School social workers are trained mental health professionals with a degree in social work who provide services related to a person's social, emotional, and life adjustment to school and/or society. School social workers are the link between the home, school, and community in providing direct and indirect services to students, families, and school personnel to promote and support students' academic and social/emotional/behavioral success.  School social workers are instrumental in furthering the mission of the schools, which is to provide a setting for teaching, learning, and the attainment of competence and confidence. School social workers are hired by school districts to enhance the district's ability to meet its academic mission, especially where home, school, and community collaboration is the key to achieving student success. (See https://www.sswaa.org/school-social-work.) 

 

Attendance is also one of the many important aspects of school social work, and working to increase school attendance is important for student success. I will often reach out to the families of students who may be struggling with attendance concerns (via phone, email, or text) in order to ensure that the student and family are being fully supported, as well as assist them in creating a plan to help with reengagement.