1660. SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER

1660 SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER 1660.1 For certification as a school worker, the following shall be required: (a) A master’s degree in social work from an accredited institution of social work that includes the following: (1) Field practicum in a setting providing direct services to individuals and groups of school age children and their families; or (2) A minimum of one (1) year paid professional experience (post master’s degree) in a setting providing direct services to individuals and groups of school age children and their families; (b) Program content to include the following: (1) Four (4) semester hours in family and child related coursework; (2) Four (4) semester hours in human behavior and social environment; (3) Four (4) semester hours in social welfare policy and services; (4) Eight (8) semester hours in social work practice; (5) Four (4) semester hours in research; and (6) Six (6) semester hours to include the following: (A) Laws and regulations, which impact upon school programs; and (B) Content in the area of disabling conditions and appropriate interventions; (c) Skills to include the following: (1) Developing a social history and psychological assessments by use of appropriate methodologies and theories (i.e., systems, family psychological theories and framework); (2) Utilizing theoretical and practice knowledge in counseling (i.e., family dynamics, crisis intervention and mediation); (3) Communication (i.e., speech, writing, sign language when/where appropriate); (4) Child and adolescent development theories (i.e., typical vs. atypical development; life cycle issues); (5) Learning and behavioral theories; (6) The influence of situations which impact upon individuals, families, and communities; (7) Law and legal provisions in the area of child welfare; (8) The cause and effects of social, cultural, and environmental forces and their impact on learning and human behavior (i.e., effect of these forces on race, ethics, gender, socio-economic status); and (9) The role and function of the school social worker in relationship to school, communities, and organizations; and (d) A valid license to practice social work in the District of Columbia. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 28 DCR 3201 (July 17, 1981); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 33 DCR 6542 (October 24, 1986); and by Final Rulemaking published at 40 DCR 6893, 6940-41 (October 1, 1993).