The Role of a School Social Worker from an Administrator’s Perspective

This mixed method study explored the perceptions of school administrators regarding the role of school social workers. School Administrators received a survey via email that contained twenty-five questions pertaining to the functions, tasks, benefits, evaluation, and professional development of school social workers. Administrators reported that improving student attendance, collaboration with teachers, and decreasing student discipline were primary functions of the school social worker. They also reported that participating on child study team, facilitating skill groups, and making referrals and building relationships with outside agencies were primary tasks of a school social worker. Overall, administrators agree that school social workers are vital to the success of the school and engagement of students. They reported that they would like to see an increase in school social workers in their site, increase funding for general education social workers, and a more consistent way of evaluating and reporting outcomes of school social workers