School Social Work

Definition of School Social Work

School social work is a specialized area of practice within the broad field of the social work profession.

School social workers bring unique knowledge and skills to the school system and the student services team. School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals who can assist with mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic, and classroom support, consultation with teachers, parents, and administrators as well as provide individual and group counseling/therapy.

School social workers are instrumental in furthering the mission of the schools which is to provide a setting for teaching, learning, and for the attainment of competence and confidence.

School social workers are hired by school districts to enhance the district's ability to meet its academic mission, especially where home, school and community collaboration is the key to achieving student success.

Some Areas of School Social Work

Services to School Personnel

Related Services / Special Education

Providing staff with essential information to better understand factors (cultural, societal, economic, familial, health, etc.) affecting a student’s performance and behavior.
Assessing students with mental health concerns.
Developing staff in-service training programs.
Assisting teachers with behavior management.
Providing direct support to staff.

Related Services / Special Education

Participating in special education assessment meetings as well as Individual Educational Planning meetings.
Working with those problems in a child's living situation that affect the child’s adjustment in school. (home, school, and community)
Preparing a social or developmental history on a child with a disability.  Counseling (group, individual and/or family) Mobilizing family, school, and community resources to enable the child to learn as effectively as possible in his or her educational program
Assisting in developing n developing positive behavioral intervention strategies.

Social Skill Groups

Individual/Group Therapy

The social worker can provide Tier 2 or Tier 3 support groups for students that need to work on building and securing social skills to be successfully in social contexts.
Assisting with conflict resolution and anger management.
Helping the child develop appropriate social interaction skills.
Assisting the child in understanding and accepting self and others.

Individual/Group Therapy

The School Social Worker can provide individual and group therapy based on goals or in response of a crises.
Through therapy sessions the SSW can provide crisis intervention.
Developing intervention strategies to increase academic success.
Assisting with conflict resolution and anger management.
Helping the child develop appropriate social interaction skills.
Assisting the child in understanding and accepting self and others.