Webinar: Organizing Support to Protect & Expand School Social Work Jobs

The roles and functions of school social workers are unique within school systems. While school social workers collaborate with other Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP), there are numerous functions that school social workers perform that others cannot. Unfortunately, many school systems do not recognize the full value of school social work services and wrongfully may think that related professions can fill the roles of the school social worker. This webinar will address this issue by presenting proven strategies from the field that have protected existing school social work positions and have expanded positions within school systems. Case examples will be used to illustrate how school social workers can organize support both within and outside of the school system to protect and expand jobs. The presentation will include empowering students and families as allies, gaining community support, lobbying school boards and other public officials, and building coalition with your state NASW chapter. School social workers are wonderful advocates for students and their families. This webinar will help you build similar advocacy skills for yourself. 

Objectives:

• Understand unique roles and functions of school social workers and how they differ from other Specialized Instructional Support Personnel (SISP).  
• Identify strategies that have been used to protect existing and create new school social work positions.  
• Describe effective advocacy methods that can be used to empower students and families and build coalitions with state NASW chapters.