School Social Work: An Emerging Field of Practice - Ep. 73
Oct 24, 2022
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In this podcast, the hosts talk with Professor Myfanwy Maple about the emerging field of school social work and its challenges. They discuss supporting a young person's mental health and education, the lack of supervision in school social work, the impact of COVID-19 on the field, and the need for support and supervision for social workers in school settings.
School social work is an emerging field in Australia, addressing psychosocial issues and promoting well-being within the school community.
The presence of social workers in schools not only benefits students, but also raises awareness and understanding of the social work profession among the younger population.
Deep dives
School Social Work: A Growing Area of Practice
School social work is an emerging field in Australia, with increased recognition and implementation of social workers in schools. While the concept is more established in North America, it has gained traction in Australia due to the unmet demand for services among young people. Schools provide an ideal setting for social work, given their accessibility and the captive audience of students. Social workers in schools work on a range of issues, including individual counseling, small group work, and collaboration with teachers and parents. They address psychosocial issues, mental health concerns, and promote well-being within the school community. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for school social work, particularly in engaging disengaged students and providing crisis response. While challenges exist, such as the need for supervision and ongoing professional development, the presence of social workers in schools offers valuable support to students and helps fill gaps in service provision.
The Role and Differentiation of School Social Work
School social work is distinct from school counseling and other roles in the education system. Traditionally, school counselors in Australia focus on testing, counseling for select issues, and often serve multiple schools part-time. In contrast, school social workers have a broader scope of practice, addressing psychosocial issues and providing support to a wider range of students. They engage in face-to-face work with individuals, facilitate small groups, work with teachers to address student needs, collaborate with parents and community services, and build community awareness of mental health. They play a critical role in crisis response, especially during events like natural disasters or personal tragedies. School social work encompasses a range of responsibilities that can vary depending on the school community, challenges, and priorities at any given time.
Challenges and Support for School Social Workers
Social workers in school settings, especially those in schools where social work is a new addition, may face isolation and the need for additional support. They require ongoing supervision to navigate the complexities of their role and build resilience. External supervision from experienced social workers familiar with working with young people is essential. Peer support from other school social workers and allied health professionals can provide a valuable network for sharing experiences, resources, and best practices. Adequate support for social workers in schools is crucial, including access to professional development opportunities and resources to promote mental health literacy among teaching staff. School leadership must recognize and prioritize the need for supervision and allocate resources to support social work practice within the school community.
The Impact of School Social Work on the Profession
The presence of social workers in schools not only benefits students but also raises awareness and understanding of the social work profession among the younger population. By interacting with social workers at a young age, children and adolescents can develop a greater appreciation for the impact and importance of social work. This experience may influence their career choices and contribute to the growth of the social work workforce in the future. Additionally, the integration of social work into school communities provides an opportunity for collaboration and advocacy, addressing social issues and systemic barriers that affect young people's well-being. School social work offers a chance to shape the perception of social work and build connections between schools, communities, and social work professionals.
Ever heard from a social worker with an ongoing position in a school before?
How about a social work student with an intensive field placement in a school?
In this episode Mim & Lis sit down with Professor Myfanwy Maple of the University of New England (Australia) to talk through what might come from the opportunity of having social workers and social work field placements in schools. Enjoy the chat and expand your thinking as you listen along to this fantastic episode. We absolutely loved it.
You can find out more about Myf's work in this space through the following link:
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