School Social Work Services

Who are School Social Workers?

A School Social Worker provides a link between the home, school and community by providing support services that positively impact the development of the whole child. Through collaboration with students, school personnel, parents and community representatives, they assist students and families so that students can learn and function well in our schools.

What is the Role of the School Social Worker?

Support for Students:

Understand the student’s strengths, needs and problems

Understand the student’s community, family and history

Participate on Student Support Teams

Assistance with coping in times of crisis

Access to mental health services

Helping break barriers to successful learning

Helping to gain personal and social competencies

Support for Parents:

Improve relationships between families and students

Help parents to effectively participate in their child’s education

Help to understand their child’s developmental and educational needs

Provide access to school and community resources

Understand special education services

Strengthen parenting skills

Support for Educators

Counsel individuals, groups and families

Offer consultation to school staff

Work effectively with parents

Discover new resources

Understand family, cultural and community factors affecting students

Meet educational outcomes for students of diverse backgrounds

Support for Administrators

Implement effective programs and policies addressing such issues as attendance, substance abuse, teen pregnancy, suicide, abuse and school safety

When do School Social Workers Get Involved?

School Social Workers get involved when students display:

Poor attendance

Failing grades

Effects of family crisis

Emotional and behavioral concerns such as fighting, negative attitude toward school, refusal to cooperate with adults, depression or substance abuse

Unmet basic needs

School Social Workers help these students through early identification, prevention, intervention, counseling and support.

School Social Workers employ the following methods in providing assistance

Assessment

Crisis Intervention

Home Visits

Conflict Resolution

Individual & Group Counseling

Consultation

Program Development

Coordination of School & Community Services

School Social Workers….. Linking Homes, Schools & Communities