BSW Practitioners

A no-cost professional development certificate for licensed or license-eligible social workers in North Carolina with 0–2 years of experience. The program supports early-career practitioners as they move from classroom preparation into the field.

Cost

No cost

Certificate, materials, and sessions, no tuition or fees.

Who it’s for

0–2 Years

Licensed or license-eligible BSW graduates in NC public service roles.

Time commitment

30–36 Hours

Orientation, monthly sessions, async learning, and professional learning communities.

Social worker supporting a justice-involved individual
Eligibility

Is This Program for You?

This track is for licensed or license-eligible BSW graduates in North Carolina with two years or less of post-graduation experience who are working, or preparing to work, in public service social work.

  • BSW degree and current NC licensure or license-eligible status
  • Two or fewer years of post-graduation social work experience
  • Working in or seeking public service social work roles in NC
  • Able to attend required orientation and monthly sessions
Program structure

What the Program Includes

The BSW Practitioner Certificate begins with orientation, then combines live sessions, asynchronous learning, and peer connection so you can learn without leaving your work responsibilities behind.

  • Required orientation session
  • 30–36 hours of certificate content across the program year
  • Monthly webinars
  • Mix of in-person sessions and asynchronous coursework
  • Closing event to celebrate completion
Social worker assisting a client who uses a wheelchair
Social worker visiting a patient in the hospital
Why it matters

Why Participate?

PSLP is designed for the transition from classroom to field, when confidence, connection, and practical skill-building matter most.

  • Build resilience and reduce early-career burnout
  • Certificate of Participation through the Social Work Coalition
  • Continuing education credit (details to be confirmed)
  • Network with practitioners, faculty, and peers across NC
  • Access mentors in state agencies and community organizations
  • Strengthen skills across the five critical service domains

Key Dates and Timeline

Dates will be posted when finalized.

Application Timeline

Applications released: [DATE]Applications close: [DATE]Decisions go out: [DATE]Acceptances due: [DATE]

Program Timeline

Information session: [DATE]Content begins: [DATE]Content delivery: [DATES]PLC / webinars: [DATES]In-person dates: [DATES]Closing session: [DATE]

Next steps

How To Apply

What the Application Includes

  • Form
  • Essay or Personal Statement?
  • Parental Consent
  • References
  • Etc.

Where to Submit Your Application

  • Link or description of application portal

Not sure you qualify? Email [email protected] before you apply. We are happy to help you find the right PSLP track.

Close-up of hands filling out paperwork at a table

Ready to Apply?

The application includes a short form, professional statement, and supervisor acknowledgment. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact us before applying.

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cost to participate?
No. Participation is offered at no cost.
Who runs PSLP?
PSLP is housed within the Office of Community Engagement and Outreach at the UNC School of Social Work, with coordinators and liaisons regionally located at coalition partner schools.
How much time will this take?
The program requires 30–36 hours of content over the course of the program year, plus attendance at specific in-person and virtual events. See Key Dates and Timeline for specifics.
Will I earn Continuing Education credits?
Yes, you will earn CE credit.
Can I participate if I got my BSW outside of North Carolina?
Yes, as long as you live and work in the state of NC.
What schools are included in the NC SW Coalition?

Explore our interactive partner schools map, or see the full list below:

  • Appalachian State University
  • Barton College
  • Bennett College
  • Campbell University
  • East Carolina University
  • Elizabeth City State University
  • Fayetteville State University
  • Johnson C. Smith University
  • Livingstone College
  • Mars Hill University
  • Meredith College
  • Methodist University
  • NC A&T / UNC-G Joint MSW Program
  • North Carolina A&T State University
  • North Carolina Central University
  • North Carolina State University
  • Shaw University
  • UNC Chapel Hill
  • UNC Charlotte
  • UNC Greensboro
  • UNC Pembroke
  • UNC Wilmington
  • Warren Wilson College
  • Western Carolina University
  • Wingate University
  • Winston-Salem State University
Who do I contact with questions?
Reach out to [email protected].