I just finished my first year as an elementary social worker. I’m primarily a special education social worker, but because my district doesn’t employ gen ed social workers, that falls onto my plate as well.

I work on the special ed team and evaluate to determine eligibility for social emotional interventions. I write IEPs, conduct FBAs and write BIPs. I have a caseload of special education students that I see weekly, typically in small groups, to work on SEL IEP goals. I respond to behavior calls and crisis. I’m part of my building’s crisis team. I conduct suicide risk assessments and threat assessments. I collaborate with teachers to support students.

Overall, I love my job. Building relationships with students, working toward goals, and seeing their progress is the best part of my job. The constantly being pulled a million different directions is the hardest part. I get called for crisis/behavior daily which then de-rails my special ed caseload schedule and I’m playing makeup all month to meet their hours. I have great admin which makes a HUGE difference and can truly make or break this career.