Cal State Fullerton graduate students pursuing a social work career in California public schools can enroll in the university’s new Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance, launched this fall.
CSUF is the only public university in Orange County to offer the Master of Social Work program and school social work credential program together.
Social work graduate student Jessica Munoz Garcia wants to work in a public school setting to support students who may face systemic barriers to academic success. Munoz Garcia said the addition of the credential program to her Master of Social Work program allows students to jump-start their careers after graduation.
“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,” Munoz Garcia said.
School social workers are trained to identify and provide intervention strategies for children and their families, including counseling, case management and crisis intervention. The credential authorizes graduate students to assess home, school and community factors affecting students’ learning.
“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.
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.
Capp said the credential program — developed in collaboration with the College of Education — may eventually be offered to others who have already earned a graduate degree.
“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.