Administrators, policy makers and others often ask what the difference is between School Social Workers, School Counselors and School Psychologists.  NYSSSWA has gathered several resources to assist you.

• Effective School Staffing Model:  Teaming School Counselors, School Psychologists and School Social Workers  Joint statement by the School Social Work Association of America, the American School Counselors Association and the National Association of School Psychologists
  
  
• Framework_for_Safe_and_Successful_Schools  In April, 2013 School Social Work Association of America  joined the National Association of Secondary School Principals, National Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association of School Psychologists, American School Counselor's Association, National Association of School Resource Officers to develop this document that outlines the various roles that we each play in schools. (16 pages)
  
  
• Improving Conditions for Learning:  The Roles of School Counselors, School Psychologists and School Social Workers.   Includes Venn Diagram  Source Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education with SSWAM, MASP, & MACCE.  Rev 2012.  
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• Overlapping and Unique Roles of OH Specialized Pupil Services Personnel--Venn Diagram of SSW, School Psych and School Counseling Roles    Source:  Ohio School Social Work Association
  
  
• Overview of School Based Mental Health Services   Joint document regarding School Based Mental Health by the School Social Work Association of America, the American School Counselors Association and the National Association of School Psychologists 
  

Brochures

What is the difference between the role of the School Social Worker and the role of other Student Support Staff?

• The Student Support Team Brochure   (August, 2014)

Prepared by members of the New York State Education Department's Pupil Personnel Services Advisory Team ( including the New York State School Social Workers' Association) and was published in 2012. It provides brief description of the role of School Social Workers, School Psychologists, School Counselors, School Nurses and School Attendance Officers.

• School Social Work Brochure: Carmel Central School District (August, 2014)

School Social Workers from Carmel Central School District promote their role with a brochure (Thank you Kathy MacCarthy for sharing this as an example)

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