School Social Workers provide a vital link among the school, home and community. School Social Workers are involved in providing services to all students and their families including casework, group work and classroom presentations as well as providing crisis intervention and consultation and making referrals to community agencies. The School Social Work Mission is to promote academic success by reducing social, emotional, economic and environmental barriers to learning. Core Values of School Social Workers include service, social justice, dignity, worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence.
School Social Workers Remove Barriers to Academic Success by:
Partnering with Administration:
Ensuring compliance with special education and attendance laws.
Developing and implementing prevention programs/policies which address issues such as:
1. School Attendance
2. Bullying
3. Alcohol & Other Drug Abuse
4. Teen Pregnancy
5. Violence
6. Suicide and Sudden Death
7. Child Abuse and Neglect
8. School Safety
Supporting Teachers
Identifying barriers to learning.
Designing and implementing academic and behavioral interventions.
Facilitating the special education process.
Understanding of family, cultural and community factors impacting students.
Engaging parents in their student’s education.
Serving Students
Supporting needs to ensure maximum benefit from their education experience
Learning and executing problem solving skills
Becoming resilient, successful learners
Improving relationships
Identifying mental health needs and locating access to services
Engaging Families
Understanding of school policies and services available
Communicating student’s developmental and educational needs
Empowering participation relative to decisions, procedures and meetings affecting their student
Strengthening parenting skills
Linking to supports and resources
Collaborating with Outside Agencies
Understanding school policies, programs and practices
Coordinating delivery of educational and mental health services
Developing resources to adequately meet the needs of students and families.