New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07894

Introduced
5/13/25  
Refer
5/13/25  

Caption

Establishes a master of social work paid field practicum pilot program to provide a stipend to students who are enrolled in a master of social work program for the first 450 hours of field practicum completed towards such masters' degree; requires the office of mental health to complete a report making recommendations on how to expand the pilot program to increase the number of social workers in the state, improve representation in the field of social work, mitigate student debt and improve labor conditions for social workers upon graduation.

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to positively influence state laws regarding social work education and workforce development. By incentivizing internships and practical training, New York aims to bolster the availability of social workers in the state, particularly in underserved areas. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes increasing representation in the social work field, providing opportunities for a diverse range of students who may face financial barriers, hence promoting equity within the profession.

Summary

Bill S07894, introduced in the New York Senate, aims to establish a master of social work paid field practicum pilot program. The legislation proposes providing stipends to students enrolled in master of social work programs accredited by the Council of Social Work Education. These stipends intend to cover the initial 450 hours of required field practicum experience, allowing students to gain valuable practical experience while receiving financial support to alleviate concerns related to their cost of living and student debt.

Contention

During legislative discussions, points of contention included potential funding disparities and the implications of requiring students to work in New York for one year post-graduation in exchange for financial support. Critics might argue that this requirement could limit students' geographic flexibility and place undue pressure on debt-burdened graduates. Supporters, on the other hand, contend that such a requirement ensures a return on investment for the state by mandating that new social workers provide services within the communities that funded their training.

Companion Bills

NY A09379

Same As Establishes a master of social work paid field practicum pilot program to provide a stipend to students who are enrolled in a master of social work program for the first 450 hours of field practicum completed towards such masters' degree; requires the office of mental health to complete a report making recommendations on how to expand the pilot program to increase the number of social workers in the state, improve representation in the field of social work, mitigate student debt and improve labor conditions for social workers upon graduation.

Previously Filed As

NY A09379

Establishes a master of social work paid field practicum pilot program to provide a stipend to students who are enrolled in a master of social work program for the first 450 hours of field practicum completed towards such masters' degree; requires the office of mental health to complete a report making recommendations on how to expand the pilot program to increase the number of social workers in the state, improve representation in the field of social work, mitigate student debt and improve labor conditions for social workers upon graduation.

NY HB1707

Establishing the Social Worker Educational Enrollment and Training Pilot Program; and providing for authorization of internships, for award of internships and for funding of the Social Worker Educational Enrollment and Training Pilot Program.

NY A10555

Authorizes a graduate of an accredited master of social work program to engage in supervised social work.

NY S09303

Authorizes a graduate of an accredited master of social work program to engage in supervised social work.

NY A09566

Extends the duration of limited permits to practice licensed clinical social work and use the title licensed clinical social worker, or practice licensed master social work and use the title licensed master social worker from twelve to twenty-four months with the ability to be renewed for up to two additional one-year periods.

NY S09123

Extends the duration of limited permits to practice licensed clinical social work and use the title licensed clinical social worker, or practice licensed master social work and use the title licensed master social worker from twelve to twenty-four months with the ability to be renewed for up to two additional one-year periods.

NY HB66

Establishing the Social Worker Educational Enrollment and Training Program; and providing for authorization of internships, for award of internships and for funding of the Social Worker Educational Enrollment and Training Program.

NY A10094

Enacts the "licensure incentives and fee-support for testing (LIFT) act"; establishes the social work licensure examination voucher program to provide low-income individuals vouchers to cover the cost of the examination required for licensure as a licensed master social worker or licensed clinical social worker.

NY S09125

Enacts the "licensure incentives and fee-support for testing (LIFT) act"; establishes the social work licensure examination voucher program to provide low-income individuals vouchers to cover the cost of the examination required for licensure as a licensed master social worker or licensed clinical social worker.

NY SB485

Professional Counselors; applicants for a license in social work enrolled in a master's degree program to take the master's social work licensing examination in their final semester of the program; authorize

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.