SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER LICENSURE OVERVIEW
Portland State University’s School of Social Work is a commissioned approved K-12 School Social Worker License preparation service for persons interested in becoming licensed school social workers in the State of Oregon.
The School of Social Work is NOT a licensing board, nor does it provide licenses to MSW students. The School of Social Work is an approved site for K-12 School Social Worker License preparation. We ONLY provide the educational requirements towards candidacy for the SSW licensure in the State of Oregon.
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER LICENSURE PROCESS FOR CURRENT MSW STUDENTS
MSW students interested in enrolling in the SSWL will apply through an intent to enroll form and be registered to a SSWL Canvas site. Students will have access to the licensing requirements through a guided process. This is a self-paced and self-monitored service leading to the application for licensure with The Oregon Teacher Standards and Practice Commission (TSPC).
The MSW program in the School of Social Work offers applicants the opportunity to complete the educational requirements necessary to meet the licensing standards.
- Students must complete at least nine months of experience in a K-12 school setting AND at least nine months of direct practice experience with children, youth, and families. This is typically accomplished through an internship in the generalist or advanced year.
- Students must take three school social work focused electives as part of their educational requirements:
- SW 564 Social Work in Schools
- SW 510 (537) US & Oregon Law and Policy for Social Workers, and
- One SW elective of your choice in advanced practice from an approved list. - Students are required to pass a knowledge, skills and abilities assessment as part of the licensure preparation process.
- Lastly, students will demonstrate competence in 11 social work practice areas through a curated professional portfolio.
Once a student completes all the required steps satisfactorily, the MSW program will certify the student meets the SSWL requirements outlined by TSPC. The student can then proceed to the College of Education licensing office.
COE Licensure Checklist for MSW graduates