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Title IV-E BSW/BSSW Tuition Assistance Program Application Process

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Title IV-E MSW/MSSW Tuition Assistance Program
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Please note the following information and observe the following procedures carefully if applying for the Title IV-E BSW/BSSW Tuition Assistance Program. Failure to fully complete and submit application materials by the deadlines listed could result in disqualification or delays to your admittance to the Program. Please be sure to provide an accurate email address, in that, most communications will occur via email.

Pre-Requisites

To be eligible to apply for admission to the Title IV-E BSW/BSSW Tuition Assistance Program, students must:

  • • be a U.S citizen or, if a qualified alien, provide documentation of their eligibility for work in the U.S. for the duration of their study and corresponding employment obligation to DCS prior to receiving Title IV-E tuition assistance
  • • possess a valid driver's license, automobile insurance and reliable transportation undergo a background check and fingerprinting
  • • have been admitted into an accredited Social Work Program at a participating university
  • • have no more than (4) semesters remaining before graduating with an undergraduate social work degree
  • • possess a strong desire and commitment to work as a front-line case manager with the Tennessee Department of Children's Services (DCS) immediately upon graduation with a BSW degree

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester – June 15th
Spring Semester – November 15th

Application Procedure and Materials

Please note the following information and observe the following procedures carefully if applying for the Title IV-E BSW/BSSW Tuition Assistance Program. Applicants will be assessed on the strength of their recommendations, GPA, writing sample, and completeness of application materials. Students who submit the strongest applications based on these criteria will be asked to interview at a regional DCS office. Regional leadership will review the applications and background screens and then make decisions about which candidates are selected for the program.

Failure to fully complete and submit application materials by the deadlines listed could result in disqualification or delays to your admittance to the Program.

1) Complete the Application-Title IV-E Tuition Assistance BSW-BSSW Program.

2) Complete the application essay.

Directions: Take some time to read through these websites and then answer the following questions based on the information you learned. Please address each question with a short essay. Your essay should be no longer than 5 pages.

Department of Children’s Services website:
http://www.tn.gov/youth/index.htm		 The Child Welfare Information Gateway:
http://www.childwelfare.gov/

    1. What are some of the responsibilities of child welfare case managers?
    2. Please provide a brief description about the main responsibilities that the Department of Children’s Services has in each of the following program areas:
      • Child Safety (Child Protective Services)
      • Juvenile Justice
      • Foster Care
    3. Why are you interested in pursuing a career in public child welfare?
    4. Discuss areas where you need further exposure, growth, and development in order to become an effective child welfare worker.

3) Request at least three recommendations using the following form (instructions for preparations noted on form): Student Reference Recommendation-Title IV-E Tuition Assistance Program

4) Official academic transcripts.

5) Complete the following two forms needed to perform a criminal background check.

6) Schedule a consultation with your social work academic advisor and complete the following form: Plan of Study-Title IV-E Tuition Assistance Program

7) Read carefully and feel free to ask questions prior to signing: Program Agreement-Title IV-E BSW-BSSW Tuition Program

8) Complete the form giving DCS permission to perform fingerprint background checks if you are asked to be interviewed: Fingerprint Application

Please complete all required documents and mail them in one package prior to the application deadlines. Successful completion of all application materials are required to be considered for entry into the Title IV-E BSW/BSSW Tuition Assistance Program. Once complete, please send all application materials to:

Department of Children’s Services
Title IV-E Tuition Assistance Program
c/o Sirena Bragg – Program Manager
Cordell Hull Building 7th Floor
436 6th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37234
OR scan and email to:
IV-E_Tuition.EI-DCS@tn.gov