KASSW PRESIDENT’S PEN - March, 2009

Sharon Stuewe, LSCSW

Happy School Social Work Week!

      Congratulations to every member on the outstanding and important job you do every day.  I understand that many of you are not feeling appreciated at this time for your efforts.  It seems that we face the threat of job eliminations on a mass scale every other year.  I suppose it was too much to expect that the effect of the “successful” school funding lawsuit would be felt beyond twelve months.  Call me an optimist, but I had hoped we would be in a better position for at least a few years.  There is no doubt school social workers provide a valuable service to our students and their families.  Most of us would also include teachers and staff among some of our toughest “clients”. 

     Over the past few months I have received many emails asking for help.  These typically come from social workers in districts where social work positions are near the top of the list of proposed funding cuts.  I wish I had an easy answer for these situations.  I do think some of the necessary responses are identical to issues I have addressed many times.  It may be too late for some, but for those spared this time, there are, in my opinion, some actions that would be helpful.

     First, review your job description.  I am continually surprised by the number of school professionals (social workers included) who have never read their job description.  I am even more amazed by the numbers that don’t actually have one.  If you are in that last category, help your district develop one.  Concretely identifying what you do for others to see is critical.  If you have the opportunity to help shape it, make sure you are seen as the mental health specialist in the setting.  It is not helpful when school social workers are identified as truancy workers, classroom managers, or other activities that can be replicated by unlicensed individuals.

     Secondly, and this is one of my big soap box items, use your licensing credentials whenever you can.   Request that your wall or door identification says social worker.  When you sign you name, place your license and degree.  I think this is especially important on IEP, evaluation or other “legal” documents.  This is one of the things that differentiate us from other professionals in the setting, yet so many of us fail to use the distinction with pride.

     Third, and this one will probably be controversial, consider joining the local union.  If you are part of the bargaining unit, and I haven’t seen a situation where that is not true, the union has an obligation to work to protect our positions, too.  Unfortunately, school social workers are not often members of the union, and that has allowed them to look the other way when our positions are cut.

     Finally, and I know I’m preaching to the choir on this one (because you are reading this), joining the professional association is critical.  This is one way you have a voice at the state level.  Additionally, through the state association’s involvement with the Midwest School Social Work Council and SSWAA, we have a strong voice in Washington, DC.  Your membership dues help pay part of the cost of a school social work lobbyist.  School counselors and psychologist both pay more than $100 dollars each year in membership dues to their respective associations.  Your membership in KASSW is a bargain!  It’s easy to dismiss paying the dues in tight economic times, but I believe this is exactly the time members should be stepping up.

     Enough of the downers.  There are good things happening in the country.  I want to remind you to save the date for the Midwest School Social Work Conference in Dearborn, MI on Oct. 8-10^th.   The SSWAA conference will be at the end of this month in Philadelphia, PA.  Information about these conferences can be found on the KASSW website.

     On a final note, I am asking each of you to seriously consider running for a position on the KASSW board.  All board members will be reelected this spring.  Please contact me if you have an interest in learning what positions might fit your special talents and interest.

     Enjoy the great spring like weather, and let the countdown to spring break begin!

Sincerely yours,

Sharon