School Social Workers are trained and licensed professionals that provide a link between the home, school and community through support services that positively impact the development of the whole child. School Social Workers engage the school, family, teachers and/or community in a problem-solving process to promote positive change and eliminate barriers to learning. School Social Workers receive referrals from the community, parents, school staff and students when students display poor attendance, failing grades, effects of family crisis and/or emotional and behavioral concerns.
School Social Workers can support parents by helping parents understand their child’s developmental and educational needs; providing access to school and community resources; helping navigate special education services; obtaining mental health services; and providing services for homeless families and students placed in foster care. School Social Workers are in all elementary and middle schools, alternative settings and some high schools.