Social Worker's Joy Comes From Working With Students
Katie Smiley is a school social worker in Elgin School District U-46 Elgin, IL. She earned her undergraduate degree in social work from Carthage College and went on to complete her master's degree at Loyola University at Carthage. Smiley's undergrad internships included work in Kenosha, WI Unified School District and a master's level school social work internship at Waukegan High School Waukegan, IL. Smiley shares her experiences and thoughts on what it takes to be a successful school social worker.
What are the responsibilities of your current role?
"I work as the school social worker at an elementary school in Elgin School District U-46. My responsibilities include running social emotional groups, providing individual support, crisis intervention, creating and implementing behavior plans, working with the special education team writing IEP's, collaborating with students, staff, and families, working with outside agencies, on top of many other tasks."
What is your favorite part of your daily duties?
"My favorite part of my daily duties is seeing the students. Working in an elementary school, I see kids from kindergarten through sixth grade, which allows me to help with an array of different needs. With that said, the students can say and do the most baffling things. One minute, I can be working with a sixth grade student who has made huge improvements behaviorally and is opening up about his life, then ten minutes later a third grade boy in one of my groups announces that he is going to name his dog 'Ms. Smiley.' The students have a funny way of tugging at my heartstrings, but making me laugh at the same time. I enjoy getting to know their different personalities and quirks."
Do you feel your education prepared you for your current role?
"As much as I believe I had a great education, I feel nothing could have prepared me fully for my job as a school social worker. The best way to learn in a job such as mine is by jumping right in and learning as you go. Internships are a vital part of learning how to do the job of a school social worker, but every school, district and county is different. I think experience is everything when it comes to learning how to be the best school social worker you can be."
Do you have any advice for people who desire to pursue a similar career?
"My advice for those who would like to pursue a similar career is to find someone that can help them every step of the way. Reach out to people you know who are in similar careers, shadow them for a day, and ask the important questions. Being a school social worker can be very tough and draining, but so rewarding at the same time. I feel very lucky to have my job and truly love what I do, so I'm always willing to help others see if this is the path they want to take."
Michelle Guilbeau is a writer, reviewer, teacher and business owner living in Chicago, Illinois. She also has experience in school administration, literacy coaching and is proud founder of CraftKitsForKids.com and MichelleGuilbeau.com Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of Chicago, food, travel, education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
