MSW Practitioners

Licensed social workers with 2 or fewer years of experience at the MSW level are invited to apply for this advanced practitioner certificate. Building on the foundation of graduate-level training, PSLP supports early-career MSW professionals in deepening their clinical and leadership skills across the five critical service domains.

Cost

No cost

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

Who it’s for

0–2 Years

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

Time commitment

30–36 Hours

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

Eligibility

Is This Program for You?

This track is for licensed or license-eligible MSW graduates in North Carolina with two years or less of post-graduation experience in public service social work.

  • Must hold an MSW degree and be currently licensed or license-eligible in NC
  • Must have 2 or fewer years of post-graduation social work experience
  • Must be working in or seeking to work in public service social work in NC
  • Must be able to attend required orientation and monthly sessions
Social worker meeting with a justice-involved individual on reentry
Group of hospital staff outside a rehabilitation hospital entrance
Program structure

What the Program Includes

The MSW Practitioner Certificate combines orientation, live sessions, asynchronous learning, and leadership opportunities designed for early-career MSW professionals.

  • Required orientation session
  • 30–36 hours of certificate content across the program year
  • Monthly webinars
  • Mix of in-person sessions and asynchronous coursework
  • Leadership and mentoring opportunities across tracks
Why it matters

Why Participate?

PSLP supports the transition from graduate training into advanced public service practice.

  • Certificate of Participation through the Social Work Coalition
  • Continuing education credit (details to be confirmed)
  • Network with social work professionals, faculty, and students across NC
  • Access to mentors and experienced practitioners in state agencies
  • Strengthen advanced skills in the five critical service domains
  • Build professional resilience and reduce early-career burnout
  • Leadership development and peer mentoring opportunities
Social worker reviewing information with an older couple

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

The application includes a short form, professional statement, and supervisor acknowledgment. Details on the application portal will be posted here when applications open.

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?

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.
Who do I contact with questions?
Reach out to [email protected].