How Can a School Social Worker Help Your Child?
By Kacie Shipman, MSW, LCSW – September 30, 2026 –
Have you ever wondered what a school social worker actually does? In this role, I often hear students’ ideas and questions about my job and what my role looks like within the school building.
The short answer? School social workers wear many hats. I often tell students that my job is to help them with anything and everything; or, if I cannot help, connect them with someone who can.
School social workers are mental health professionals in the building who are available to support students throughout the school day. We work individually with students on a wide range of challenges, from difficulty focusing in the classroom to coping with the loss of a beloved pet. We also facilitate groups that provide targeted support to multiple students at once.
One common type of group focuses on building social skills. Social skills groups can be offered at any age or grade level and are designed to meet students where they are developmentally. Students can build confidence, improve communication, strengthen friendships, learn healthy ways to manage emotions, and problem-solve with peers in everyday situations. Other examples of small groups may include a grief group for students who have lost a loved one or a group of students who struggle with self-esteem.
Connecting families with community resources is another important part of a social worker’s role. Supporting students means supporting their families, too. Social workers may connect families with resources for food assistance, health care, housing, school supplies, or other needs. When families have a strong foundation at home, students are better positioned to learn and thrive at school. Social workers also collaborate with teachers, administrators, community organizations, and outside providers to create a network of consistent support for students inside and outside of the classroom.
Confidentiality is an important part of the social work relationship and is guided by professional ethics as well as applicable laws and school policies, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). With appropriate consent and release of information, school social workers can help bridge communication between outside professionals, such as doctors or therapists, and school staff. This collaboration can provide a more complete picture of a student’s needs and help ensure everyone is working toward the same goals.
While school social workers have many responsibilities, relationships remain at the heart of the work. Building trusting relationships with students and families creates opportunities for meaningful support, advocacy, and connection.
Having a professional who knows your child, understands the school environment, and is available to support them can make a meaningful difference, elevating their potential. If you have concerns about your child’s social, emotional or behavioral well-being, consider reaching out to your school’s social worker for a consultation.
To find a list of Youth First Mental Health Professionals and partner schools, visit our website at https://youthfirstinc.org/mentalhealthprofessional/.
Kacie Shipman, MSW, LCSW, is a Youth First Mental Health Professional at Springs Valley Elementary School and Springs Valley Jr/Sr High School in Orange County. Youth First, Inc., is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening youth and families. Youth First provides over 100 highly trained mental health professionals (primarily master’s level social workers), prevention programs, parent engagement coordinators, and bilingual support personnel to 138 schools across 15 Indiana counties. Over 56,000 youth and families each year are served by Youth First’s school-based social work and community programs that promote mental health, prevent substance misuse, and maximize student success. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336.
