A School Social Worker plays a vital role in supporting students’ emotional, social, and academic development. They work to ensure that students are able to thrive both in school and in their personal lives by providing counseling, advocacy, and support services. With the increasing recognition of the importance of mental health in education, School Social Workers are crucial in addressing the psychological and social challenges that can affect student success.

What is a School Social Worker?

A School Social Worker is a trained professional who works within an educational setting to help students overcome personal, social, and academic challenges. They provide counseling to students, help resolve conflicts, support students with special needs, and collaborate with teachers and parents to create a positive school environment. They also act as advocates for students, ensuring they have access to the resources and services they need to succeed academically and emotionally.

School Social Worker Responsibilities Include

  • Providing counseling services to students to address emotional, behavioral, or social issues.
  • Assessing students’ needs and developing individualized support plans in collaboration with teachers, administrators, and parents.
  • Assisting students in dealing with personal issues such as family problems, trauma, mental health concerns, and social difficulties.
  • Facilitating group counseling sessions and workshops on topics like bullying, stress management, and conflict resolution.
  • Collaborating with school staff to implement programs that promote positive mental health and social-emotional learning.
  • Providing crisis intervention services for students experiencing acute emotional distress.
  • Assisting in the development and implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs) for students with special needs.
  • Referring students and families to appropriate community resources and support services.
  • Supporting students in improving their behavior, social skills, and academic performance.
  • Working with parents and guardians to strengthen the home-school connection and address any concerns about student well-being.
  • Advocating for students’ needs and ensuring they have access to the support they require.

Job Title: School Social Worker

Job Introduction

We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated School Social Worker to join our team and provide essential support to our students. The ideal candidate will be responsible for counseling students, addressing behavioral and emotional challenges, and working with teachers and parents to create a positive school environment. If you are passionate about supporting students’ mental health and well-being, we would love to hear from you.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide individual and group counseling to students dealing with personal, emotional, or academic challenges.
  • Assess student needs and work with teachers, administrators, and parents to develop and implement support plans.
  • Provide crisis intervention and support for students experiencing acute emotional distress.
  • Address issues such as bullying, family problems, grief, anxiety, and academic stress through counseling and support programs.
  • Collaborate with other school professionals to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
  • Facilitate workshops and seminars on topics like mental health, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation.
  • Serve as an advocate for students, ensuring they have access to the resources and services they need.
  • Assist in creating and implementing behavior management plans for students.
  • Refer students and families to external resources such as community organizations, mental health services, and medical professionals.
  • Support the development of IEPs for students with special educational needs.
  • Foster positive relationships with students, parents, and school staff to promote student well-being and academic success.

Requirements:

  • A Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program (required).
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or equivalent state licensure (preferred).
  • Previous experience working as a social worker in a school setting or with children and adolescents (preferred).
  • Experience in providing counseling, crisis intervention, and mental health services (preferred).
  • Strong counseling and communication skills, with the ability to connect with students, parents, and staff.
  • Knowledge of mental health issues, trauma-informed care, and child development.
  • Ability to create a safe and supportive environment for students to express themselves.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop individualized support plans.
  • Organizational skills to manage caseloads and documentation effectively.
  • Empathy, patience, and a commitment to student welfare and mental health.
  • Ability to collaborate with educators, parents, and community organizations.

Conclusion

A clear and comprehensive School Social Worker job description helps attract qualified candidates who are dedicated to promoting the well-being of students. With Cleveri’s AI-driven Candidate Screening and Video Interviewing Platform, you can streamline the hiring process by assessing candidates’ qualifications, counseling experience, and commitment to student success.