Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Child, family, and school social workers provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. They may assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehaviour, and truancy and may also advise teachers.
Child, family, and school social workers work with families where there has been abuse, or where there is a serious mental or physical illness, offering assistance to children, youth, parents and guardians. The goal of children’s social services is to help individuals cope with challenges or crises, and advocate for those who cannot do so for themselves.
The school social worker's job is to counsel children who are experiencing stress, acting out, or are being bullied. They provide support and therapy to children who have experienced traumas, losses and extra-familial abuse.
A child and family social worker intervene in instances of substance abuse, physical or mental abuse, and other risky situations.
A bachelor’s degree is required to work as a generalist, whereas master’s programs are preferred for specialists’ roles.
The role of school social workers in India is to work in public elementary or secondary schools, governmental organizations, residential care facilities, adoption agencies or other social service agencies. They may visit the homes of parents or prospective guardians and testify in court.
A successful social worker can assist with mental health concerns, behavioural concerns, positive behaviour support, consultation with teachers, parents, and administrators, as well as provide individual/group counselling.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- M.A. Social Work
- MSW Master of Social Work
- Bachelor's Any Subject
- BSW Bachelor of Social Work
Tasks
- Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs.
- Counsel individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding issues including mental health, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, physical abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, child care, or medical care.
- Maintain case history records and prepare reports.
- Counsel students whose behavior, school progress, or mental or physical impairment indicate a need for assistance, diagnosing students' problems and arranging for needed services.
- Consult with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to determine causes of problems, such as truancy and misbehavior, and to implement solutions.
- Counsel parents with child rearing problems, interviewing the child and family to determine whether further action is required.
- Develop and review service plans in consultation with clients and perform follow-ups assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.
- Collect supplementary information needed to assist client, such as employment records, medical records, or school reports.
- Address legal issues, such as child abuse and discipline, assisting with hearings and providing testimony to inform custody arrangements.
- Provide, find, or arrange for support services, such as child care, homemaker service, prenatal care, substance abuse treatment, job training, counseling, or parenting classes to prevent more serious problems from developing.
Progression Routes
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