Characteristics of Social Workers and Social Work Programs at Residential and Day Schools for the Deaf

In a recent survey of residential and day schools for the deaf in the United States, it was found that approximately 50% of both residential and day schools enjoy the services of a social worker. In addition, it was found that among schools which employ social workers, residential schools are more likely than day schools to employ full-time social workers. On the other hand, day schools are more likely than residential schools to employ social workers with an advanced degree. It was also found that the functions of social workers differ very little in the two educational settings. Concerning the future occupational prospects of social workers in day and residential schools, it was discovered that only a small proportion of schools which do not currently utilize the services of a social worker plan to employ one in the near future. Moreover, among those schools which are considering the possibility of hiring a social worker, residential schools are much more likely than day schools to consider utilizing the services of a deaf social worker.