Trauma-Informed School Social Work (Graduate Certificate)

The Trauma-Informed School Social Work Track is the equivalent to the Trauma-Informed Policy and Practices Certificate (TIPP), and developed from ongoing collaboration with the UNH Education Department. Our goals are to increase visibility of diverse populations by decreasing financial barriers to education, and to encourage the development of inclusive spaces in and outside of schools. Students who complete this concentration will be eligible to apply for the NH Board of Education School Social Work Certificate at the time of graduation.

In addition to learning through courses and internships students will be eligible to receive a $20,000 stipend. This opportunity is funded through a 5-year grant from the U.S. Department of Education. To be eligible for the stipend, students must complete internship hours at a placement working with children in historically marginalized and underserved communities and/or be a representative of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities.

Students receiving stipends must agree to work in an education related environment for 20 months full-time equivalent after program exit.

Who Should Apply?

  • Graduate students attending the University of New Hampshire Durham, Manchester, or Online.
  • Students from other disciplines and other universities, and non-matriculated students.
  • Students interested in trauma-informed policy and practices.
  • Individuals pursuing continuing education units (CEU) for a variety of state licenses.
  • Individuals interested in increasing their knowledge in trauma-informed care and developing specialized practice skills.
Required Courses
EDUC 998Special Topics (Seminar) 13-4
SW 813School Social Work3
SW 871Trauma-Informed Practice in School Settings3
Electives
Select one course from the approved list of electives below. 2, 33-4
Total Credits12-14
Approved Electives
Select one course from the following:
EDUC 801Human Development & Learning: Cultural Perspectives4
EDUC 803CClassroom Management: Creating Positive Learning Environments4
EDUC 861Designing Curriculum for Inclusive, Equitable Settings for Young Children (birth-8)4
EDUC 818Critical Social Justice in and Beyond Education4
EDUC 956Developing Positive Behavior Supports to Ensure Success for All Learners4
EDUC 850Introduction to Disability in Inclusive Schools and Communities4
SW 804Adolescents with Emotional and Behavioral Challenges3
SW 805Child and Adolescent Risks and Resiliency: Program, Policy and Practice3
SW 820Social Welfare Policy I3
SW 830Social Work Practice I3
SW 831Social Work Practice II: Practice in Small Groups and Community Organizations3
SW 840Implications of Race, Culture, and Oppression for Social Work Practice3
SW 850Human Behavior and the Social Environment I3
SW 851Human Behavior and the Social Environment II3
SW 860Research Methods in Social Work3
SW 865Adventure Therapy: Facilitation and Processing of the Experience3
SW 952Human Behavior and the Social Environment III3
SW 926Social Welfare Policy II3
SW 962Data Analysis and Statistics3
SW 930Advanced General Practice III: Clinical Assessment and Intervention3
SW 931Advanced Generalist Practice IV: Community and Administrative Practice3
SW 965Program and Practice Evaluation3

Assessment

  • Students will track progress through the concentration using Tevera and are required to update the "School SW Credentials" form regularly.
  • It is recommended that at least one course assignment per course should directly relate back to School Social Work. Students can collect these assignments in Tevera.

Internship

  • 640 hours of internship must be completed in a high need local education areas/authorities (LEA).
  • Remaining hours should provide experience working with vulnerable populations identified in ED 507.14.

1

EDUC 998 Special Topics has a minimum available credits of 3. Students complete 1 credit in the Fall and complete the remaining 2 credits in the Spring. The Spring semester requires at least two credits due to the development and completion of the seminar capstone. Students seeking an increase to 4 credits, collaboration with the instructors to develop fall sequence project is required.

2

Selecting an EDUC course is not required, however students are encouraged to consider EDUC 965 Educational Supervision and Evaluation or EDUC 850 Introduction to Disability in Inclusive Schools and Communities.

3

Elective coursework must have project focused on trauma-informed school social work.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Gain knowledge and experience in the complexities of collaborating with youth who have diverse abilities, including attitudes and perceptions, inclusive education, and the processes of identification, referral, assessment, and service delivery within educational systems.
  • Engage in the roles and functions of School Social Work across diverse practice settings, studying the history, legislation, and general perspectives in school social work. They prioritize anti-oppressive practices, ensuring that every student’s voice is heard and respected.
  • Critically analyze and apply the Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, integrating cultural, linguistic, and trauma-informed approaches to foster an inclusive and supportive educational environment.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in identifying and addressing the diverse needs of students through tailored interventions and collaborative practices, ensuring equity and access for all learners.
  • Effectively engage in interdisciplinary collaboration to provide trauma-informed care.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with educators, healthcare providers, and families to support students impacted by trauma, ensuring a holistic and coordinated approach to their well-being and academic success.