Social Work Corner
What is the role of a school social worker?
In Chicago Public Schools, the school social worker collaborates with the clinician team to evaluate and provide services primarily to students with disabilities (who receive other services through an IEP or 504 Plan) and who need additional help to develop social and emotional skills. The social worker may also help with tiered interventions at school to support the social-emotional functioning of general education students when possible. The school social worker also helps lead Volta’s Behavioral Health Team (BHT) which uses data to provide consultation, engages in collaborative problem-solving, and assigns students to tiered interventions in order to improve behavioral health school-wide.
Can the school social worker provide therapy to my student during the school day?
In most cases, no. The school social worker has a dedicated, assigned caseload of students who receive regular social-emotional support services during the school day once it has been determined that they qualify for those services within an IEP or 504 Plan. And because children do not experience stressors and social/emotional/behavioral challenges in isolation from their caregivers, it is crucial for families to be directly involved in the treatment process when a concern is suspected. Family and/or individual therapy outside of school can often be very helpful and appropriate.
What should you do if you suspect your child is experiencing social or emotional challenges?
First, reach out to your child’s pediatrician to share your concerns and invite their feedback and recommendations on the child’s development and social-emotional functioning. It is important to find or rule out any medical or developmental concerns, including any diagnosis which may help the school serve your child better. Your child’s doctor may recommend further medical or psychological evaluation, and they are often the best people to refer your child to an outside therapist within your insurance network if appropriate. If you believe your child has a disability which impacts their school performance, please reach out to the case manager to request a referral for school-based evaluation. Next, make sure you have reached out to your child’s classroom teacher to share your concerns and brainstorm next steps together.
Helpful Links & Resources