Provisional License Program

The Provisional Social Work program at Concord University is a non-degree program for Provisional License holders offering the four classes required by the West Virginia Board of Social Work.  A Provisional License to Practice as a Social Worker is a restricted license certificate granted to an applicant through alternative education requirements as per WV Code 30-30-16 and legislative rule.  An applicant must have a baccalaureate degree in a field related to social work; related fields include sociology, psychology, counseling, criminal justice or other related fields as determined by the Board.

The required classes are:

PSWK 501 (formerly SOWK 501 or SWEC 001), Introduction to Generalist Practice
PSWK 511 (formerly SOWK 511 or SWEC 011), Foundations of Human Behavior and the Social Environment
PSWK 521 (formerly SOWK 521 or SWEC 021), Foundations of Policy and
PSWK 531 (formerly SOWK 531 or SWEC 031), Foundations of Practice

All provisional classes at Concord are offered online and are rotated each semester. These classes are considered non-degree seeking and, therefore, not eligible for financial aid.  All completed courses with a grade of B or higher may be accepted as Generalist year credits in the Concord University Master of Social Work program should a student decide to pursue their Master’s degree in the future.  Applicants must already have obtained their Provisional license from the West Virginia Social Work Board. Application to the program may be completed online.

The four classes offered represent the basic information needed for beginning practice metered by the current need for social workers in West Virginia. The classes are as follows.

SWEC 001 (PSWK 501 – Introduction to Generalist Practice) – Social workers serve as representatives of the profession, its mission, and its core values. They know the profession’s history. Social workers commit themselves to the profession’s enhancement and to their own professional conduct and growth. Social workers advocate for client access to the services of social work; practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development; attend to professional roles and boundaries; demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and communication; engage in career-long learning; and use supervision and consultation.

SWEC 011 (PSWK 511 – Foundations of Human Behavior and the Social Environment) – Social workers are knowledgeable about human behavior across the life course; the range of social systems in which people live; and the ways social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being. Social workers apply theories and knowledge from the liberal arts to understand biological, social, cultural, psychological, and spiritual development. Social workers utilize conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment, intervention, and evaluation; and critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment.

SWEC 021 (PSWK 521 – Foundations of Policy) – Social work practitioners understand that policy affects service delivery, and they actively engage in policy practice. Social workers know the history and current structures of social policies and services; the role of policy in service delivery; and the role of practice in policy development. Social workers analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance social well-being; and collaborate with colleagues and clients for effective policy action.

SWEC 031 (PSWK 531 – Foundations of Practice) – Professional practice involves the dynamic and interactive processes of engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation at multiple levels. Social workers have the knowledge and skills to practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Practice knowledge includes identifying, analyzing, and implementing evidence-based interventions designed to achieve client goals; using research and technological advances; evaluating program outcomes and practice effectiveness; developing, analyzing, advocating, and providing leadership for policies and services; and promoting social and economic justice.