Social Worker

Overview

What is the role of a school social worker?

School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals with a degree in social work who provide services related to a person's social, emotional and life adjustment to school and/or society. School Social Workers are the link between the home, school and community in providing services to students, families and school personnel to promote and support students' academic and social success.

MIU IV employs three Certified School Social Work Specialists (C-SSWS). They serve in several roles within the MIU IV. They provide Training and Consultation to the school districts within our catchment area, social work support services to the Early Intervention programs, and other various tasks in providing resources to community services.

Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse Training Act 126/31
MIU IV social workers can provide the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance’s 3-hour training session. This training reviews the elements of child abuse including the legal definitions of a child, perpetrator, categories, and indicators of abuse. This training provides an overview of mandated reporting obligations including how to make a report, protections for those who report and the liability for failing to report. This training is approved by the PA Departments of Education, Human Services and State (Acts 126 and 31). A participant manual is required at a cost of $3.50 from Pennsylvania’s Family Support Alliance otherwise there is no fee to have the social worker conduct the training.

ACT 71 Youth Suicide Awareness and Prevention
More Than Sad: Suicide prevention education for educators and school personnel. This 2-hour program teaches educators to recognize the signs of mental health and distress in students and help refer them for help.

QPR-Question, Persuade, Refer: Participants trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to get help. 2 hours. Cost is $3.50 per participant for QPR materials.

Click Here to Learn More About Professional Development Opportunities at MIU IV

Resources