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