School Social Workers

School divisions use the services of school social workers to help understand a student's social and emotional needs through a "whole child" focus. They work closely and consult with students, school personnel, parents and community resources to develop programs that are easily accessible to students and families. They identify goals to help improve educational outcomes, and help to ensure that a student's social and emotional needs are being met in the school and at home.

School social workers assist students who are experiencing problems that affect school functioning: primary students who are having difficulty making the transition from home to school, students who are challenged by developmental delays, or students who are undergoing a transition such as family divorce, the death of a parent, or a move from another country. Students experiencing addiction problems, school-aged pregnancy, or students at risk for dropping out of school may also receive support from a school social worker.

Recommendations and interventions may include individual or family work, group work with other students, parent-education groups, referral to specialized therapeutic programs or referral to community agencies.