Role of School Social Worker

School social workers work with students, parents, and teachers to nurture school success. A major goal is to help students manage problems and obstacles that can interfere with learning.

School Social Workers have a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and are licensed to practice by the state of New York. School social workers are trained to work with children and their families in many different areas such as:

• Personal and family problems that can affect a child's attitude and performance at school

• School issues, such as how to deal with peer pressure and friendship problems

• Academics, including ways to improve study skills

• Referrals to outside resources for additional help

School Social Workers help students build social and emotional intelligence and they help parents feel connected and supported by:

* Meeting with parents /guardians to complete a comprehensive social history report for the special education assessment committee

* CONFLICT MEDIATION

Helping to resolve disputes among peers from the classroom, playgrounds, hallways, and community

* CRISIS INTERVENTION

• • Professional assessment and intervention in student emergencies involving personal, school, and or family concerns

  • DRUG/ALCOHOL ABUSE

  • Referral to community assessment, education and treatment agencies or therapists who work in a team effort with the schools

  • MENTAL HEALTH

  • Referral to community mental health professionals who can work with the school team to help address concerns

  • CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS or SMALL SKILL BUILDING GROUPS Personal safety, problem solving, positive social skills, dealing with bullying and staying safe on the internet, stress management /coping Skills.

  • COMMUNITY REFERRALS : To outside agencies