Social Workers

What do School Social Workers Do?

School Social Workers work collaboratively with all other school staff. We are equipped to address the social and psychological issues that can block academic progress. Through counseling, crisis intervention and prevention programs, we help young people overcome the difficulties in their lives, and as a result, give them a better chance at succeeding in school.

Our training

In order to become a school social worker we are required to attend graduate school for a 60 hour Master Degree in Social Work. We must complete two clinical internships including one that is school-based with supervision by a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

School social workers help STUDENTS:

Achieve maximum benefit from their educational opportunities
Understand themselves and others
Cope with stress
Develop decision making skills

School social workers help PARENTS:

Participate effectively in their children's education
Understand and meet their children's social and emotional needs
Understand programs available to students with special needs
Utilize school resources effectively
Provide information to access community resources

School social workers help SCHOOLS:

Understand factors (cultural, societal, economic, familial, health, etc.) that affect students
Abilities to make maximum use of their school experience
Utilize their resources in meeting the educational, social, and emotional needs of students
Promote a safe school environment

School Social Workers help COMMUNITIES:

Understand school policies, programs, and practice
Minimize those environmental factors which inhibit learning
Develop resources to adequately meet the needs of students and families
(adapted from IASSW.org)