The Role of School Social Workers in Arlington Public Schools

Aligned with the National School Social Work Practice Model 2.0

School social workers in Arlington Public Schools (APS) are uniquely positioned to support student success by addressing barriers to learning through culturally responsive, evidence-informed, and data-driven practices. Grounded in the National School Social Work Practice Model 2.0, APS school social workers integrate their knowledge of social work, education, and human development to promote student success. School social workers serve as key members of multidisciplinary teams and provide direct and indirect services that support students’ academic, behavioral, and social-emotional well-being. Their work spans five essential domains of professional practice:

1. Practice – Delivering evidence-informed services and supports within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS), including individual and group counseling, crisis response, attendance interventions, and social-emotional skill building.
2. Research – Using data to inform decision-making, evaluate service effectiveness, and contribute to continuous improvement. School social workers collect and analyze data related to attendance, behavior, academic progress, and well-being to strengthen interventions and inform school-wide practices.
3. Advocacy – Advocating for the rights and needs of students and families. This includes addressing systemic barriers to education and providing support needed to thrive.
4. Leadership – Engaging in collaborative leadership with school-based and district teams to promote safe, inclusive learning environments. School social workers model ethical practice, facilitate community outreach, and contribute to shaping positive school culture.
5. Policy – Understanding and promoting policies at the school, district, and systems levels. School social workers ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards (e.g., IDEA, Section 504, McKinney-Vento), contribute to policy development, and support implementation that reflects best practices in student support services.

APS school social workers bring a strengths-based, holistic, and culturally sustaining lens to their work. By partnering with families, staff, and community stakeholders, they ensure that all students are equipped with the support they need to succeed academically and socially.