Social Work Profession
So,
you want Mrs. Murray's job?
What
is a School Social Worker?
School Social Workers are a vital part of the educational team, working
together with educational administrators, teachers, counselors,
psychologists, nurses, speech and language pathologists and other
staff. Their unique graduate level training in social work enables them
to understand and interpret the influences of the school, home, and
community on children.
School Social Workers identify factors that can make school a more
successful experience for students.
What do School Social Workers
Do?
School social workers help STUDENTS:
• achieve maximum benefit from their educational
opportunities
• understand themselves and others
• improve interpersonal relationships
• cope with stress
• develop decision making skills
School social workers help PARENTS:
• participate effectively in their children's
education
• understand and meet their children's social and
emotional needs
• understand programs available to students with
special needs
• utilize school and community resources effectively
School social workers help SCHOOLS:
• understand factors (cultural, societal, economic,
familial, health, etc.) that affect students'
• abilities to make maximum use of their school
experience
• utilize their resources in meeting the educational,
social, and emotional needs of students
• promote a safe school environment
School Social Workers help COMMUNITIES:
• understand school policies, programs, and practices
• minimize those environmental factors which inhibit
learning
• develop resources to adequately meet the needs of
students and families
What type of college degree do I need to become a school
social worker?
First, you must obtain a Bachelor’s Degree from a 4- year university or
college.
You do not have to major in social work, but if you know
that you want to work as a school social worker, it is wise to get your
Bachelor’s Degree in social work.
In order to work in the state of Illinois as a school social worker,
you currently must have a Master’s Degree in Social Work and you must
specialize in schools.
You also must attain a Type 73
certificate, which is a part of earning your Master’s Degree.
Links to learn more
about
school social work: