School Social Work Website 

Hello! My name is Andrea McGuire and welcome to the School Social Work website! I am a graduate from Michigan State University where I earned my bachelor degree in Family and Community Services with a minor in Childhood Development. I earned my Masters in Clinical Social Work also from MSU with a specialty in School Social Work. Currently, I serve as a member of the National Association of Social Work, Michigan Association of School Social Workers, Maple Grove Advisory Council as well as Grosse Ille's Mental Health Advisory Committee, Struggling Students Task Force, Crisis Team, and Child Study Team.

What is a School Social Worker?

An integral part to the educational system, a School Social Workers is a trained mental health professional who serves in the educational setting addressing the affective and behavioral needs of students. Working together with students, parents, school personnel, community agencies and others, a School Social Worker provides services that improve learning and achievement in the classroom, allowing students to fully benefit from the educational experience. When children's mental health concerns are addressed, they are better able to attend school ready to learn each day.

How does a student obtain social work services?

Currently, I provide Social Work Services district wide and work with preschool to high school aged students. At the elementary level, general education and special education students may obtain Social Work Services. If a general education student has a social or emotional areas of concern that is negatively impacting their educational performance, then School Social Work services should be considered. Teachers and parents are able to make referrals for School Social Work Services, which is then reviewed and approved by the building principal. At the secondary level, only special education students are able to receive Social Work Services. Special Education students who require School Social Work Services are able to access them through their Individualized Educational Plan.

What types of services does a School Social Worker provide?

A School Social Worker brings unique knowledge and skills to the school system, impacting student learning and success in a number of ways. School Social Workers have multiple roles in the educational system including (but not limited to); providing counseling, skill training and support groups, conducting functional behavioral analysis and developing positive behavioral support plans, evaluating students social/emotional needs, conducting classroom lessons, providing crisis intervention, and serving as an advocate and liaison between home, school and the community. Please click on the link for The Role of a School Social Worker to obtain further detailed information regarding services.