HB 5510

Abstract

Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. In provisions concerning types of licenses, creates the School Social Work Associate License. Provides that an applicant may apply to the State Board of Education for issuance of a School Social Work Associate License. Provides that a School Social Work Associate License holder shall be authorized to perform all responsibilities associated with traditional school social work roles, with the exception of direct work with students with disabilities, including, but not limited to, a student with an individualized education program. Provides that a School Social Work Associate License may be issued to an applicant who (i) holds a degree from a graduate program of social work that has been approved by the Council on Social Work Education and (ii) has an active license though the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation under the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act as either a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker. Provides that if the applicant is a licensed social worker under the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, then the applicant shall be limited to the restrictions in the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act regarding independent clinical practice. Provides for a $150 application fee. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Adds reference to: 105 ILCS 5/21B-30 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Educator Licensure Article of the School Code. Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following changes. Creates the School Social Work Associate Endorsement. Provides that a School Social Work Associate Endorsement may be issued to an applicant who (i) holds a degree from a graduate program of social work that has been approved by the Council on Social Work Education, and (ii) has an active license through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation under the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act as either a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker. Provides that a social work associate shall be authorized to perform responsibilities associated with traditional social work practice, subject to the restrictions in the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act regarding independent clinical practice, including Tier 1 and Tier 2 interventions in a multi-tiered system of supports. Provides that all responsibilities of a social work associate shall be performed in consultation with an individual who holds a Professional Educator License with a school support personnel endorsement in the area of school social work. Provides that a social work associate is not authorized to perform Tier 3 multi-tiered system of supports interventions or participate in the individualized education program process or the Section 504 plan process for any student with a disability. Provides that a social work associate may not be employed by a school district or any other entity to replace any presently employed Professional Educator License holder with a school support personnel endorsement who otherwise would not be replaced for any reason. Provides that an applicant for a social work associate endorsement on an Educator License with Stipulations is not required to pass a content area test under the Code. Makes conforming changes.