NWR: anyone knowledgable about the role of an elementary school social worker?

Hello- I'm a social worker and trying to get into the public school system. The application for elementary school social worker requires an essay on how I see the role of a school social worker.

I have a bunch of articles, have spoken to people, and have my own ideas, but I just really want this job, so I want to explore every avenue to make sure I hit all of the most important and relevant points.

if anyone is a school social worker or teacher or anyone else who can reply or FM me with your thoughts, I would appreciate it.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Re: NWR: anyone knowledgable about the role of an elementary school social worker?

carrieann, FM me tomorrow and i'll give you some ideas. i'm not a social worker, but i deal with my district's SW weekly.

Re: NWR: anyone knowledgable about the role of an elementary school social worker?

....to find the social/emotional needs of the children in the particular school and implement strategies to assist in the development of their strengths through various groups....to refer to more specialized care (ex: Special Service needs or outside counseling) as necessary and to bridge the gap between home and school. Also to anticipate the needs of the particular school issues for prevention. (just a rough idea) Im a social worker in a school-based counseling agency and deal with the school social workers very often. They also take part in various 'Child Study Teams' to discuss children who are at risk for needing special services or already receiving them(Special Ed) in order to collaborate across disciplines on how best to meet the individual childs needs....hope this helps!! What school district are you interested in? It might be good to research the particular school to find out their more specific needs. Good Luck!!

Re: NWR: anyone knowledgable about the role of an elementary school social worker?

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Posted by engaged&excited

....to find the social/emotional needs of the children in the particular school and implement strategies to assist in the development of their strengths through various groups....to refer to more specialized care (ex: Special Service needs or outside counseling) as necessary and to bridge the gap between home and school. Also to anticipate the needs of the particular school issues for prevention. (just a rough idea) Im a social worker in a school-based counseling agency and deal with the school social workers very often. They also take part in various 'Child Study Teams' to discuss children who are at risk for needing special services or already receiving them(Special Ed) in order to collaborate across disciplines on how best to meet the individual childs needs....hope this helps!! What school district are you interested in? It might be good to research the particular school to find out their more specific needs. Good Luck!!

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okay, her answer is MUCH better than anything i could have told you

Re: NWR: anyone knowledgable about the role of an elementary school social worker?

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Posted by engaged&excited

....to find the social/emotional needs of the children in the particular school and implement strategies to assist in the development of their strengths through various groups....to refer to more specialized care (ex: Special Service needs or outside counseling) as necessary and to bridge the gap between home and school. Also to anticipate the needs of the particular school issues for prevention. (just a rough idea) Im a social worker in a school-based counseling agency and deal with the school social workers very often. They also take part in various 'Child Study Teams' to discuss children who are at risk for needing special services or already receiving them(Special Ed) in order to collaborate across disciplines on how best to meet the individual childs needs....hope this helps!! What school district are you interested in? It might be good to research the particular school to find out their more specific needs. Good Luck!!

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Thank you sooooooooo much for such a thorough answer. I really appreciate it!!!!
Sincerely,
Carrie Ann

Re: NWR: anyone knowledgable about the role of an elementary school social worker?

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Posted by SummerBride06

okay, her answer is MUCH better than anything i could have told you

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Carol, you're so funny!! Thanks so much for replying. I'd still be interested to hear your experiences and ideas!!


Carrie Ann

Re: NWR: anyone knowledgable about the role of an elementary school social worker?

>> It might be good to research the particular school to find out their more specific needs <<

Good suggestion! I would def. do that, every district will have different needs according to their population, and may utilize their SW in different ways.

Good luck!

Re: NWR: anyone knowledgable about the role of an elementary school social worker?

MY school social worker does this:

He attends the School Based Support team Meetings (meetings in which we discuss placement and results of testing from psychologist)

He also interviews the family member and gets family history and background. He also observes the child in the school setting and asks questions such as, 'what is your favorite subject? What do you need help in? what do you like about school?' He quotes the child when writing up his report and discusses it at the meeting.

If sometimes we are having difficulty reaching a parent to prepare them for the meeting (or having difficulty with a 'difficult' parent he tries contacting them.

Re: NWR: anyone knowledgable about the role of an elementary school social worker?

Tara and Becca-
Thank you SO much for your responses! I truly appreciate the input!!!!
Sincerely,
Carrie ann

Re: NWR: anyone knowledgable about the role of an elementary school social worker?

No problem---Good Luck! Let us know how it goes. A school setting is such a nice place to get into. I would definately want to do the same thing at some point.

Re: NWR: anyone knowledgable about the role of an elementary school social worker?

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Posted by engaged&excited

No problem---Good Luck! Let us know how it goes. A school setting is such a nice place to get into. I would definately want to do the same thing at some point.

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I will definitely let you know how it goes.
Once again, I am so appreciative to everyone who responded. It helped a bunch!!
Carrie Ann

Re: NWR: anyone knowledgable about the role of an elementary school social worker?

I interned as a school social worker and I've been trying to get into the public schools as a social worker for a while now. The basic role of the social worker in the school is to act as a member of the Committe on Special Education (CSE). The school social worker provides all of the counseling for children who have counseling listed as needed on their IEP (Individualized Education Plan). The social worker, in some schools, acts as a member of the crisis response team (should it be needed), and on various other committe throughout the building according to need. The school social worker also provides counseling for any children who are considered 'walk ins' and that social worker does assessment for child abuse and neglect. I'm sure there are TONS of other things school social workers do also....I just can't list them all off the top of my head. FM me if you have any questions!!

Good luck!!!

ETA: Each child with an IEP must have a psychosocial completed (history report of the child and family). The social worker is responsible to complete this.