Final answer:
School social workers address social and systemic issues, providing support and resource connection, whereas school counselors focus on educational planning, career advice, and short-term mental health support. Both professions complement each other in promoting student welfare.
Step-by-step explanation:
School social workers tend to provide support addressing social and systemic issues, such as family dynamics, social justice, and advocating for students' rights and needs within the education system. They often work on connecting students and families with community resources, navigating different custody arrangements, and might engage with students in more crisis or problem-solving situations.
On the other hand, school counselors typically offer direct educational and career counseling services, as well as addressing mental health issues. This may include helping students develop academic plans, preparing for college, resolving academic or social problems, and providing short-term mental health support. Counselors might also work on creating a more supportive school environment that promotes personal and social growth.
The integration of health and counseling services can generate positive outcomes if well-structured and well-rationalized, which can subsequently impact student welfare positively by reducing issues like long wait times for appointments and high staff-to-student ratios.