Aid and Loans - What types of financial aid is available? Does the school offer scholarships? Will the amount of loans be reasonable so that they can be paid back on one's future salary?

Family and School Social Worker Job Description

Improving the lives of children can be one of the most rewarding and challenging career choices a person can make. Those who work to improve the lives of children and their families can change the direction of a child's future. Family and school social workers aim to improve the social, psychological and academic functioning of children and families through accessing appropriate services, providing counseling and intervening in situations that are detrimental to a child's well-being. These social workers are employed by schools, foster care agencies, child protective service agencies, outreach programs and other organizations whose primary clients are children.

This profession can entail a variety of roles such as:

• elementary school counselor
• secondary school counselor
• foster care social worker
• child abuse social worker
• adoption agency social worker
• child welfare social worker

The responsibilities specific to school counselors include the following:

• creating and implementing a guidance curriculum
• creating a supportive school environment
• assisting students with college and career planning
• communicating with parents and teachers
• providing individual and group counseling
• referring students for additional services

Responsibilities of family social workers can include some of the following, depending on the person's role and place of employment:

• assessing family functioning and child safety
• intervening to protect children from abuse or neglect
• coordinating services such as daycare, housing and medical care
• arranging foster care placement and adoptions
• providing individual and group counseling
• creating long-term plans for care of children

Resources

American School Counselor Association - The ASCA provides professional development training, publications, conferences, research, advocacy and other resources to its members.

National Association of Social Workers - The NASW provides information and research to help social workers develop professionally. This organization is also involved in the creation of standards for the social work profession and in social policy advocacy.

American Public Human Services Association - The APHSA supports policies and practices designed to improve the health and well-being of children, families and adults. They advocate for the economically disadvantaged in Congress, the media and the public.