With distance learning becoming the standard in many school districts across the U.S., community advocates have raised concerns about new challenges for children whose well-being depends on being able to access the support historically provided by schools.
If you’re considering a career change and you want to make a difference in the world with your work, becoming a school social worker or counselor is an excellent choice.
Keep reading to learn more about the challenges facing school support staff right now and the skills you’ll need to be successful.
How Schools Are Handling Distance Learning
Even if they can only provide services online, social workers can still help students access learning accommodations and manage behavioral problems while providing emotional support.
The availability of web-friendly resources makes the process easier, but certain elements of the job, such as emotional health assessments and parent conferences, are more challenging without face-to-face interaction.
As a licensed clinical social worker in a school setting, evaluating behavioral health conditions and conducting student and family interviews will be some of the most important tasks you perform, even if you do so remotely.
The same interpersonal skills that will benefit you in a variety of careers in social work will be helpful here, but you’ll want to give extra consideration to how comfortable you feel when speaking with children, as interviewing them often requires a special approach.
Employment Outlook for School Social Workers and Counselors
You’ll play an essential role in child development if you become a school social worker or counselor, bolstering the efforts of children’s primary caretakers with educated insights into behavior and academic performance.
With mounting stress from current health and financial strains, that support will continue to be critical for students’ health.
Counselors and social workers at schools are providing more comprehensive and more creative support services than ever, and they are highly sought after in today’s market.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Services expects demand for social work and counseling positions to outpace job growth in other areas, and although counselor salary potential differs by location, compensation for school counselors is competitive in the social work sector.
Education and Experience Requirements for Social Work
Requirements for school social workers vary by state, but almost all positions require you to possess a master’s degree in social work. It can be helpful if your bachelor’s degree is in a related field, but it’s typically not required.
While you pursue your degree, take additional steps to develop your social worker career skills and tailor your education toward positions in an educational setting:
- Choose electives focused on education and child development.
- Seek out internships and practicum placements in schools.
- Research licensure requirements in the state where you plan to work.
When you start your job search, stay open to opportunities that are similar to school social work.
Working with children and families in other settings can help you build a relevant experience that may distinguish you from other applicants in the future.
Many people outside the educational system never realized the importance of school social workers and counselors before the shift to distance learning made it clear how many services they provide to children in need.
If this situation has inspired you to pursue a career that changes lives, now is a great time to get started.