What is School Social Work?

Social work can mean a lot of different things to different people—and it is because social workers can operate in a variety of functions based on where they work and with whom they work. The training can be equally diverse, covering areas of mental health, behavior, physical health, crisis, education, and coordination.

For me, school social work is about being a resource to students, parents, teachers, and administrators and ensuring that everyone in the school environment feels supported as people navigate the daily challenges of learning.

Every day is different.  From working with teachers and students to solve a problem, helping link families to resources in the school or in the community, or working with students one on one to better deal with problematic interactions.

As a school social worker, I keep an open mind with any issue and try to facilitate a productive solution to any problem that occurs. The end goal is for every student to feel safe, heard, and understood—which in turn ensures they are going to get the most out of each day.