School Social Workers

School social workers assist children in personal and social matters. They have certain responsibilities, both in relation to the children and to the school administration.

School Social Worker Degree

School social workers bring their knowledge and skills to the school system and the student support services team. They help in furthering the purpose of the schools – to provide a setting for teaching, learning, and for the attainment of competence and confidence.

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

Job Functions for School Social Workers

School social workers have many job functions. They may counsel students. Besides they may counsel children in schools who don’t employ a psychologist. Moreover, they should be able to identify and assist children living in poverty, as well as children living in abusive situations, at least on a first contact level. Situations are passed to qualified agencies as necessary. In addition, social workers are responsible for parent relations and helping to develop individual education plans (IEPs) for children with disabilities.

School social workers also address many other issues including teen pregnancy and behavior problems. They help teachers understand how to deal with a difficult or special needs student. They also assist in foster care placement and adoptions.

How to Become a School Social Worker

If you wish to become a school social worker, you need to have at minimum a bachelor’s degree. You should keep in mind that most schools require you to have a Master’s of Social Work (or MSW) in order to be hired for the position these days. It’s very important to underline that many schools acquire additional training and certifications to become licensed clinical social worker, which can aid you in obtaining higher salaries, as well as benefit the students with whom you work. It also allows you to seek alternative employment opportunities.