School Social Work Practice
School social workers serve as a vital connection between schools, families, and the broader community. They support all students by providing direct services such as individual and group counseling, classroom-based instruction, crisis intervention, consultation, and referrals to community resources.
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School social workers also play an essential role in the special education assessment process and frequently deliver both direct and indirect services to students receiving special education supports. Through ongoing collaboration with teachers, administrators, and multidisciplinary school teams, school social workers help create responsive systems that promote student well-being and academic success.
Practice Model 2.0
The Framework for 21st Century School Social Work Practice defines the core values, domains, focus areas, and professional activities that guide school social workers now and into the future. School social work is a specialized area of professional social work practice, and this framework was developed to clearly communicate the role and impact of school social workers serving students in pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
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Designed for policymakers, administrators, educators, allied professionals, and community partners, the framework clarifies what school social workers do and why their work matters. It aims to define the expected scope of practice, promote consistency in preparation and certification, and reinforce the essential role of school social workers as integral members of school teams. Ultimately, the framework supports sustainable, equitable outcomes that strengthen student well-being and school communities.
Social Work Organizations
Minnesota Board of
Social Work
Protecting the public through licensing and regulation of the social work profession.
Association of Social Work Boards
ASWB provides support and services to the social work regulatory community to advance safe, competent, and ethical practices to strengthen public protection.
Council of Social Work Education
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) is the national association representing social work education in the United States.
National Association of Social Workers
NASW works to enhance the growth and development of our members, to create and maintain professional standards for all social workers, and to advance sound social policies.
School Social Workers Association of America
The School Social Work Association of America is a membership organization empowering school social workers and promoting the profession of school social work.
Professional Standards & Training
To practice school social work in Minnesota, individuals must meet specific education, licensure, and examination requirements established by the Minnesota Board of Social Work and the Minnesota Department of Education. These requirements ensure school social workers are prepared to provide ethical, effective, and high-quality services to students and families.
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General Requirements
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To work as a school social worker in Minnesota, the following are required:
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Graduation with a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited social work program
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Licensure by the Minnesota Board of Social Work
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Licensure as a Teacher/Related Service Provider through the Minnesota Department of Education
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Successful completion of the national multiple-choice examination administered by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), as determined by the Board (City, county, and state-employed social workers are exempt from this examination requirement)
Levels of Social Work Licensure in Minnesota
The Minnesota Board of Social Work offers four levels of licensure:
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Licensed Social Worker (LSW)
May engage in generalist social work practice under supervision for the equivalent of two years of full-time practice. -
Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
May engage in generalist social work practice under supervision by an LISW or LICSW for two years of full-time practice. With LICSW supervision, an LGSW may also engage in clinical practice while working toward independent clinical licensure. -
Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)
May engage in generalist social work practice and, under LICSW supervision, engage in clinical practice while pursuing independent clinical licensure. -
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
May engage in both generalist and clinical social work practice without supervision.
Each level of licensure determines the scope of practice and services a school social worker may provide, based on their education, training, and licensure status.
MA Billing for School Social Work
Beginning October 15, 2024, Minnesota schools and districts can access Medical Assistance (MA) for mental health services provided in schools as part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for students enrolled in MA. This process helps schools expand access to critical mental health supports by offsetting costs for services delivered to MA-eligible students. By implementing MH-SpEd, districts can strengthen school-based mental health services, reduce barriers to care, and better support student well-being and academic success.
Throughout 2026, MSSWA will be adding Practice Guides and Training Videos to help support the implementation of MH-SpEd. Please check back in the future for those resources.