School Social Workers

School Social Workers

The Halton District School Board recognizes that many factors contribute to a student s learning. Some factors that impede student learning may include social and emotional difficulties, behavioural challenges, mental health concerns, and economic issues. School Social Workers are employed by the Halton District School Board to work with students, families, schools, and communities to support students and to enhance their educational experience. Who are School Social Workers? All School Social Workers employed by the Halton District School Board have a Master s degree, and are registered with, and regulated by, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. School Social Workers also act in the role of Attendance Counsellors for compulsory school-aged children in the Halton District School Board. Social Workers have specialized skills in the following areas: Assessment & Advocacy Community & Program Development Conflict Resolution/Mediation Family Dynamics & Relationships Individual, Family & Group Counselling Mental Health Intervention

How can School Social Workers help? School Social Workers are able to help students, families, and schools in relation to mental health, emotional, social, and behavioural concerns. What Services do School Social Workers Offer? School Social Workers offer a variety of services including: Advocacy Assessment (Individual & Family) Attendance Counselling Case Management Consultation Crisis Intervention Individual Counselling Group Work Liaison with Community Professionals Parenting Strategies Referrals to Community Resources School Social Workers assist with the following issues: Anger & Aggression Anxiety Attendance Difficulties Behavioural Concerns Bereavement Bullying & Victimization Child Abuse Crisis Intervention Depression Family Conflict Gender Identity Support Parenting & Child Management Positive School Climate Mental Health Support Self-Esteem Separation & Divorce Sexual Identity Support Self-Harm/Suicidal Thoughts Social Skills Staff Support & Education Stress Substance Use Threat Risk Assessment Tragic Event Response

In addition to school-based support, School Social Workers are also members of the following specialized services: Multi-Disciplinary Support Teams (MDST) Safe Schools Action Teams (SSAT) Safe Schools Support School Team/School Resource Teams (ST/SRT) Student Success Teams (SST) Threat Assessment Teams Tragic Events Response Team (TERT) Halton Opportunities Program for Expelled and Suspended Students (HOPES) How to Contact Your School Social Worker... School Social Workers with the Halton District School Board, who are school-based, are assigned to one or more secondary schools, and various elementary feeder schools. Referrals to the School Social Worker may be made directly by the student, parent(s)/guardian(s), school staff, community contacts, or through the School Team, or School Resource Team.

In Summary School Social Workers bring unique knowledge and skills to school communities. They support students learning, well-being and success. School Social Workers strive to assist students to develop capacity in the following key areas: Empowerment Resiliency Competency Developmental Assets These capacities are essential to ensuring student success now and equipping students with the tools for success in the future. Your School Social Worker is

For further information please contact: Halton District School Board New Street Education Centre 3250 New Street Burlington, Ontario L7N 1M8 (905) 631-6120 References: Ontario Association of Social Workers School Social Work in Ontario