Description:
School social workers play a critical role in schools and educational settings. Social workers working within school systems provide services to students to enhance their emotional well-being and improve their academic performance. School social workers are usually employed by the school district or an agency that is contracted with the school district to provide services. School social workers are often called on to help students, families, and teachers address problems such as truancy, social withdrawal, overaggressive behaviors, rebelliousness, and the effects of special physical, emotional, or economic problems .
Job Summary:
¦ Conducting bio-psychosocial assessments and social histories;
¦ Assessing students for substance use, support systems, physical and emotional functioning, barriers to academic performance, peer issues, suicidal/homicidal ideation, and similar issues;
¦ Developing and implementing treatment plans and discharge plans that support student self-determination;
¦ Providing direct therapeutic services such as individual, family or group therapy regarding specific issues;
¦ Providing crisis management services, including assessing for safety;
¦ Advocating for student services and students’ best interests;
¦ Providing case management services including, but not limited to, referrals to community resources, collaboration with other professionals;
¦ Providing trainings and workshops to teachers, school staff and parents;
¦ Conducting home visits;
¦ Identifying and resolving ethical issues;
¦ Managing and supervising staff; and
¦ Contributing to a multidisciplinary treatment team.