How to Become a School Social Worker

School social workers provide resources and guidance to support and improve students’ mental health and academic performance. It can be a fulfilling career for someone who wants to help children and teenagers improve their lives both in and out of the classroom.

Read through our guide to learn more about the essential services school social workers provide and what steps you need to take to join this profession.

A school social worker typically works with students in kindergarten through 12th grade at public or private schools. They help address students’ mental health, behavioral, and social challenges. They also often help the school identify, intervene, and support students who may be experiencing issues like abuse or neglect.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need strong communication skills, along with patience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. These qualities will help you build trust with students to better understand the support or resources they might need. 

The typical day-to-day responsibilities of a school social worker include: 

To become a school social worker, you’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in social work, gain work experience, and obtain state license or certification. 

Here’s an in-depth look at each of these steps:

Start by earning a bachelor’s degree in social work. This four-year degree will provide you with a strong foundation in human behavior and other relevant skills to help you prepare for your graduate studies. Common courses in this program include social welfare policy and cultural diversity. 

You don’t necessarily need a bachelor’s in social work, however. You could also get your bachelor’s degree in a similar or related field, including psychology, sociology, or education.

Most social work positions require a master’s in social work (MSW), and that is no different for school social workers. 

During your graduate studies, you’ll likely take courses on mental health, social policy, research methods, and crisis intervention. Some programs also offer specializations in areas like child welfare or school social work. These can provide additional qualifications and knowledge to help you succeed working in schools.

Gaining work experience will pad your resume and make you more competitive in the job market. 

You get experience as a social worker through fieldwork or internships, where you’ll develop and hone real-world skills such as identifying students’ needs, maintaining records, and connecting families with community resources. 

You can find these opportunities through LinkedIn, professional networking events, and career service centers.

All states require school social workers to be licensed or certified, and each state has its own licensure requirements. In most cases, you’ll need to have a master’s degree in social work, complete a supervised clinical experience, and pass an exam.

Some states may require additional certifications for you to qualify as a school social worker. For example, in Massachusetts, you’ll need to pass a communication skills and literacy test from the educator licensing board. 

You can also opt to earn your Certified School Social Work Specialist (C-SSWS) credential from the National Association of Social Work (NASW). This can help you stand out as a social worker prepared to work in a school setting. However, in most instances, it is not required.

Start your job search by checking school district websites, job boards, and your university’s career services office. You can also leverage your professional network, including alumni groups and professors, to try to find open positions.

School social workers usually have skills such as active listening, conflict resolution, advocacy, and cultural competence, so be sure to highlight these in your resume. A cover letter can also help you demonstrate your commitment to helping students deal with sensitive issues like bullying and family trauma.

It can take 6-8 years to become a school social worker if you take into account the time it takes to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree and complete state license requirements.

However, there are some ways you can graduate faster and fast-track your career. One is enrolling in an accelerated bachelor’s program, which can shave one to two years off your degree completion time. There are also dual-degree programs, which allow you to earn your master’s and bachelor’s degrees in social work in the same program.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for school social workers was $58,570 as of May 2024. For social workers in the educational services industry (including state, local, and private settings), the median annual wage was $67,620.

Many social workers earn more than the average cost of living. However, this is highly dependent on the state they live in — in some states, their median salary is lower. Keep in mind that where you live can significantly impact how much you earn.