School Social Worker

The Halton District School Board recognizes that many factors contribute to a student's learning. Some factors that impede student learning may include social and emotional difficulties, behavioural challenges, mental health concerns, and economic issues.  School Social Workers are employed by the Halton District School Board to work with students, families, schools, and communities to support students and to enhance their educational experience.

Who are School Social Workers?

All School Social Workers employed by the Halton District School Board have a Master's degree, and are registered with, and regulated by, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. School Social Workers also act in the role of Attendance Counsellors for compulsory school-aged children in the Halton District School Board.

Social Workers have specialized skills in the following areas:

• assessment & advocacy

• community & program development

• conflict resolution/mediation

• family dynamics & relationships

• individual, family & group counselling

• mental health intervention

How can School Social Workers help?

School Social Workers are able to help students, families, and schools in relation to mental health, emotional, social, and behavioural concerns.

What services do School Social Workers offer?

• advocacy

• assessment (individual & family)

• attendance counselling

• case management

• consultation

• crisis intervention

• individual counselling

• group work

• liaison with community professionals

• parenting strategies

• referrals to community resources

School Social Workers assist with the following issues:

• anger and aggression

• anxiety

• attendance difficulties

• behavioural concerns

• bereavement

• bullying and victimization

• child abuse

• crisis intervention

• depression

• family conflict

• gender identity support

• parenting & child management

• positive school climate

• mental health support

• self-esteem

• separation and divorce

• sexual identity support

• self-harm/suicidal thoughts

• social skills

• staff support & education

• stress

• substance use

• threat risk assessment

• tragic event response

In addition to school-based support, School Social Workers are also members of the following specialized services:

• Multi-Disciplinary Support Teams (MDST)

• Safe Schools Action Teams (SSAT)

• Safe Schools Support

• School Team/School Resource Teams (ST/SRT)

• Student Success Teams (SST)

• Threat Assessment Teams

• Tragic Events Response Team (TERT)

• Halton Opportunities Program for Expelled and Suspended Students (HOPES)

How to contact your School Social Worker

Referrals to our School Social Worker may be made by a student, parent/guardian, school staff, community professionals, or by way of the School Team or School Resource Team.  You may reach our School Social Worker at APHS by contacting the main office.