Program Description: Social work in an educational setting
Earn 2 state certificates by enrolling in Pitt’s HSV/SSW program!
The Home & School Visitor and School Social Work (HSV/SSW) program is designed to enhance professional competency in the development and delivery of high quality social work services to diverse student populations in both public and private elementary and secondary schools. In the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the HSV/SSW state certificates are recognized and required by school districts.
In the 1930’s, the School of Social Work was the first university to offer a Home and School Visitor certificate. The program was started by Pitt faculty member and social work practitioner Marion Hathway Social Welfare History Project Hathway, Marion (vcu.edu). The HSV/SSW is an interprofessional Educational Specialist certificate, operated jointly with University of Pittsburgh School of Education and by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, intended for students who plan to deliver social work services in elementary or secondary schools.
There are three models for HSV/SSW certification:
- Certification earned while earning the MSW
- Certification earned post-MSW
- Certification earned without an MSW
The certificate program is organized around the Direct Practice specialization and offers students the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge and skills via courses taken in the Schools of Social Work and Education and a practicum placement in an educational setting.
Read details about how students have two options to prepare them to work in a school, either the Home & School Visitor, HSV or the School Social Work, SSW certificate.
Requirements
1. Certification earned while gaining the MSW.
MSW students must indicate their interest in obtaining the DP H&SV certificate in their application for admissions to the MSW Program. Advanced Standing students should contact the H&SV Director and complete the Certificate Declaration of Intent Form (see below) during the summer registration period before their first fall semester in the MSW Program. MSW students who do not have advanced standing will complete a Declaration of Intent during their first semester of enrollment. In order to satisfy the certification requirements of the Pennsylvania Department of Education as well as the Master’s Degree in Social Work, students will have to complete 66 credits which may necessitate registering for courses during the Summer Term. Course of Study Recommendation for DP Home & School Visitor Certificate
2. Certification earned post-MSW
For those seeking the DP HSV certificate post-MSW, or earned without an MSW, the Home & School Visitor application must be completed & then submitted to the director of HSV to be accepted into the program.
3. Certification earned without an MSW
The course of study for DP HSV certificate for those seeking the Certification earned post-MSW or Certification earned without an MSW.
PA State Credential
After coursework & LSW/LCSW for social workers or the Praxis exam for non-social workers has been successfully completed, the PDE checklist with supporting documents is submitted the HSV Director to receive PA state credential.
View the School of Social Work/Pennsylvania Department of Education Certification Checklist.
Certificate Declaration Form
Course Requirements
MSW students must complete the courses listed.
Post Graduate students returning with or without an MSW must complete the courses listed here.
Job Opportunities
PA-Educator.net--an online clearinghouse designed to improve the application process and assist in the job search of professional school employees interested in working within Pennsylvania.
Visit the School of Social Work's Career Services page for current job opportunities and career resources.
Home and School Visitor/School Social Work Program Updates
- PA SSW certification, April 29, 2022. PDE created a SSW education certification in 2021. View the video highlighting who is eligible for an alternative pathway toward certification (grandfathering), how to apply, who cannot apply, and steps moving forward.
- PowerPoint: PA School Social Work Certification, April 29, 2022
- PowerPoint about SSW Certification is available here and on the PASSWP Webpage, SSW Certification in PA (passwp.com)
- August 16, 2021 PDE Virtual Town Hall for School Social Worker Certification - YouTube
- Dr. Alicia Joyce, LSW, DSW, School Social Worker, is Pennsylvania Association of School Social Work Personnel, PASSWP, Western Region Representative, alicia.joyce@aiu3.net
Resources
- School Social Work Association of America
- Pennsylvania Association of School Social Work Personnel
- NASW Standards for School Social Work Services
- PA Mental Health Education Learning Program in Schools (PA HELPS): This state-funded program encourages students to complete internships in school-based mental health fields in Pennsylvania and obtain their employment and certifications in a Pennsylvania Local Education Agency (LEA).
