The Halton District School Board recognizes that many factors contribute to a student's learning and well-being. Social and emotional difficulties, mental health concerns, poor school attendance and trauma are some of the factors that can interfere with students' learning and well-being . HDSB School Social Workers work with students, families, school staff, and communities to support students to optimize their learning, achievement and well-being.
Who are School Social Workers?
HDSB School Social Workers have a Master's of Social work degree, and are registered with, and regulated by, the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. School Social Workers also act in the role of Attendance Counsellors for compulsory school-aged children in the Halton District School Board.
School Social Workers provide services in 4 areas:
- Student mental health and well-being
- Crisis and safety
- Attendance and engagement
- School culture and climate
What Services do School Social Workers Offer?
Within a tiered framework of intervention, with student consent (required in the majority of situations), and when there is an impact on a student's ability to attend, manage or access their educational experiences, social workers utilize evidence-based interventions and approaches. Their services include:
- Assessment (individual & family)
- Attendance counselling
- Consultation and coaching to school staff
- Crisis intervention
- Individual counselling
- Group work
- Capacity building for staff
- Liaison with community professionals
- Referrals to community resources
How to Contact your School Social Worker
School-based Social Workers with the Halton District School Board are assigned to one or more secondary schools, and various elementary “feeder" schools. Referrals to the School Social Worker may be made directly by the student, school staff, or through the School Resource Team.
Contact
Student Services Department
New Street Education Centre
3250 New Street
Burlington, Ontario L7N 1M8
905-631-6120
Reference:
Ontario Association of Social Workers, “School Social Work in Ontario"