The Role of Schools Welfare Officers

 The Schools Welfare Officer (SWO) is responsible to the Chief SWO for the implementation of Policies as handed down to the CSWO by Ministry of Education’s policy makers and for the delivery of Welfare Programmes as designed by the CSWO.

For the daily execution of duties, the SWO is responsible to the Regional Education Officer/Principal Education Officer.

The SWO is also responsible to the SSWO.

Some of the main functions of the School Welfare Officer are:

VISITS:

• School
• Home
• Hospital
• Community
• Hideout

Visits ALL school within the Region to ascertain the level of attendance.

• Home, hospital and other visits must also be made verify the exact status of the child.
• Monthly reports are then submitted.
• SWO must obtain approval.

CASE WORK:

Service to:-

• Students
• Parents/Guardians

Makes referrals to SSWO.

Employs case work methods.

CASE WORK INTERVENTION SERVICES:

• Needs assessment (Financial)
• Child Neglect
• Lack of parental supports
• Underachievement
• (Psychosocial)

SWO intervenes, Investigates, refers to SSWO find an interim solution.

Other main functions of the SWO are presented in subsequent articles.