Frequently Asked Questions: This page contains answers to common questions of students and parents.

1. What defines a School Social Worker?.
2. What does a School Social Worker do?
3. In what ways does the School Social Worker help students?
4. What type of training does a School Social Worker have?
5. What is the relationship between a counselor and a social worker?

What defines a School Social Worker?.

As defined by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction: School 
Social Workers help students and families make the best use of available 
opportunities and resources and to fully develop each student's individual 
potential.

Back to Top

What does a School Social Worker do?

Individual and group counseling, crisis prevention and intervention, home 
visits, case management, information and referral, collaboration with other 
services, advocacy, coordination of services, and policy development.

Back to Top

In what ways does the School Social Worker help students?

Increasing academic success, improving relationships, coping with crisis 
situations, developing self-discipline, learning problem-solving and 
decision making skills, improving attendance, build self-esteem.

Back to Top

What type of training does a School Social Worker have?

Typically a School Social Worker has a masters degree in social work from an 
accredited college or university.  Many states require a specific 
certification in school social work to be able to work in a school setting.

Back to Top

What is the relationship between a counselor and a social worker?

School Social Workers typically focus on family and community factors that 
influence learning. Together with the counselor they can provide counseling 
and mental health services. Counselors additionally provide academic and 
career-related services.

Back to Top