Social work graduate student Jessica Munoz Garcia wants to work in the public school setting to support students who may face systemic barriers to academic success.
“As someone who grew up in the public school system, I understand the impact that access to resources, emotional support and advocacy can have on a student’s academic and personal development,” Munoz Garcia said.
“I’m passionate about creating safe environments where students feel seen, heard and supported — especially those navigating challenges outside the classroom.”
A second-year student in Cal State Fullerton’s Master of Social Work program studying community mental health, she is on track to meet her career goal.
Munoz Garcia is also enrolled in the university’s new Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance, launched this fall.
“I’m excited that we’re able to bring this credential pathway to fruition and directly impact schools in our local communities,” said Gordon Capp, associate professor of social work and credential program coordinator.
Capp said CSUF is the only public university in Orange County to offer the Master of Social Work program and school social work credential program.
“If MSW students want to work in schools as school social workers, they need this credential,” said Capp, whose research focuses on schools and supporting the mental health of K-12 students and staff. “CSUF is providing an affordable pathway for our students.”
School social workers are trained to identify and provide intervention strategies for children and their families, including counseling, case management and crisis intervention.
“Working in public schools will allow me to be a consistent, accessible support system for students and their families, helping to foster resilience and long-term success in their educational journey and lives,” said Munoz Garcia, a former elementary school substitute teacher.
Munoz Garcia, who participated in the Department of Social Work’s international service-learning program in Puerto Rico this summer, said the addition of the credential program allows students to jump-start their careers after graduation.
The credential program was designed for graduate students pursuing a social work career in California public schools. The credential authorizes them to assess home, school and community factors affecting students’ learning.
“It makes my path to becoming a school social worker much easier. Completing the school social work credential and earning my master’s degree together saves me the time, cost and effort of applying to a separate university,” she said.
The College of Health and Human Development credential program is offered only to students in the master’s program. Developed in collaboration with the College of Education, Capp said the credential program may eventually be offered to others who have already earned a graduate degree.
The credential, administered by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, requires students to spend 600 hours as a school intern. They must complete various activities, such as conducting individual clinical work with students and families, consulting with teachers and school staff members, and supporting special education students.
One new course was created for the program, Social Work Practice in School Settings, focusing on roles and responsibilities and best practices in schools.
“Completing the credential program ensures that the academic content students receive, along with their internship experiences, provides the theoretical and practical foundations so they can walk into school settings ready to engage with school communities,” Capp said.