School Social Work in Randolph County

Community School Family Students School Social Workers: Connecting Schools, Students, Families & Communities

The Very Basics: Ensure students are in school (and in the classroom) Make sure they are in a place so they can learn

Ensure students are in school (and in their seats) Investigate/visit to establish the barriers to attendance Facilitate eliminating the barriers with the family and others If needed, file charges for students, parents, or both for court intervention

Make sure they are in a place so they can learn Investigate the barriers to students performing to their potential while in class Facilitate access to resources Or make a solution happen so the student can meet his potential

Ecological Perspective (Person-In-Environment) Local/State Government School & Board Policies Home Situation Fred Student – under-motivated

Direct Service Advocacy Program Planning & Evaluation Assessment of Student Needs Consultation & Education Coordination & Liaison Management Professional Practice & Development North Carolina School Social Work Roles (NCDPI, 1998)

Direct Service –Individual work –Group work –Family work –Clothing, nutritional, housing, transportation & health needs Advocacy –Student’s educational, social, emotional, & material needs are met –Established laws, rules, & regulations School Social Work Roles

Assessment of Student Needs –Gathers & records pertinent information to share –Provides assessment services Program Planning & Evaluation –Assists the school in planning programs that prevent/reduce/alleviate situations which may interfere with the learning process of students –Provides input into system-wide & departmental policy & planning decisions Coordination & Liaison –Serves as liaison between the home, school & community –Establishes, promotes & maintains positive public relations –Researches & utilizes community resources in addressing the needs of students & their families

School Social Work Roles Consultation & Education –Consults with staff & teachers on school & student needs –Collaborates with community agencies to provide for student needs –Provides in-service workshops to school staff, parents, and community organizations –Supervises school social work interns Management –Organizes time, resources, energy & workload in order to meet responsibilities –Maintains accurate case records & documentation Professional Practice & Development –Adheres to a professional social work code of ethics –Demonstrates effective communication & relationship skills –Strives to develop professionally

Challenges for School Social Workers  Lack of appropriate resources  Safety concerns  Flexible schedules  Lack of time

What/when is an appropriate referral? When you have a concern about a child When you are having difficulty contacting a parent When a student is experiencing difficulties in class, particularly new difficulties When you’ve heard rumors from other students When your spider sense alarm bell is sounding

Making an Appropriate Referral the name and relevant information Call and leave a message Fill out a referral form and send it

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