Tips for School Social Workers

Several of these tips can be found in an article by J. D. Berrick and M. Duerr  called  Maintaining positive school relationships: The role of the social worker vis-à-vis full-service schools. See Social Work in Education, January, 1996.

How can school social workers reduce the likelihood of tension between teaching staff and themselves?

 Establish good communication channels through regular classroom conferences with school staff.  Establish clear roles and responsibilities   Establish a simple referral process.   Be accessible to teachers, available during hours when a teacher might be free.   Avoid confusion among teachers about who to contact.

Indiana users can access Berrick and. Duerr's  article by using the Academic Search Elite in Inspire . Hint: search by authors.

  Allow input from the principal and teaching staff, with discussion of goals and objectives for the service program.    Provide ongoing opportunities for collaboration, which can allow the school social worker to feel the pulse of the total school environment.   Promote team spirit through planning and openness to teacher’s suggestions.   Emphasize the importance of confidentiality so that you build the teachers’ (as well as the students’) trust and confidence.   Fit into existing structure.

  Emphasize your desire to be supportive/serve as consultant for the classroom teacher, making daily tasks easier.   Remember that the attitudes, training, and vision of the school principal and staff are most important to the school’s identity.   If joining school staff meetings, make the commitment to be part of the team.  Use timely follow-up when individual counseling is indicated.   Use regular conferences to keep teachers advised on the status/progress of students being served.