Student Services
School Social Work in Manitoba
School Social Work is a specialized area of practice within the broad field of the social work profession. School Social Workers bring unique knowledge and skills to the school system and the student services team. The School Social Worker facilitates the educational and individual potential of students by providing services that promote school success.
Information for Schools, Students, and Families
Clinical Support Provided
School Social Workers are hired by school divisions to collaborate and consult with students, parents, school administrators, faculty, and the community, in the identification of family and student concerns in order to provide supportive services which will contribute to the success of students in the education system. School Social Workers develop relationships with students and families to facilitate the desired changes identified by the student, family, and school.
School Social Work programs and activities should respond to emerging educational trends that stress prevention, early intervention, school readiness, parent education, and service integration for children from birth through secondary education. The expertise of the School Social Worker and local school division policies will govern the range of services delivered.
These services include, but are not limited to:
- Consultation with school administrators, teachers, school support staff and parents
- Individual counselling and support to students
- Family counselling and support to parents
- Group counselling for students
- Parent and school staff education
- Home-school collaboration
- Referral services to community agencies
- Community development programming
- Collaboration with community programs, and
- Program, resources and policy development
School Social Workers can help students to:
- Increase academic success
- Maximize educational opportunities
- Improve interpersonal relationships
- Cope with crisis situations
- Develop self-discipline
- Learn problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Resolve conflicts without violence
- Cope with social, emotional and/or behavioural difficulties
- Improve school attendance
- Build self-esteem
- Remain in school and graduate
A student can be referred by a parent, legal guardian, school personnel or others familiar with the student. A student who is over the age of 18 may refer him or herself.
School Social Workers in Manitoba must have a minimum of a Bachelor of Social Work degree be a member of the Manitoba College of Social Workers and be certified as a School Clinician in Manitoba.
Links
- Manitoba College of Social Workers
- The Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning Rural and Northern Clinician Bursary
- The School Clinician Certification Application
Legislation, Standards, Policies
- Appropriate Educational Programming Regulations
- Education Administration Miscellaneous Provisions Regulation
- Standards for Appropriate Educational Programming in Manitoba (
481 KB) - Manitoba Pupil File Guidelines ( 221 KB)
Contact
General Enquiries
Inclusion Support Branch
Manitoba Education and Early Childhood Learning
Telephone: 204-945-7912
Toll Free in Manitoba: 1-800-282-8069, ext. 7912
Email: isbinfo@gov.mb.ca
