What is the North Carolina School Social Workers Association?
Since 1907 school social workers have provided unique services to students, families, faculties and communities in order to help students attain maximum benefits from their school experiences. As the need for student support services has increased, so has the need for school social workers employed by the school system.
The NCSSWA was formed in 1972 as the vehicle to advocate for legislation and policies to enhance the welfare of children, specifically as it affects their ability to maximize the education process. NCSSWA also has become the catalyst in promoting the professional development of school social workers.
Mission Statement:
The North Carolina School Social Workers Association, as an affiliate of the School Social Work Association of America, has as its mission: “Empowers School Social Workers and promotes the profession of School Social Work to enhance the social and emotional growth and academic outcomes of all students.”
Who are NC School Social Workers?
NC School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals with a degree in social work and are licensed by the NC Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI). NC school social workers are hired by each local educational agency to work within that specific school district. School social workers help students improve their academic achievement and social, emotional, and behavioral competence. Some school social workers in North Carolina hold additional licenses including, but not limited to, a license in clinical social work (LCSW), a license as a Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS), and others.
What Do School Social Workers Do?
School social work services include assessment and screening, individual and group counseling, crisis intervention and prevention, family support, and advocacy. School social workers provide consultation and training to administrators and school personnel related to the whole child, including behavior and classroom management, mental health, child abuse, neglect and dependency, and other crises.
School social workers address the varied needs of students, with and without disabilities, who may be experiencing violence and harassment, trauma, grief and loss; behavioral and mental health challenges; learning problems, developmental delays; facing homelessness, pregnancy or parenting, are transitioning between school and treatment programs, foster care, or the juvenile justice system; experiencing chronic absenteeism, truancy issues, or are at-risk for dropping out of school and other issues impacting school success.
