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 them 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.

What is the Role of the School

Social Worker?

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 & CommunityServices

SCHOOL ASSIGNMENTS