West Region Chief
Terry Baker - 706-748-2015
West Region Graduation Coach
Shantis Curry Gaines - 762-822-1728
The primary task of the school social worker is to provide the supportive services necessary to allow all students to make the best use of their educational opportunities as they develop their individual potential to the fullest extent. School social work service is based on an understanding of the relationship between student achievement and the influences of psychosocial development, family, community, and culture. Further, the school social worker uses specific skills and training to help resolve conflicts that arise between the school's policies and expectations and the student's background experiences. Student achievement is enhanced when these conflicts are successfully resolved. School social work is founded on the following premises:
Council on Social Work Education
National Association of Social Workers
Social Workers
Social Work Today
Social Worker Resources
School Social Workers Association of Georgia
The 100 Most Useful Social Work Resources
School social workers are distinct from other school personnel in their contributions to the assessment and intervention with students at risk. School social workers are itinerant. They work with different students for different problems at different times in different places. They also deal in fundamental human needs in a real social context. School social workers are a bridge between the community and family.
School social workers are skilled in assessing the needs of students and have knowledge of the cultural differences present with each student. School social workers utilize preventative measures such as home visits, facilitation of groups, coordination of community services and collaboration with school staff to promote an overall healthy school environment.
School social workers are directly employed by the Muscogee County School System. Every School Social Worker is required to be certified by the Georgia Department of Education and must have a Master’s degree in Social Work. There are times when a school social worker will have communication with a DFCS social worker or case manager. This may occur if a student is in foster care or when a report of neglect or abuse has been made by the school.
A school social worker must have at least a T5 certification (Basic Teacher Level). For more information, contact the Professional Standards Commission, 1452 Twin Towers East, Atlanta, Georgia 30334, or call (404) 657-9000.
School social workers are employed by the system because they work for the various schools in the system.
Social work services strive to enhance the school district’s mission by providing services which strengthen home, school, and community partnerships. Staff actively addresses barriers that interfere with student achievement by bringing people together while creating an environment that is conducive to effective problem solving and learning. The goal of each school social worker is to provide every student with the opportunity to develop to his or her maximum potential.
Services include the following:
706-748-2226
706-748-2226 or 706-392-2372
706-748-2227 Fax