MSW/Home-School Visitor Certificate Program (MSW) Program
In Pennsylvania, school social work is called “Home-School Visitor Certification.” Individuals with the Home and School Visitor Certification (HSV) provide professional social work services in a variety of K-12 educational institutions. The University of Pennsylvania School of Social Policy & Practice (SP2) is approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education to prepare students to apply to the state for this certification.
Students in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program who wish to complete the HSV certification complete required courses, special seminars, and a school-based practicum placement in order to meet the requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. These requirements include content on accommodations and adaptations for students with disabilities in an inclusive setting and meeting the needs of English Language Learners.
Students in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program who wish to complete the HSV certification complete required courses, special seminars, and a school-based practicum placement in order to meet the requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. These requirements include content on accommodations and adaptations for students with disabilities in an inclusive setting and meeting the needs of English Language Learners.
The Penn Home and School Visitor Certification program is open only to students enrolled in SP2’s MSW program. Alumni of SP2’s MSW program who have questions about getting their Home and School Visitor certification may contact the Administrative Director of the MSW Program for more information.
In order to be eligible to apply for the Home and School Visitor Certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, students need the following:
- SWRK 7240: Developmental Disabilities;
- One of the following courses:
- SWRK 7220: Practice with Children and Adolescents;
- SWRK 7420: Practice with Youth Who are Marginalized; or
- SWRK 7730: Mental Health Challenges with Children and Adolescents;
- SWRK 7970: Education Law and Policy Seminar (offered in the spring semester).
- One practicum placement in an accredited school setting under the supervision of an MSW;
- MSW Degree; and
- Pennsylvania Social Work License.
Application and Certification Process
Becoming a certified Home and School Visitor is a three-step process.
Register with SP2
The first step includes submission of two forms that are required by SP2. The Intent to Complete form is submitted when a student enrolled in the MSW program decides to work towards the certification. This form must be submitted before a student can register for the Education Law and Policy Seminar. Then, the Completion Form is submitted when the student has finished their final semester in the MSW program. The Completion Form needs to be signed by the student’s academic advisor and a representative from the Practicum Education Office, confirming that they have met Penn’s academic requirements for the certificate.
Obtain Your Social Work License
A requirement for Penn’s Home and School Visitor certification is social work licensure. After graduating from the MSW program and before applying to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for certification, graduates should obtain their social work license by passing the social work licensure exam. You will need to send SP2 a copy of your social work license before we approve your application to the PA Department of Education.
Apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
In the third step, after students have completed all of the HSV requirements and obtained their social work license, students submit an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Education to obtain their official certification. Students should notify SP2 when they have completed the application to the Department of Education.
Please note that BOTH steps are required. Even if students have completed the academic requirements for Home and School Visitor certification, certification is not complete or official until the certificate has been issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Inform SP2 of your intent to obtain HSV certification
Students who are currently in the MSW program may inform SP2 at any time between matriculation and graduation of their intent to obtain the Home and School Visitor certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Only students who have completed SP2’s intent to obtain HSV certification are guaranteed a seat in SWRK 7240: Developmental Disabilities.
Complete the Intent to Obtain Home and School Visitor Certification Form when you decide to work towards certification. This needs to be done before enrolling in the Education Law and Policy Seminar.
After finishing the MSW Program, submit the Completion Form.
Obtain Social Work Licensure
After graduation, obtain your social work license by passing the licensure exam. SP2 cannot approve your application to the PA Department of Education until we have received a copy of your social work license.
Apply for the HSV Certificate from PA Dept. of Education
To submit the state’s online application, go to the Department of Education’s TIMS website and follow the steps to create a login. The Home and School Visitor certification falls under the category of Educational Specialist.
Note: The state charges a $200 application fee as part of the certification process. You will be asked to pay this fee by credit card or money order.
Contact Us
Mai Le, JD, MSW
Administrative Director, MSW Program
215 746 4031
mtle@upenn.edu
