School Social Work Endorsement

Becoming a School Social Worker in the State of Iowa

The State of Iowa requires MSW's practicing as School Social Workers to obtain a specialized endorsement (credential) through the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.

There are two paths to obtain this endorsement:

Completing specialized coursework while obtaining an MSW degree
Obtaining a Statement of Professional Recognition (SPR) prior to or once hired by an Area Education Agency or School District.

Both options are described in detail below.

What is School Social Work?

In Iowa, School Social Work is different than providing school-based therapy services. In Iowa, School Social Workers are primarily employed through Area Education Agencies (AEAs; state agencies that provide services and consultation to schools within specific regions of the state). AEAs employ a variety of professionals in addition to School Social Workers, including psychologists, speech therapists, occupational therapists, and education specialists. At this time, School Social Workers working for the AEA in Iowa are primarily responsible for writing individualized education plans (IEPs; which lay out a student's individual special education services) and provide support/consultation to school personnel to meet the individual student's needs. While there is currently more movement in Iowa for AEA School Social Workers to provide individual/group therapy services with a school, this is not the primary function of School Social Workers at this time. Most school-based therapy services across the state involve contracts between individual school districts and local agencies to provide licensed mental health professionals (i.e. social workers, counselors, marriage & family therapists, etc.) who are employees of the agency (not the school district) but provide therapy services within a school.

In 2021, the Iowa state legislature passed legislation (SF 532) that requires all mental health professionals employed by and providing mental health services to a school district to obtain a Statement of Professional Recognition (SPR) from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners. Takinge effect January 1, 2022, this will require social workers employed by school districts who are providing school-based therapy services to also obtain a Statement of Professional Recognition. Iowa Board of Educational Examiners-FAQ about SF532 This does not apply to social workers employed by outside agencies contracting with districts to provide school-based therapy services.

Who Should Get the Endorsement?

MSW students who want the option of practicing as a School Social Worker through the AEA in Iowa or who want to provide school-based therapy services as a school district employee, may find it beneficial to complete the School Social Work endorsement during their MSW program.

School Social Work Endorsement as Part of UNI's MSW Program

The University of Northern Iowa provides an endorsement pathway for MSW graduates to apply to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners to obtain Endorsement 240 School Social Worker Birth to Age 21. The courses listed below meet the requirements for Endorsement 240 and include two education-specific electives plus completion of the MSW student's specialization year field practicum at an Area Education Agency (AEA). The endorsement is available to students in all of our programs, as the required coursework is completed during the specialization year. UNI's MSW program maintains a list of Special Education (SPED; taught within UNI's College of Education) courses that are appropriate for elective options.

‌Summer

SPED Elective - SPED 6260 Special Education Law & Policy (Recommended; offered every Summer, Fall, Spring)

‌Fall

SW 6268 Trauma Informed Practice Practicum I with an Area Education Agency (required)

‌Spring

SW 6270 Trauma Informed Practice Practicum II with an Area Education Agency (required)
SPED Elective (can take in Fall Term if desired)

Process to Obtain School Social Work Endorsement:

Complete required coursework as part of UNI's MSW program.
Sit for the licensing exam to obtain LMSW.
In the last semester or after the student graduates, apply for the endorsement through the Board of Educational Examiners.
Maintain your LMSW through the Iowa Department of Public Health (27 CEUs and fees every 2 years) AND your Professional Service License (4 licensure renewal credits and fees every 5 years) through the Iowa Department of Education (https://isswa.org/CEU-and-Licensure-Renewal).
To be eligible to take the courses needed for administrative endorsements an individual must hold an entry level license in education. The School Social Work Endorsement makes school social workers equal members of the education community. The Endorsement serves as the entry level education license for school social workers enabling them to move on to leadership positions in education.

Statement of Professional Recognition (SPR)

MSWs choosing not to obtain the School Social Work Endorsement can still become a School Social Worker by obtaining a Statement of Professional Recognition (SPR) prior to or once hired by an Area Education Agency or School District. The holder of an SPR can practice as a School Social Worker indefinitely.

Process to Obtain an SPR:

Complete UNI's MSW program (Recommended to take SPED courses for the MSW electives, but not required. Recommend to complete the MSW Specialization internship with an AEA but this is not required).
Sit for the licensing exam to obtain LMSW.
In the last semester or after the student graduates, apply for the Professional Statement of Recognition through the Board of Educational Examiners (or wait until hired by an AEA or School District).
Maintain your LMSW through the Iowa Department of Public Health (27 CEUs and fees every 2 years).
Pay $95/5 years for the SPR
The SPR is only granted with an offer for employment.

Practice & Supervision for LISW

Students frequently ask whether or not they can count their practice and supervision hours as a School Social Worker towards the requirements for licensure at the independent level (LISW) in Iowa. The physical location of where practice is occurring is not an issue (in this case, a school). The issue is generally regarding the level of practice that is occurring. The State of Iowa has been very clear that in order for professional social work practice and supervision to count towards LISW licensure, the following specific practice activities must be included:

Psychosocial assessments, including evaluation of symptoms and behaviors and the effects of the environment on behavior;
Diagnostic practice using the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association;
Treatment, including the establishment of treatment goals, psychosocial therapy, and differential treatment planning;
Practice management skills;
Skills required for continued competence;
Training on ethical standards and legal and regulatory requirements; and
Development of professional identity.

These specific practice activities have historically not been the focus for School Social Workers employed by AEAs in Iowa, which could affect a School Social Worker's ability to accumulate the required practice and supervision hours for independent licensure in the state. However, an MSW with a School Social Work Endorsement/SPR, who is providing school-based therapy services would be performing these required practice activities and therefore could count accumulated hours towards their LISW requirements.