How to Become Indispensable and Stay Relevant

Abstract

School social workers are indispensable due to the menu of services they offer to students, the school, and the community and their unique knowledge base, which encompasses cultural responsiveness, theory (crisis intervention, ecological framework, systems theory, and strengths-based approaches), practice skills, and ability to connect and collaborate within an interdisciplinary team of professionals. Social workers can bring distinct and desirable perspectives to groups of educators. This chapter provides suggestions on how school social workers can find respect by, for example, honing their leadership skills, offering solution-focused perspectives, and advocating for the profession. This chapter offers guidance for those new to the field regarding how to showcase their social work perspective to help meet school-based and community needs.