2026-2027 SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, through an IDEA Grant, is funding the Ohio School Social Work Program again for its third year.  The Mentorship Program is available to social workers in the first few years working in a school setting, those working at a new educational level and school social workers who have not previously had support or supervision from a school social worker. This free program will offer support, professional development, and various resources for school social workers in the State.

Benefits of Participating as Mentee in the Mentorship Program:

• Membership in the Ohio School Social Work Association which provides resources to school social workers in state; membership fee will be paid through the grant
• Free registration to the OSSWA Annual Conference (March 5, 2027) as well as travel expenses
• Monthly mentorship meeting (virtual) with a seasoned school social worker assigned as the mentee’s mentor
• Quarterly one-hour virtual Community of Practice professional development focused on capacity building
• CEUs related to the practice of school social work in Ohio
• A school social work text will be available to mentees and mentors requesting the book

Mentee Eligibility Requirement and Expectations

• Early-career professional, new to role, or transitioning into a new setting     
• Complete a mentorship yearly exit survey to provide data for program evaluation
•   Engage in monthly mentoring meetings as scheduled in conjunction with the mentor
•    Seek opportunities to apply professional development aligned to the DEW     Integrated MTSS Framework
• Attend annual CoP Convening (if possible) on May 18, 2027; Expenses paid
• Attend OSSWA Annual Conference in March 5, 2027 (if possible).  Expenses paid through the Grant including mileage and conference fee plus hotel expenses (for those traveling more than 2 hours.)
• Complete professional goal sheet with mentor to guide monthly discussions

For additional information, email the Ohio School Social Work Association: osswadrive@gmail.com.

To apply for a mentee position in the program, follow the link below: 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1c1hD97cVrKts4JVOK2pK5Eh0Bc4gq7gt9F65k4Inf1A/edit