The WVU Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program is managed by principal investigator, Jacki Englehardt. Interested BSW and MSW students should review the information on this page and reach out to Ms. Englehardt with any questions.
The 2025-2026 WVU Title IV-E application is due March 17, 2025. Please read the requirements below:
Who is the program for?
Full-time and Part-time BSW or MSW Students (Non–WVDoHS Employees)
Tuition waivers (in-state tuition only)/fees and stipends are available for a limited number of students who are planning a career in Child Welfare. Students accepting the traineeship are required to work for WVDoHS in a child welfare position following their graduation for the number of months equal to the number of months for which stipends and tuition were received. An elective course in child welfare is required for Title IV-E supported students; SOWK 380 for BSW students and SOWK 680 for MSW students. Field internships for BSW and MSW students are required to be completed at WVDoHS serving families and children. Interested students should submit a Title IV-E application to the WVU School of Social Work. Students will be chosen for Title IV-E participation by the WVU Title IV-E Coordinator and a WVDoHS representative.
Current WVDoHS Employees in MSW Programs
Employees of WVDoHS are encouraged to obtain the Master of Social Work Degree. WVDoHS and the School of Social Work at WVU partner to deliver training and education in child welfare to direct service workers and supervisors. Title IV-E traineeships require admission to the WVU MSW degree program (on campus or online). WVDoHS employees should submit a Title IV-E application to the WVU School of Social Work and notify the IV-E Stipend Liaison in writing that they are applying for Title IV-E support through WVU. Employees will be chosen for Title IV-E participation by the WVU Title IV-E Coordinator and a WVDoHS representative. WVDoHS employees must enroll for a minimum of 3-6 credits per semester as part-time students per the approved degree plan. SOWK 680, a course in child welfare and field placement(s) with WVDoHS serving children and families are required. Students accepting the traineeship are required to work for WVDoHS in a child welfare position following graduation with the MSW for the number of months equal to the number of months for which stipends and tuition were received.
To be considered for an award:
In-state tuition/fees and stipends are available through the School of Social Work and the West Virginia Department of Human Services, (WVDoHS) Title IV-E, Child Welfare Training Program.
In order to be considered for an award, a student must:
- Be admitted to the BSW or MSW Degree Program and remain in good academic standing (BSW 2.0 GPA, MSW 3.0 GPA)
- Be employed or approved for employment by WVDoHS, Bureau for Social Services
- Meet with Title IV-E Principal Investigator and WVDoHS representatives
- Pass a Criminal Investigations Background (CIB) clearance
- Have a valid driver’s license
- Agree to complete field placement(s) in child welfare with WVDoHS
- Be eligible to receive a WV Social Work license
- Register for and complete SOWK 380 or SOWK 680, Child Welfare, with a minimum grade of B
- Upon graduation, accept a position offered by WVDoHS in any of its state or county offices for an equivalent time as tuition waivers and stipends were received. In the absence of WVDoHS employment, all tuition and stipend funds received must be paid back in full.
- Complete all work obligations to WVDoHS from previous Title IVE awards (i.e. BSW graduates who wish to receive Title IVE for MSW coursework.)
How to apply
Admitted WVU BSW and MSW students may apply to the Child Welfare Training Program (aka Title IV-E program) and applications are typically due in mid-March of each
year for the following academic year. The number of openings for applicants is contingent upon funding available to support the program.
The 2025-2026 WVU Title IV-E application is due March 17, 2025.
IV-E Traineeship Application Process
Please submit the following:
- A completed Title IV-E Child Welfare Training Program application (request from Linda, if unable to access on this page)
- A resume that includes: local and permanent address(es) and phone(s), e-mail,
anticipated date of graduation, and two reference letters (if you have worked
in DoHS or in the field of child welfare, at least one letter should be from
your supervisor in that/those position/s)
- A brief personal statement describing your interest in public child welfare social services.