School Social Work: A Skills-Based Competency Approach

Informed by a social justice approach, this user-friendly text for social work students provides a comprehensive introduction to contemporary school social work practice structured around the 2022 CSWE EPAS Competencies. With a focus on skills development, this innovative text is competency-based and encompasses professionalism, cross-disciplinary collaboration, research applications, theoretical foundations, policies, engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation.

Following a brief historical overview and introduction to the discipline, the book delves into school social work practice and delivers timely content regarding professional identity, supervision, anti-racism, diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. Practice knowledge is examined through social work theory, evidence-informed practice, use of data, and policies regarding school, children, and families. The text addresses the full range of client engagement, service provision, the multi-tiered system of supports, trauma-based practices, social emotional learning, termination, and transition-planning. An instructor's manual, sample syllabus, and PowerPoints accompany each chapter. Purchase includes digital access for use on most mobile devices or computers.

Key Features:

• Organizes content by the CSWE professional competencies
• Provides case scenarios and practitioner spotlights in each chapter to illuminate the varied roles and responsibilities of school social workers
• Includes skill-development activities, additional resources, and reflection boxes to foster understanding and creative thinking
• Delivers a comprehensive focus covering policy, practice, and theory
• Addresses the full range of client engagement and service provision
• Incorporates contemporary issues relevant to school practice (MTSS, SEL, IDEA, ESSA)
• Views the discipline through a decolonial lens and acknowledges structural racism in the school system

JoDee Keller, PhD, LICSW (WA), is Professor Emerita of Social Work at Pacific Lutheran University, where she taught for 34 years and served in a variety of roles, including department chair, program director, and practicum coordinator. She brings direct school experience, as she has practiced as a school social worker in multiple districts in both Illinois and Washington State and has continued her school involvement by consulting and conducting research in several school districts in Washington State.

Giesela Grumbach, PhD, LCSW, PEL (IL), is a Full Professor and Chair of the Social Work Department in the College of Health & Human Services at Governors State University. Her relational and equity-focused leadership guides the overall program and the school social work specialization. Prior to her academic career, she served as a school social worker in the Chicago Public Schools for 10 years.