Our School Social Worker job description includes the responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.
About the School Social Worker role
School social workers provide students, families, and school personnel with the necessary support and resources to ensure that students can learn and achieve in a safe and nurturing environment. They assess and identify social, emotional, and behavioral issues, and provide individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and referrals for mental health services to students. They also collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other professionals to coordinate services for students and their families.
Role Purpose
The purpose of a school social worker is to provide support and assistance to students, their families, and the school community. The school social worker facilitates the development of self-awareness, social skills, and resilience in students, and works collaboratively with school staff, families, and outside agencies to ensure that the educational, social, and emotional needs of all students are met. The school social worker fosters a safe and supportive school environment, promotes positive behavior, and provides crisis intervention and conflict resolution. The school social worker also works to identify and address any barriers to learning that may exist.
School Social Worker Summary
The School Social Worker is responsible for providing social work services to students, families, and school personnel. The School Social Worker will assess, plan, implement, and evaluate programs to enhance student and family functioning, prevent social problems, and help students become successful in school. The School Social Worker will utilize a variety of interventions and methods, such as individual and group counseling, case management, community resources, and crisis intervention. The School Social Worker will also collaborate and consult with school personnel, other professionals, and community agencies to support the health, safety, and educational success of all students.
School Social Worker Duties
- Provide individual and group counseling for students
- Assist teachers and parents in creating an optimal learning environment
- Develop and implement programs to address student behavioral and mental health needs
- Conduct home visits to assess family dynamics
- Coordinate services with external agencies
- Collaborate with school staff to develop strategies to meet student needs
School Social Worker Skills
- Ability to communicate effectively
- Ability to work with diverse populations
- Knowledge of state and federal laws
- Understanding of individual and group dynamics
- Knowledge of learning and behavioral theories
- Knowledge of school policies and procedures
School Social Worker Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work
- Knowledge of school systems and processes
- Ability to work with students, parents, faculty and staff
Personal Traits
- Good interpersonal skills
- Strong communication and organizational skills
- Ability to work independently and in a team setting
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and act with discretion