DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Taylor Decker

Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), DSW Candidate

Exploring Professional Self-Care Practices as a Retention Tool for School Social Workers

Concentration - Administrative Leadership

Abstract

While self-care is a commonly discussed concern in social work, there remain gaps in the literature. This Capstone presentation explores professional self-care practices as a retention tool for school social workers. It aims to examine the organizational responsibility to promote strong self-care practices and, therefore, workplace retention. The presentation begins with an overview of available, current literature regarding organization-wide workplace self-care policies, including practices that reduce burnout. Furthermore, it highlights the gaps in the literature where future research is needed. This doctoral candidate presents a new conceptual framework to understand self-care by utilizing components of psychological safety climate theory and systems theory. The presentation concludes with information on self-care best practices for supporting school social workers well-being. This presentation aims to provide deeper knowledge and tangible strategies for self-care practices in the workplace. It provides a framework that school district leaders can use to create a best-practices guidebook to better support employee self-care and well-being. Participants will leave with recommendations for school social workers to implement wellness practices in their educational systems.

Biography

Taylor Decker is a licensed clinical social worker residing in St. Louis, Missouri. Taylor has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She earned her Master of Social Work degree in 2017 from Washington University in St. Louis. She is currently a doctoral candidate in the Doctor of Social Work program at the University of Kentucky with an emphasis in Administrative Leadership.

Taylor’s research interests include mental health, trauma informed care, workplace wellness, and strengthening the community through access to equitable resources and community partnerships. Her Capstone Project focuses on supporting self-care and retention for school social workers through workplace wellness initiatives. Through her collaborative and resourceful work style, Taylor hopes to continue her work in the St. Louis region and beyond.

Taylor currently works as a high school social worker in the Rockwood School District in St. Louis County, Missouri. During her tenure, she has earned several accolades, including the prestigious Rockwood Outstanding Service in Education (ROSE) Award in 2019. She also earned a Cornerstone Award Nomination in 2022 and, later, won the 2024 Cornerstone Award for the impact of her work with Unaccompanied Youth.
In her free time, Taylor serves as the Vice President of her local National Education Association (NEA) union, the Rockwood Association of Social Workers. She is a strong advocate for school social workers. In addition to this work, Taylor presents at conferences on the importance of advocating for homeless youth.