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What is a School Social Worker?
WHY do today’s schools need School Social Workers?
Children today are affected by many social factors that negatively impact their role as students. The “family” is also in a state of change and many children’s physical and emotional needs are unmet, thus impacting their ability to learn and adjust in the school setting.
WHO are School Social Workers?
School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals with a degree in social work who provide services related to a person’s social, emotional and life adjustment to school and/or society. School Social Workers are the link between the home, school and community. They provide direct and indirect services to students, families and school personnel to promote and support students’ academic and social success.
WHAT services do School Social Workers provide?
Services to Students:
- Providing crisis intervention
- Developing intervention strategies to increase academic success
- Assisting with conflict resolution and anger management
- Helping children to develop appropriate social skills
- Assisting children in understanding and accepting others
- Counseling services either individually or in a group setting
- Assisting in developing positive behavioral intervention strategies
Services to Parents/Families:
- Working with parents to support their child’s (children’s) school adjustment
- Assisting parents with referrals and linkages to community supports
- Assisting parents in utilizing school and community resources
Services to School Personnel
- Providing staff with essential information to better understand factors (cultural, economic, societal, familial, health, etc.) affecting a student’s performance and/or behavior
- Assessing students with mental health concerns
- Assisting teachers with behavior management
- Providing direct support to staff
