School of Social Work

WORKING IN OHIO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

In January 2022 the Ohio regulations changed, making it easier for social workers to get hired by school districts. This happened because of the increased mental health problems across many students exacerbated by the impact of the Covid pandemic.

Today, to qualify for a social worker position in an Ohio school district you need the following:

1. Have your LSW from the state Counselor, Social Worker, and Family/Marriage Therapist Board by passing the ASWB exam and background check.

2. Complete your MSW degree with a clinical specialization track (advanced generalist specialization will not work).

3. Have one of the following:

1. One year of successful experience in a public, private, or chartered school under a professional license (that would not be the LSW);

2. OR one year of social work experience under a current license issued by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Family/Marriage Therapist Board (that is SWK);

3. OR a graduate level social work practicum in a public, private, or chartered school (that would be completed during your MSW program).

4. Additional course work specific to school social work practice.

If you have numbers 1-3 satisfied, that leaves your question with number 4. The Ohio Department of Education is not clear in specifying under the current rules/regulations exactly what this means. You want to contact them directly about your background and experience as you plan your next academic steps. Know we offer SWK 692 Social Work in Educational Settings as an elective in our MSW Program.