Enacts the "building retention and internship-to-degree graduate employment (BRIDGE) act"; provides limited work permits for students in a master of social work program; establishes policies and procedures for such work permit.
Summary
S09124 would amend the New York Education Law to create a new limited permit pathway for certain master of social work (MSW) students and graduates. Under the bill, an applicant who has completed at least 450 hours of the fieldwork component in a registered MSW program could apply for a limited permit, provided a qualified supervisor certifies on the application that they will oversee the applicant and allow them to continue providing care in the supervisor’s practice or agency. The permit would take effect immediately upon graduation and would allow practice only under supervision and in accordance with regulations issued by the commissioner.
The bill is framed as the “building retention and internship-to-degree graduate employment (BRIDGE) act,” indicating an intent to help students transition from training into employment while maintaining supervised service delivery. It also specifies that these permits would be valid for the same period as existing limited permits under the same section of law, and it would take effect 120 days after becoming law.
Impact
The bill would modify section 7705 of the Education Law by adding a new subdivision governing limited permits for MSW candidates, while renumbering the current subdivision 2 as subdivision 3. Its practical effect would be to expand the pool of individuals eligible to work in supervised social work settings before full licensure, potentially easing workforce shortages and improving retention of graduates in social service agencies. It would affect MSW students, graduates, supervisors, employers, and the State Education Department, which would need to prescribe the application and administer the permit process.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the available record. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears generally supportive of workforce development and smoother entry into the social work profession. The structure of the bill suggests a policy preference for expanding supervised practice opportunities rather than changing licensure standards outright.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are likely to concern professional oversight, public protection, and the scope of practice allowed before full licensure. Supporters would likely emphasize retention, internship-to-employment pathways, and addressing staffing needs in social work agencies, while critics might question whether 450 hours of fieldwork is sufficient for permit eligibility or whether immediate post-graduation practice under a limited permit could create supervision and quality-control concerns. Because no discussion transcript is available, these are inferred policy tensions rather than documented objections.
Same As
Enacts the "building retention and internship-to-degree graduate employment (BRIDGE) act"; provides limited work permits for students in a master of social work program; establishes policies and procedures for such work permit.
Enacts the "building retention and internship-to-degree graduate employment (BRIDGE) act"; provides limited work permits for students in a master of social work program; establishes policies and procedures for such work permit.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Waives approval and income limitations on certain retired police officers in the town of Pound Ridge, county of Westchester if they work part-time; provides such officer may be permitted to work up to 1040 hours in any year.