ISBE School Wellness Conference

School Social Workers are essential mental health personnel who have been shown to positively impact students and schools. The need to respond to challenges facing schools and students can reduce the amount of prevention work that SSWs are able to complete. Additionally, the job responsibilities of school social workers are continuously expanding. This qualitative study gathered data utilizing the Illinois School Social Worker Association listserv. This study consisted of 56 participants who all self-identified as school social workers in Illinois. Two open ended questions were asked of school social workers. The first was, “If you believe that additional supports are needed, what supports could they provide?” The second open-ended question was, “As a school social worker what supports do you need to function more effectively?” These questions enabled us to understand perspectives of challenges and solutions that school social workers across the state have in regard to social work services and supports. Challenges and solutions were discussed by participants and provide guidance to school districts and school administrators about the services that school social workers can provide as well as the support they need to continue doing their jobs effectively. The two most prevalent challenges included the need for support through MTSS, and the lack of tier 1 SEL programs in schools. Solutions focused practice implications are explored in the perspective of the school social worker.

This session highlights the partnership between Hawthorn District 73 and Youth and Family Counseling to expand access to student mental health services by providing therapy on site during the school day. Participants will learn how this district–community collaboration reduces barriers to care, supports student wellness, and maximizes impact through coordinated scheduling and systems-level planning. Attendees will leave with practical insights for developing similar partnerships in their own districts.