As Social Work Week wrapped up last week, the Saskatchewan Social Workers Association's message of "Real People - Real Impact" rings true of social workers in all of their workplaces. It especially rings true for the work in schools.

One of those school-based social workers in Carla Jule of the Horizon School Division. In the school division, social workers are in-school personal counsellors, and Jule relishes her role in supporting students. She states, "It's nice that we are available in our school buildings to support our students and their families."

There are eleven school counsellors in the Division, most of whom have a social work background. The counsellors work with students from pre-Kindergarten through grade 12. Because of the nature of their work, the school-based counsellors often work with parents and other social services agencies. They also facilitate connections with other health care providers through a referral system.

These individuals also serve as contacts for young people who may be looking to enter social work as a profession after graduation. Jule outlines all the possible roles for social workers, "It's a great profession to get involved with because there are so many employment opportunities. You have so many different areas you can work in. Social workers can be found in public and private practice, in health, education, in justice, child welfare and community-based organizations."

Jule and her colleagues will continue connecting youth and families to programs and supports for the betterment of all. Saskatchewan Social Work Week wrapped up on March 30.