• Improve academic outcomes 

• Improve interpersonal relationships Cope with difficult and crisis 

• situations 

• Develop self-esteem and self 

• discipline 

• Learn problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills 

• Connect with community resources 

School social workers are highly qualified mental health professionals who offer comprehensive approaches that specifically address the emotional, social, & academic needs of students. 

School Social Workers hold a Master's degree in Social Work from an accredited institution and a School Social Work Certificate from the Education Professional Standards Board.

KASSW is an association of specially trained Social Workers who work across the state of Kentucky to support students and their families by providing: 

• Direct assistance 

• Mental health services 

• Collaboration with community partners 

• Advocacy on behalf of students & families 

• Education for parents & other caregivers 

• Other methods of eliminating barriers to school success 

Social Workers with specialty certification in School Social Work are employed in Kentucky schools in a variety of roles such as Mental Health Practitioner, Child Guidance Specialist, FRYSC Coordinator, Behavior Specialist, and School Social Worker.

As members of the educational team, School Social Workers Promote and support students success by providing specialized services that may include: 

Intervening with students displaying emotional and behavior challenges Facilitating data-driven decision making and student support planning 

Leading efforts to prevent bullying and suicide 

Assessing students' needs and developing plans for strength-based student supports 

Serving on crisis response teams 

Working collaboratively with school & community leaders to promote school safety 

Leading Social-Emotional Learning initiatives 

Addressing chronic absenteeism Utilizing evidence-based practices while intervening with individuals and groups of students 

Leading parent engagement efforts Advocating for students, parents, & and the school district 

Providing education & training for parents & guardians 

Collaborating and consulting with community agencies, organizations & other professionals 

Facilitating student attendance teams for truancy prevention & intervention planning 

Providing training to faculty & staff on topics such as bullying/harassment prevention & intervention, Positive Behavior Intervention & Supports, and Trauma Informed Care 

Developing & implementing plans to enhance students' school success 

Providing ongoing mental health & behavior support to students Communicating information about how factors such as family dynamics, cultural preferences, & socioeconomic status, as well as physical and emotional health may impact a student's performance 

Coordinating community resources to meet students' needs 

Identifying & eliminating barriers to educational success 

Being a liaison between the school, home, & community Providing interventions within an MTSS framework 

School Social Workers have specialized training in understanding family and community systems and linking students and their families with community services essential to promote student success. 

School Social Workers offer their unique training and expertise to link mental health, behavior, environmental factors, instruction, and learning. 

Using an interdisciplinary team approach of school based mental health providers including school social workers and other disciplines allows each to bring their unique skills & training to ensure the healthy social development and academic achievement of all students.