WCS Honors School Social Workers

Published March 3, 2016

Next week, March 6-12, is School Social Work Week, a time to give recognition for the critical role that social workers provide to students, administrators, teachers, educators, parents and the community.

“Our school social workers bring invaluable knowledge into our district for families, students, administrators and school staff,” said WCS Executive Director of Student Support Services Carol Hendlmyer. “We are fortunate to have them working in our district on behalf of students.”

School social workers act as liaisons between school, home and community by providing comprehensive services to students, families and school systems to prevent, remediate and remove psychological barriers that interfere with learning.

“The social workers in WCS are caring, licensed professionals who provide assistance to students and their families,” said WCS Assistant Director of Student Support Services Jill Merritt. “When basic needs are met and stressors are managed, students have a better opportunity to meet their potential and experience success in and out of school. We appreciate the knowledge and dedication of our social work team.”

Williamson County Schools social workers have masters degrees in social work and are licensed by the Tennessee Department of Education and the Tennessee Board of Social Work.

WHAT DOES A SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER DO?

According to WCS Student Support Services, school social workers participate as members of the educational team to help students succeed in the academic setting and to advocate for the best interests of students. Social workers also work with families to help them participate effectively in their child’s education, to find and use appropriate community resources, and to facilitate communication between home and school.

School social workers collaborate with school staff to help students and their families. They help to identify factors in the child’s home, school and community environment that may be a barrier to learning. School social workers are also available to identify, intervene and refer students with mental health needs and to consult in crisis situations.