What is a School Social Worker?

School Social Workers (SSW) are a vital part of the educational team, working together with educational administrators, teachers, counselors, psychologists, nurses, speech and language pathologists and other staff. Their unique graduate level training in social work enables them to understand and interpret the influences of the school, home, and community on children. School Social Workers identify factors that can make school a more successful experience for students.

What do School Social Workers Do?

School social workers help STUDENTS:

Develop intervention strategies to increase academic success for at-risk students
Provide crisis intervention
Cope with stress, develop decision making skills, assist with conflict resolution and anger management
Assist students in understanding and accepting self and others

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 and community resources effectively

School social workers help SCHOOLS:

Identify factors in the child's home, school and community environments that may be a barrier to learning
Help teachers and staff strategize behavior management interventions and/or develop individual behavioral plans for at-risk students
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
Advocate for new and improved community/school services to meet the needs of students and families

“About School Social Work - IASSW.” Illinois Association of School Social Workers, iassw.org/about/about-school-social-work/.