Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist single parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers on how to deal with problem children.

Other names for Child, Family, and School Social Workers: Adolescent Counselor, Adoption Agent, Adoption Coordinator, Adoption Counselor, Adoption Specialist, Adoption Worker, Case Manager, Casework Supervisor, Caseworker, Child Abuse Worker, Child Advocate, Child and Family Services Worker, Child Care Counselor, Child Development Consultant, Child Protective Services Specialist, Child Welfare Caseworker, Child Welfare Consultant, Child Welfare Counselor, Child Welfare Worker, Children's Counselor, Community Organization Worker, Community Worker, Delinquency Prevention Social Worker, Early Intervention Specialist, Early Interventionist, Family Caseworker, Family Manager, Family Preservation Caseworker, Family Preservation Worker, Family Service Caseworker, Family Support Specialist, Family Support Worker, Field Representative, Field Service Representative, Foster Care Social Worker, Foster Care Worker, Group Worker, Human Service Specialist, Juvenile Counselor, Juvenile Officer, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Social Worker, Program Support Specialist, Protective Services Social Worker, Public Housing Community Relations and Services Advisor, School Social Worker, Youth Advocate,

• Interview clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems, to determine what services are required to meet their needs.
• Counsel individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding issues including mental health, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, physical abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, child care, or medical care.
• Maintain case history records and prepare reports.
• Counsel students whose behavior, school progress, or mental or physical impairment indicate a need for assistance, diagnosing students' problems and arranging for needed services.
• Consult with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to determine causes of problems such as truancy and misbehavior, and to implement solutions.
• Counsel parents with child rearing problems, interviewing the child and family to determine whether further action is required.
• Develop and review service plans in consultation with clients, and perform follow-ups assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.
• Collect supplementary information needed to assist client, such as employment records, medical records, or school reports.
• Address legal issues, such as child abuse and discipline, assisting with hearings and providing testimony to inform custody arrangements.
• Provide, find, or arrange for support services, such as child care, homemaker service, prenatal care, substance abuse treatment, job training, counseling, or parenting classes, to prevent more serious problems from developing.
• Refer clients to community resources for services such as job placement, debt counseling, legal aid, housing, medical treatment, or financial assistance, and provide concrete information, such as where to go and how to apply.
• Arrange for medical, psychiatric, and other tests that may disclose causes of difficulties and indicate remedial measures.
• Work in child and adolescent residential institutions.
• Administer welfare programs.
• Evaluate personal characteristics and home conditions of foster home or adoption applicants.
• Serve as liaisons between students, homes, schools, family services, child guidance clinics, courts, protective services, doctors, and other contacts, to help children who face problems such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty.
• Place children in foster or adoptive homes, institutions, or medical treatment centers.
• Supervise other social workers.
• Recommend temporary foster care and advise foster or adoptive parents.
• Determine clients' eligibility for financial assistance.
• Conduct social research.
• Lead group counseling sessions that provide support in such areas as grief, stress, or chemical dependency.
• Serve on policymaking committees, assist in community development, and assist client groups by lobbying for solutions to problems.