School Social Work in Wisconsin

Social workers are trained to utilize a strength-based, ecological approach that views clients and organizations as parts of systems. The functioning of and relationships within and between systems are enhanced to improve people's lives. The outcomes for students related to school social work services are increased achievement, safety, attendance, social-behavioral competency, and parent and community involvement. Unlike the vast majority of school staff, school social workers are not trained in a specific field of education. Rather, they are trained primarily and most importantly as masters-level social workers. However, just as high school teachers choose to specialize in a particular subject area, school social workers choose to concentrate their preparation on professional practice within the PreK-12 educational setting.

Based upon longitudinal survey data, services most frequently provided by Wisconsin school social workers include:

• Consultation with teachers and administrators
• Assessment, evaluation and screening
• Counseling
• Casework/management
• Home-school-community liaison
• Crisis intervention and coordination
• Membership on and leadership of school-based teams

For more information, click on Services Most Frequently Provided by Wisconsin School Social Workers below.

School districts may claim 59% of salary and fringe costs for school social work services for categorical aid reimbursement. Because the amount of funds for categorical aid appropriated by the Wisconsin Legislature has historically been less than what school districts are eligible for, the actual reimbursement is pro-rated. For example, if categorical aid reimbursement is pro-rated at 30% of all eligible costs, and a school district submits a claim for 59% of $70,000 in salary and fringe costs for a school social worker, the school district would receive approximately $12,390 in additional aid from the state for this position. School districts submit annual budget and claim reports for school social work services via the Special Education Fiscal Report (PI 1505-SE). For more information, click on “Revenues Generated for School Districts by School Social Work Services” below.

Questions regarding school social work or this home page should be directed to:

Nic Dibble, LSSW, CISW
Education Consultant, School Social Work Services
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
PO Box 7841
Madison, WI 53707-7841
(608) 266-0963
(608) 267-3746 FAX
nic.dibble@dpi.wi.gov

School Social Work Roles

School Social Work Roles (outline form)
Services Most Frequently Provided by Wisconsin School Social Workers

Wisconsin School Social Work Practice Guide

The Wisconsin School Social Work Practice Guide includes both hard-copy and electronic components. The hard-copy portions can be downloaded by clicking on the links below. To receive a copy of the electronic portion, please send your request with your mailing address to Jackie Brashi at jackie.brashi@dpi.wi.gov.

2007 Updates - Wisconsin School Social Work Practice Guide
2008 Wisconsin School Social Work Practice Guide
2009 Updates – Wisconsin School Social Work Practice Guide

Wisconsin School Social Work Certification & Continuing Education

Wisconsin Requirements for School Social Work Certification
Continuing Education for Wisconsin School Social Workers

Wisconsin School Social Work Survey

Longitudinal Analysis of School Social Work Services in Wisconsin
Wisconsin School Social Work Survey Instrument

Demonstrating Accountability of School Social Work Services

Using Data to Document the Benefit of School Social Work Services
Achievement of Learning Standards as Outcomes of Services
Revenues Generated for School Districts by School Social Work Services

Social Work Professional Associations

Wisconsin School Social Workers Association
School Social Work Association of America
National Association of Social Workers
National Association of Social Workers – Wisconsin Chapter
Midwest School Social Work Council

For questions about this information, contact Nic T. Dibble (608) 266-0963

Last updated on 12/14/2009 3:34:11 PM