ABCs of School Social Work

ABCs of School Social Work

Date: Friday, July 10, 2026

Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET

Presenters:
Patricia Roberts-Rose, LCSW-C, MSDE
Luanda Johnson, LCSW-C

CEUs: 2 Category I CEUs

Cost: Non-Member: $50 | Member: $35 | Retired Member: $20 | Student Member: FREE

Course Description

School social workers play a vital role in supporting student success, promoting well-being, and addressing barriers to learning. This introductory training provides a foundational overview of the knowledge, skills, and practices essential to effective school social work within today's educational systems.

Participants will explore the history and evolution of the profession, examine the core functions of school social workers, and gain an understanding of the laws, policies, and ethical standards that guide practice. The training will also highlight the critical role school social workers play in fostering equity, increasing access to resources, supporting student mental health, and collaborating with families, educators, and community partners.

Designed for new practitioners, interns, and professionals seeking a refresher, this session offers a comprehensive introduction to the essential elements of school social work practice.

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the historical development of school social work and its role in supporting student success within educational settings.

2. Identify the core responsibilities of school social workers, including direct mental health services, case management, consultation, crisis response, and collaboration with school, family, and community partners.

3. Explain the federal and state laws, regulations, and ethical guidelines that shape school social work practice, including mandates related to special education, attendance, confidentiality, and student rights.

4. Recognize the interdisciplinary nature of school-based services and articulate how school social workers contribute to Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).

5. Apply foundational principles of professional practice to ensure culturally responsive, ethical, and student-centered interventions.

Topics Covered

• History and evolution of school social work

• Roles and responsibilities of school social workers

• Direct services and mental health support

• Case management and crisis intervention

• Family, school, and community collaboration

• Educational advocacy and systems-level practice

• Special education and student rights

• Attendance and confidentiality requirements

• Ethical standards in school social work

• Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS)

• Culturally responsive and equitable practice

Who Should Attend

• New school social workers

• Social work interns and students

• Professionals transitioning into school-based practice

• Experienced practitioners seeking a refresher on foundational concepts

Register here.