Role of a Social Worker
A School Social Worker
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WHO IS A SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER?
* A NYS certified or licensed, specially educated and caring professional.
* A person who helps teachers, parents, administrators and students.
* Student advocate.
* Liason between home and school.
WHAT DOES A SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER DO?
* Provide mandated IEP/504 counseling to students and attends CSE meetings.
* Provide individual and group counseling to students with more in-depth mental health needs while the family gets linked with outside therapy.
* Promote positive attitudes and values among students.
* Work with families to facilitate understanding and promote constructive participation in resolving difficulties their child may be experiencing.
* Serve as a bridge between home, school and community resources by helping parents identify and obtain community supports and resources (counseling, food, clothing, shelter etc)
* Advocate on behalf of the student and their needs.
* Provide crisis counseling for emotional and behavioral needs.
HOW DOES A STUDENT SEE A SOCIAL WORKER?
* CSE referral/mandate
* Parent referral
* Administrative referral
* SST referral
* School Counselor referral
While a school social worker is able to provide counseling for more in-depth/long-term mental health needs, it is only intended to be a temporary support while being linked with an outside counseling agency.
WHO SEEKS HELP FROM THE SOCIAL WORKER?
Students...
* I don't seem to be getting along with my parents.
* I've been having thoughts about harming myself and I need some help.
* My parents aren't together anymore and it upsets me.
Parents...
* We don't seem to be able to communicate with Suzie.
* Our son never seems to listen and we need some ideas on how to get through to him.
* Toni's grandfather passed away and she needs someone to talk to.
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