SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS ARE IN EVERY SCHOOL
School Social Workers are school employees who provide social work services in every school in Chesterfield County. School Social Workers are state certified and have expertise in social work and education. As a part of a multidisciplinary team of staff, teachers and parents, they assist and encourage the development of each student’s capabilities. School Social Workers identify and intervene in problems that interfere with a student’s education. They are trained to deal with difficulties such as developmental and learning disabilities; parenting education; family and marital stress; school age pregnancy; absenteeism; substance abuse; crisis management and suicide prevention. The coordination of resources between home, school, and community is a unique service provided by School Social Workers. Resources that School Social Workers frequently connect individuals with are: parenting classes; mental health services; resources for food and clothing; tutorial services and other educational support.
Your School Social Worker provides information on food, clothing and tutorial services.
WHAT DO WE DO?
School Social Workers are hired by school districts to enhance their ability to meet academic missions. They are on the frontlines of addressing barriers to learning.
School Social Workers address a variety of issues that impact a student’s ability to learn and are vital in helping parents navigate the education system and access community resources. Some things school social workers do on a daily basis, include:
Conduct sociological assessments for students suspected of having an educational disability
Assist school teams in reviewing individual student needs
Consult with school staff on effective social-emotional strategies
Address barriers to the child, home, school, and community that interfere with school access, including chronic absenteeism
Crisis intervention and prevention
Assess student needs through observation, home visits, interviews and assessments
Referrals to community agencies for students and families
Consult collaborate, and case-manage with community organizations and professionals
Individual and group social-emotional support services
© Virginia Association of School Social Work, adapted
Virginia Department of Education provides information about special education and other academic programming.