What is a School Social Work Job?
School social work jobs are positions in education settings that involve working with students, families, and school staff to support student success. School social workers are trained professionals who provide services to students, families, and schools to address academic, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. In addition to providing direct services to students, school social workers also collaborate with school and community partners to address systemic issues that impact student outcomes.
What Usually Do in This Position?
School social workers provide a range of services to support student success, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, case management, and advocacy. They work with students to identify and address academic and social-emotional challenges, develop coping skills and strategies, and connect with resources to support their success. School social workers also work with families to address challenges that impact students, such as housing instability, poverty, and mental health concerns. They collaborate with school staff to develop and implement interventions and supports to address systemic barriers to student success.
Top 5 Skills for Position
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders
- Knowledge of child development and behavior
- Ability to provide counseling and crisis intervention services
- Strong organizational and case management skills
How to Become This Type of Specialist
To become a school social worker, individuals typically need a master's degree in social work (MSW) and a state license to practice. In addition to completing an MSW program, school social workers typically undergo specialized training in working with children and youth, as well as training in education policy and systems. Many school social workers also complete continuing education and professional development to stay current in their practice.
Average Salary
The average salary for school social workers varies depending on location, experience, and level of education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for social workers in educational settings was $47,390 as of May 2020.
Roles and Types
School social workers work in a variety of roles within educational settings, including providing direct services to students, consulting with school staff, and developing and implementing programs and interventions to support student success. School social workers may work with students across all grade levels, from early childhood through high school, and in a variety of educational settings, including public and private schools, alternative schools, and specialized programs.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in USA
School social work jobs are in demand across the United States, with opportunities in urban, suburban, and rural areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top employing states for social workers in educational settings as of May 2020 were California, New York, Texas, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.
What are the Typical Tools
School social workers use a variety of tools and resources to support their work with students, families, and schools. These may include assessment tools to identify student needs and strengths, counseling techniques and interventions to support student success, and case management tools to coordinate services and supports. School social workers also use technology to communicate with students and families, access resources, and track student progress.
In Conclusion
School social work jobs are critical positions within educational settings, providing essential services and supports to students, families, and schools. School social workers require a unique set of skills and knowledge to support student success, including strong communication and interpersonal skills, knowledge of child development and behavior, and the ability to provide counseling and crisis intervention services. With opportunities across the United States, school social work is a rewarding and important career path for those interested in supporting the success of students and families.