School social workers work within schools to provide a variety of social, emotional, and mental health services to students to support their overall success. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the importance of having a school social worker available to general education students in the Owatonna High School setting and to examine gaps in services that may have emerged since this position was eliminated in 2009. Various related studies have been reviewed to describe a range of ways in which school social workers are used to support student success. During this study, seven Owatonna School District employees were interviewed about school social work. Overall, participants identified many of the gaps that have emerged since the elimination of the general education social worker position and indicated that reinstating this role is imperative to overall student success. The role of a school social worker differs slightly from that of a school social worker. social worker in a traditional social service agency. School social workers work in one or more school buildings to support student success by minimizing social, emotional, mental health, and economic barriers for each student. Although the role varies from school to school, school social workers can perform a variety of tasks that serve students, staff, families, administrators, and also allow collaboration with outside resources. School social workers serve students through methods such as individual or group counseling, skill development, mental health assessments, and advocacy for the student's overall needs. The role of a school social worker also supports teachers in the design and implementation of student accommodation and interventions...... middle of paper ......services and arrangements: result of the first year. Children and Schools, 26(1), 5.Lynn, CJ, McKay, MM and Atkins, M. (October 2003). School social work: Addressing the mental health needs of students through collaboration with teachers. Children and Schools, 25(4), 197. Minnesota School Social Work Association. (nd). About school social work. Retrieved from Minnesota School Social Work Association: www.msswa.orgPeckover, CA, Vasquez, ML, Housen, SL, Saunders, JA, & Allen, L. (January 2013). Preparing school social work for the future: An update on the duties of school social workers in Iowa. Children and Schools, 35(1), 9. Department of Social Work. (2003-2009). Annual records. Owatonna Public School. Teasley, M. L. (April 2004). Absenteeism and truancy: risks, protection, and best practice implications for school social workers. Children and schools, 26(2), 117.