School social workers are trained mental health professionals with a BSSW or MSSW degree in social work. They are usually employed by the school district or an agency contracted through the school district to provide services.
School social workers have a wide range of job functions. Their title is typically “school social worker.” The school district or employing agency often decides the qualifications for this position. Requirements range from a bachelor’s degree to a clinical license from the state where they practice.
Possible Job Functions
- Conduct bio-psychosocial assessments and social histories.
- Assess students for substance use, support systems, physical and emotional functioning, barriers to academic performance, peer issues, suicidal/homicidal ideation, and similar issues.
- Develop and implement treatment plans and discharge plans that support student self-determination.
- Provide direct and indirect services to special needs students.
- Consult with teachers and administrators.
- Provide direct therapeutic services regarding specific issues, such as individual, family, or group therapy.
- Provide crisis management services, including safety assessments.
- Advocate for student services and students’ best interests.
- Conduct home visits.
- Identify and resolve ethical issues.
- Manage and supervise staff.
- Implement school-based prevention programs.
- Contribute to a multidisciplinary team.
- Perform community collaboration & outreach.
- Develop programs and policies.
- Perform public relations duties.
- Conduct school improvement planning.
- Mobilize school and community resources to enable children to learn effectively.
- Conduct staff development for educators.
- Consult with teachers and administrators.
- Provide training and workshops to teachers, school staff, and parents.
- Provide case management services, including, but not limited to, referrals to community resources and collaboration with other professionals.
Benefits and Challenges
School social workers play a vital role in addressing the various needs of students in an educational setting. Through their roles, social workers can collaborate to improve the lives of those they serve.
Working Environment
Roles vary from student to student, providing various experiences daily. However, like many social workers, school social workers have high caseloads. They can be assigned to multiple schools, requiring time to travel between locations. The school social worker often works in isolation and may not have access to consistent supervision. There may also be limited resources to support service delivery, such as a lack of confidential and private space, supplies, and training.
Degree Needed
Most school social workers hold an MSSW degree in social work, the prescribed entry-level requirement in most states. Some states, including Tennessee, allow entry at the BSSW level.
Federal Funding Considerations
School social work is an expanding profession in many states. Funding for school social work positions can be tied to federal dollars and mandates. Any changes at the federal level could affect school social work positions, and changes in state funding could also affect them.
State-by-State Variation
The Midwestern U.S. is currently the most vital area for school social work, but many other states have strong programs. Within states, the level of services provided from school to school varies. A few states use school social workers very limitedly.
Salary Information
Salary ranges from $25,000 to $90,000, depending on educational level and years of experience. Many school social workers work during the traditional school year. Others work additional weeks, months, or throughout the year. Many are paid according to the teachers’ salary schedule. Tenure is offered to many school social workers.
Certification and Regulation
The regulation of school social work is a state educational issue. Each state develops and varies certification requirements accordingly. The School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) maintains a directory of state information.
Many states have reciprocal agreements regarding certification transfer from one state to another. Each state educational agency can provide specific information, and SSWAA can furnish the address for each state educational agency.
Interested in our School Social Work Licensure Program? Learn more.
Sources
Social Workers in Schools: Occupational Profile (2010). NASW Center for Workforce Studies and Social Work Practice. Washington, DC: NASW.
School social work: A life-changing career. Published by the School Social Work Association of America
The SSWAA is the only national organization dedicated exclusively to school social work. SSWAA serves as the clearinghouse for school social work information and resources and offers a national conference each spring. SSWAA publishes a monthly newsletter and a weekly electronic newsletter filled with information and resources for the practitioner, educator, and student. Membership is available directly from SSWAA and available at a discount from many state school social work associations. Special rates are offered to students and retired school social workers.