Child, Family, and School Social Workers
What is a Child, Family, and School Social Worker?
Child, Family, and School Social Workers are professionals dedicated to supporting children and their families in various life situations. They primarily work within educational settings, but their roles can extend to community organizations, healthcare facilities, and direct family services. These social workers focus on addressing the emotional, psychological, and social challenges that children may face, particularly those related to family dynamics, social interactions, and academic performance. They provide counseling, advocacy, and resources to help families cope with issues such as abuse, neglect, mental health problems, and poverty. By collaborating with teachers, parents, and healthcare providers, Child, Family, and School Social Workers develop strategies to improve the well-being of children and enhance their learning experiences, ensuring that they have a supportive environment both at school and at home.
Tasks
- Maintain case history records and prepare reports.
- Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs.
- Serve as liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts to help children who face problems, such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty.
- Develop and review service plans in consultation with clients and perform follow-ups assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.
- Address legal issues, such as child abuse and discipline, assisting with hearings and providing testimony to inform custody arrangements.
Technology Skills
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Data base user interface and query software
- Microsoft Access
- Student information systems SIS software
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Computer based training software
- EasyCBM
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Medical software
- Patient electronic medical record EMR software
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Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools Used
- Photocopiers
- Notebook computers
- Laser printers
- Special purpose telephones
- Laser fax machine
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
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Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Administrative
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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Judgment and Decision Making
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Abilities
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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Master's degree
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Associate's degree
Work Activities
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
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Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
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Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Detailed Work Activities
- Maintain client records.
- Write reports or evaluations.
- Interview clients to gather information about their backgrounds, needs, or progress.
- Advocate for individual or community needs.
- Arrange physical or mental health services for clients.
Work Interests
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Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$37900.0 - $85590.0
New job opportunities are likely in the future. : Average
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.