School Social Work Practice Tools

The opening of the 2020-2021 school year is different from previous school years due to COVID-19. School social workers will need to be skillful with the flexibility to provide services to students, parents, and staff in-person or remotely. The following resources from NASW and the School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) provide additional supports as you prepare for the 2020-2021 school year.

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we firmly believe that the to return to in-person instruction in our nation’s schools must be guided by reliable local public health data, and it must consider the needs of students, families, and staff.

During the COVID-19 public health emergency, school social workers are essential staff and continue to play a vital role in ensuring that students continue to receive much-needed mental health, education and other services despite school disruptions from the pandemic.

School violence and bullying may affect a student’s physical, mental and social wellbeing.

Ethical social work practice in school systems involves a myriad of complex variables that demand a sound knowledge of the NASW Code of Ethics, along with legal, statutory, and other requirements. These tips address important considerations necessary to arrive at solid ethical outcomes in school settings.

School social workers work to prevent mass killing in schools as well as guide schools in recovery after a crisis has occurred. Today more than ever, there is a growing need for school social workers to help prevent school violence and to support students in moments of crisis.