subject: School and Child Social Workers - How to Become [print this page] School social workers assist children in personal and social matters. School social workers bring their knowledge and skills to the school system and the student support services team. School social workers are hired by school districts. It's very important to underline that many schools acquire additional training and certifications to become licensed clinical social worker, which can aid you in obtaining higher salaries, as well as benefit the students with whom you work.
If you wish to become a school social worker, you need to have at minimum a bachelor's degree. You should keep in mind that most schools require you to have a Master's of Social Work (or MSW) in order to be hired for the position these days. School social workers also address many other issues including teen pregnancy and behavior problems. School social workers have many job functions.
In addition, social workers are responsible for parent relations and helping to develop individual education plans (IEPs) for children with disabilities. Moreover, they should be able to identify and assist children living in poverty, as well as children living in abusive situations, at least on a first contact level. They enhance the district's ability to meet its academic mission, especially where home, school and community collaboration is the key to achieving that mission. Besides they may counsel children in schools who don't employ a psychologist.
They have certain responsibilities, both in relation to the children and to the school administration. They help in furthering the purpose of the schools to provide a setting for teaching, learning, and for the attainment of competence and confidence. They help teachers understand how to deal with a difficult or special needs student. They may counsel students. They also assist in foster care placement and adoptions.
