School Social Work Credentials in Michigan School social work is a specialized field of practice within the social work profession. Individuals employed as school social workers must meet the criteria set forth by the Michigan Department of Education in the Rules Relating to Education. Specifically, they must have earned a Master of Social Work degree, which includes a minimum of 500 clock hours of supervised social work practicum experience. In addition, school social workers must have demonstrated knowledge/competence in four additional areas: 1) child psychopathology 2) diagnosis, assessment and testing, 3) educational disabilities and their impact on children and families, and 4) the practice of social work in educational settings. School Social Work Approval Process School social workers must be approved by the Michigan Department of Education. The MDE relies on Michigan universities to prepare candidates for school social work positions and to provide letters verifying their eligibility. The current procedure for securing approval is as follows: Candidates for school social work positions should show potential employers a copy of a letter from a Michigan University, verifying their eligibility for a recommendation. Once a person is hired as a school social worker, the employing district should notify their Intermediate School District (ISD) Approval Coordinator. The ISD will contact the university in writing, asking that the person be recommended to the MDE for temporary approval, or the initial year of service. The district should arrange for a fully approved school social worker to provide direction to the new employee. Full approval as a school social worker may be granted by the MDE upon written documentation from the employing school district of satisfactory completion of one year as a school social worker. Dual Requirement All Individuals identifying themselves as social workers in Michigan, including school social workers, must register with the State of Michigan Board of Examiners of Social Workers. The employing district should request documentation of this registration from the employee. Source: MASSW School Administrator Packet 1997 Licensing of Social Workers in the State of Michigan The licensing of social workers in the state of Michigan will be fully implemented July 1st of this year.  If you currently possess your CSW, no further action is needed as you will be grandfathered in.  If you do not have your CSW or have let it lapse, you will need to establish your application towards a Licensed Master's Social Worker (CSW until July 1st, 2005).  A Limited Master's Social Work License process is in place towards individuals working towards full eligibility of Licensure.  It is required for SSWs to have this license.   Be aware that School Social Work is a clinical practice and you should indicate such within your application.   You may apply on line at http://www.michigan.gov/elicense   More information is available through the Michigan Board of Social Work at http://www.michigan.gov/mdch/0,1607,7-132-27417_27529_27554---,00.html