What services do school social workers offer?

Individual therapeutic services with special education students.

The leadership of school-based groups which include both special education and regular education students. School social workers may also lead groups for parents.

Communication of information about how factors such as family, culture, socioeconomic status, physical and mental health can affect students’ performance.

Crisis prevention and intervention.

Social, emotional, behavioral, functional and adaptive assessments of students as part of the special education assessment process.

Consultation with parents and teachers about the mental health, social-emotional and behavioral needs of students.

Information & referral to community mental health and human services.

Linking families to resources such as support groups, medical care, mental health services, housing, clothing, or food

Working with families in times of crisis such as death, serious illness, financial hard times, or homelessness

Advising parents about things such as parenting techniques and working positively with school staff

Making suggestions to teachers for specific ways to work positively with individual children, based on the student’s unique needs

Leading small groups to help students improve social skills, deal with issues of grief and loss, or manage feelings.

Occasionally, providing individual counseling to students to help them learn and practice skills such as self-discipline, organization, conflict resolution, social skills, and decision making.