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    ​​Certification Staffing Policy Guidelines (CSPGs)

    ​​​​​CSPG 201 - School Social Worker (PK-12)

    Modified: January 1, 2024

    Grade Level Scope of Certificate

    A person employed in the position of School Social Worker is qualified to serve in grades Pre-K – 12.

    A person employed in the position of School Social Worker must hold a current license as a social worker (LSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State and maintain that license to be employed under this staffing assignment as School Social Worker.

    Staffing Assignment

    Refer to CSPG 87 - School Social Worker, Educational Specialist Certificate PK-12 (pa.gov) for updated job duties.

    Special Considerations

    An unlicensed person currently working under the direction of a Home and School Visitor prior to June 1, 2011, may be retained as long as they remain in those positions. Once the position is vacated, staffing must be in accordance with the guidelines provided relative to CSPG #201 School Social Worker, or CSPG #077 Home and School Visitor.

    A person employed in the position of School Social Worker may provide professional development services, regarding their collegial studies/skills, for school personnel.

    Restrictions

    School social workers may only work with students as permitted under a social worker's license. Except as provided elsewhere in this CSPG, a school social worker may not provide services to students that are specifically reserved for a certified school counselor. Except as provided elsewhere in this CSPG, a school social worker may not provide services to students that are specifically reserved for a certified school psychologist.

    References

    Program Specific Guidelines for Certification

    PA Public School Code: §1202, §1212, §1604

    22 PA Code:

    Chapter 12: §12.41

    Chapter 49: §49.11, §49.81, §49.102-3

    Chapter 14: §14.123(a), §14.124(a)

    Chapter 15: §15.5

    Chapter 16: §16.22(d), §16.23

    Chapter 63: §11

    This supersedes all earlier CSPGs carrying this number and/or addressing this subject. No previous printing dates on this subject.

    Summary of Changes

    ​Date of Revisions​Major Changes to CSPG #201​
    ​01/2024Updated due to CSPG #87
    ​9/2011

    ​Clarified language to unlicensed person currently working under the direction of a Home and School Visitor prior to June 1, 2001, may be retained.

    ​5/2011

    ​A change to CSPG #077 removes the requirement for supervision by a certified Home and School Visitor and created this CSPG.