What does a School Social Worker do?
Published 4 min read
A school social worker is a professional who helps students in schools with their social and emotional needs. They work with students, families, and teachers to identify and address problems that may be interfering with learning. They also provide support and guidance to students who are dealing with difficult life circumstances, such as divorce, death, or bullying.
School Social Worker job duties include:
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, teachers, school administrators, and other professionals to promote the welfare of children and youth.
- Conduct individual and group counseling sessions to assist students in resolving personal, social, behavioral, and academic problems.
- Develop and implement programs to prevent or reduce social, emotional, or behavioral problems in children and youth.
- Advocate for individual students as well as groups of students who are at risk for academic failure or who have special needs.
- Collaborate with school personnel to develop positive behavior intervention plans for students exhibiting problem behaviors.
- Serve as a resource to school personnel on issues related to child and adolescent development, learning styles, and effective teaching strategies.
- Keep abreast of current research on best practices in social work with children and youth in schools.
- Consult with parents on parenting skills and strategies for dealing with their child’s social, emotional, or behavioral problems.
- Refer students and families to community resources as needed.
School Social Worker Job Requirements
A School Social Worker is a professional who works with students, families, and school staff to promote the social and emotional well-being of students. School Social Workers have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from an accredited university and must complete a State-approved certification process. In some states, School Social Workers must also have a Master’s degree in Social Work. Many School Social Workers have several years of experience working in schools or other social service settings prior to becoming a School Social Worker.
School Social Worker Skills
- Patience
- Good listener
- Empathetic
- Organized
- Resourceful
- Good at multitasking
- Strong writing skills
- Good public speaking skills
- Confidentiality
- Ability to build relationships
- Ability to work independently
Related: Top School Social Worker Skills: Definition and Examples
How to become a School Social Worker
A school social worker is a professional who helps students cope with various academic, social, and emotional issues. They work with students of all ages, from elementary school to high school. School social workers are an important part of the school system, and they play a vital role in helping students succeed.
If you are interested in becoming a school social worker, there are a few things you need to do. First, you will need to earn a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field. Once you have your degree, you will need to obtain a state license. After you have your license, you can begin working as a school social worker.
There are many benefits to becoming a school social worker. You will have the opportunity to help students overcome obstacles and achieve success. You will also be able to work with a variety of people, including teachers, parents, and administrators. If you are passionate about helping others and making a difference in the lives of young people, then becoming a school social worker may be the right career choice for you.
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