School Social Workers are hired by school districts to enhance the district's ability to meet its academic mission, especially where home, school, and community collaboration is the key to achieving student success.
School Social Workers bring unique knowledge and skills to the school system and the student services team.
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 therapeutic interventions. School Social Workers provide evidence-based behavioral, social emotional, and mental health services. School Social Workers promote a safe and equitable school climate and culture supporting positive academic and behavioral outcomes. School Social Workers collaborate with school and community resources empowering students to reach their full potential. School Social Workers can assist families in connecting with community resources for help in times of crisis or need such as food, clothing, housing, utilities, medical and mental health services.
School Social Workers are instrumental in furthering the mission of the schools which is to provide a setting for teaching, learning, and for the attainment of competence and confidence.
Advocating for student’s needs
Serving as a link between home and school
Completing suicide & risk assessments as needed
Creating and implementing safety plans
Conducting home visits for assessments as needed
Offering positive parenting strategies to guardians
Teaching students to advocate for themselves
Providing direct, short-term, individual therapeutic interventions for students
Working with students in small groups or in classroom settings
Teaching students to improve their self-esteem, social skills, and self-control
Providing students with coping skills for challenges either at home or in school
Teaching students to advocate for themselves
Offering classroom management strategies and support to teachers
Identifying students in crisis and respond to the situation
Coordinating efforts with other school programs
Performing Home Visits for the purposes of assessments as needed
Conducting home visits for assessments as needed
Offering positive parenting strategies to guardians
Working with students, families, and/or staff to improve student barriers to school progress (attendance, grades, discipline, etc.)
Providing resources and information on community service/agencies and assist in coordinating services for families
Promoting a safe and equitable school climate and culture conducive to student learning and teaching excellence while supporting positive academic and behavioral outcomes