What do School Social Workers do?

"School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals who can assist with mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic, and classroom support, consultation with teachers, parents, and administrators as well as provide individual and group counseling/therapy." (School Social Work Association of America)

In Bedford County, School Social Workers:

• Connect families with services such as: food pantries, housing, medical needs through community resources including the Department of Social Services.

• Follow up on truancy and safety requests through home visits.

• Work with families, teachers, and staff to meet the educational needs of students when home is the best place for their over-all well-being.

• Help parents develop parenting skills

• Participate in School Crisis Teams

• Conduct Socio-Cultural Assessment

• Have an active role in Special Education Eligibility

• Participate in FAPT meetings which assist in funding of students in many ways including alternative school placements.

• Help identify incidents of family and or child abuse/neglect

• Conduct Child Adolescent Needs and Strengths Assessments.

• Are responsible for coverage of 6/7 schools per social worker.

• And drive all the highways, back roads, and gravel roads in Bedford County to service the children in our schools.