Social work is a profession for those with a strong desire to help improve people’s lives. Social workers assist people by helping them cope with issues in their everyday lives, deal with their relationships, and solve personal and family problems.
School social workers provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the well-being of families and the academic functioning of children. Social workers may assist parents, run groups for parents or children, advise families about housing, transportation, or other services; and coordinate and monitor these services.
In schools, social workers often serve as the link between students’ families and the school, while working with parents, guardians, teachers, and other school officials to ensure students reach their academic and personal potential. In addition, they address problems such as misbehavior, truancy, and teenage pregnancy; and advise teachers on how to cope with difficult students.
The social worker also services as the district Homeless Liaison and Foster Care Liaison.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997 (300.24) defines social work services in schools as including--
Preparing a social or developmental history on a child with a disability;
Group and individual counseling with the child and family;
Working in partnership with parents and others on those problems in a child's living situation (home, school, and community) that affect the child's adjustment in school;
Mobilizing school and community resources to enable the child to learn as effectively as possible in his or her educational program; and
Assisting in developing positive behavioral intervention strategies.
If you feel that you or your child could benefit from social work services, please contact Jill Williams.
Jill Williams, MSW, HSV, LCSW
School Social Worker
Salisbury Township School District
610-797-4107 ext. 2507
Contact me via email
