Social Work Services
Sometimes circumstances outside of the classroom get in the way of students learning up to their capabilities. In District 401, social workers are on hand to assist students at each of our schools as they navigate those challenges.
The job of a school social worker is to help identify external obstacles and then work with students to get the services needed to overcome those difficulties.
Where You Can Find Our Social Workers:
Elmwood Park High School Social Workers
Elm Middle School Social Workers
Elmwood Elementary School Social Workers
John Mills Elementary School Social Workers
What Our Social Workers Do
District 401's social workers provide a wealth of services at each of our schools.
Besides assisting young people who require additional social and emotional support, they also share their expertise with teachers who work with students struggling socially, emotionally or academically.
Some of the services that our social workers provide include the following:
- Social/friendship groups
- Executive functioning groups
- Individual social work
- Behavioral/academic observation
- Support to our response-to-intervention team
- Support to our special education staff
- Outside resources to students and families in need
As the National Association of Social Workers puts it: "School social workers pick up where teachers leave off. They are perhaps the professionals best equipped to address the social and psychological issues that can block academic progress. Through counseling, crisis intervention and prevention programs, they help young people overcome the difficulties in their lives, and as a result, give them a better chance at succeeding in school."
To Learn More
For additional information about social work in District 401 and the resources available for our students and families, please visit the pages listed to the right.
FAQ
The following are answers to some of the questions school social workers are most frequently asked by parents and students.
To see the answer to a particular question, simply click any part of the relevant question.
- What is the role of a school social worker?
- How do I sign up my child for social work services?
- Can a teacher request social work services for my child?
- Can a school social worker see a student without permission from a parent or guardian?
- How often does a school social worker meet with a student?
- Can the social worker tell me what my child reports to them?
- Who can I reach out to over a holiday break?
What is the role of a school social worker?
How do I sign up my child for social work services?
Can a teacher request social work services for my child?
Can a school social worker see a student without permission from a parent or guardian?
How often does a school social worker meet with a student?
Can the social worker tell me what my child reports to them?
Who can I reach out to over a holiday break?
Resources
District 401's social workers have put together a collection of resources for students and parents who are looking for assistance on a range of issues, from crisis hotlines to LGBT support services.
In the rows below, you'll find information about organizations and individual professionals who can provide help concerning a variety of topics.
Please note that the books listed in "Children's Books About Social Issues" are available at the Elmwood Elementary School Library.
- Suicide Prevention Resources
- Crisis/Emergency Hotlines & Resources
- Public Assistance & Food Pantries
- Holiday Help Resources
- Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatric & Day Treatment Services
- Children's Books About Social Issues
- Counseling Options
- Grief Support Groups
- Legal Assistance
- LGBT Support Services
- Spanish & Polish Services
- Students with Special Needs
- Transition Planning Guide
- Women's Counseling & Medical Services