School Social Worker

At Winona Area Public Schools, school social workers are essential members of our support team. They walk alongside students, families, and staff to ensure that every learner is seen, valued, and supported — especially when life presents challenges beyond the classroom.

By addressing social, emotional, and environmental factors that impact learning, school social workers help create safe, welcoming school communities where students can thrive. Their compassionate work strengthens relationships, improves engagement, and promotes both academic success and personal growth.

Here’s how our school social workers support Winhawks of all ages:

• Caring for students: Offering individual and group skills work for students experiencing emotional, behavioral, or social challenges, such as anxiety, depression, grief, family changes, or peer conflicts.
• Crisis intervention: Assisting in situations involving trauma, crisis, or emergency, ensuring students receive timely support and resources.
• Collaboration with families: Partnering with parents and guardians to help them access community resources, navigate school concerns, and advocate for their child's needs.
• Support for teachers and staff: Consulting with educators to develop classroom strategies that support students' social-emotional learning and behavior.
• Attendance and engagement: Working with students and families to address chronic absenteeism, helping to improve school attendance and academic outcomes.
• Supporting specialized needs: Participating in Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams, assessing their social and emotional needs, and supporting students with special needs.
• Connecting to community resources: Coordinating with local agencies and services to ensure students and families have access to food, housing, healthcare, and mental health support.

School social workers are a critical link between home, school, and community, ensuring every student has the support they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.