STAFF DEVELOPMENT

School social workers are unique practitioners in that we must practice our profession in an agency that is essentially not a social work oriented agency. Because of this dilemma it is essential that we regularly review best practices in our field to insure that we make best use of our knowledge and skills to help our clients - students!

Standard 29. of the National Association of Social Work’s standards for school social work services indicates, “…the local education agency should provide opportunities for social work staff to engage in a program of social work in-service training and staff development.” Accordingly, the School Board of Broward County is committed to encouraging the annual development of a departmental staff development plan that is 1) based on the assessed needs of our staff; 2) reflects best practice standards that align with NASW and The School Social Work Association of America; 3) reflects the identified needs/barriers that students experience as they access the educational processes of the district.

Staff development activities are planned for most early release and teacher planning days to insure minimal interruption of staff services to school and students. All activities are planned to increase the competency of our social workers and reflect our efforts to promote the synthesis of professional behaviors that integrate knowledge, skills and activities in the performance of professional school social work practice.

Topics identified for staff development activities for the 2006-07 school year will include:

1. Focusing on the Solutions: What Works in School Social Work?

2. Evaluating Students for Potential Psychiatric Interventions

3. Response to Crisis, Trauma and Natural Disasters

4. HIV/AIDS Update

5. Understanding Bullying Behaviors and Working to Break the Cycle of Peer Abuse

6. Ask the Doctor: Medication Issues with Children and Adolescents

7. Self-Injuring Behaviors: Implications and Strategies for School Social Work Interventions

8. Strategies for Working with The Confrontational Parent

9. Preventing Health Risks and Promoting Healthy Outcomes among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Questioning Youth

10. Grief, Death and Dying: the Impact of Loss and Depression on Student Learning

In-service points, which assist staff in their state certification process, and continuing education units for clinically licensed social workers are made annually available.