Welcome to NYSSSWA!

Connecting with and serving students, families and schools, the New York State School Social Workers’ Association (NYSSSWA) is the only NYS professional association dedicated solely to the visibility and viability of School Social Workers and the students and families that we serve. Be sure to check out our Advocacy pages for state and federal updates, our Calendar of Events for Professional Development opportunities as well as our members only Resources specific to assisting school social workers in their practice.

Role of a SCHOOL
SOCIAL WORKER

social worker consoling a child

School Social Workers, in New York State, are licensed mental health professionals as well as certified by the NYS Office of Teaching as School Social Workers. Responsibilities include:

Assessments
Counseling
Conflict mediation & resiliency building
Community referral and liaison
Crisis Intervention
Violence Prevention/Intervention
Youth suicide prevention & intervention

Board in Action
CURRENT ISSUES

Priorities we are addressing now:

See New York State Legislative News
New York School Superintendents Recognize the Need to Support Mental Health Services
NYSUT adoption of policies that support School Social Work
Identifying mental health needs and services as a critical component of a Safe Schools Plan in NYS
Schools need more mental health not police. See Article. 3/4/19

Events
CALENDAR

April 3 – 6, 2019
SSWAA National Conference
Orlando, Florida

April 26 + 27, 2019
NYSSSWA Board Meeting

May 24, 2019
“Dealing with Anxiety”
Co-Sponsored Event

October 25 & 26, 2019
NYSSSWA State Conference
Read More >

Safe and Supportive Schools: A plan to improve school climate and safety in NYC

The NYC Comptroller Scott M. Stringer released a 52 page report reviewing current data related to school safety in New York City along with recommendations including adding MORE school social workers. See Executive Summary and Full Report. Source: June 18, 2018, NYC Comptroller, Scott M. Stringer
Read More >