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Effingham County School social worker earns national certification
Dr. Jackie Brown-Pinkney
Dr. Jackie Brown-Pinkney’s office is always open to students at Effingham High School. She works with students with whatever they need to succeed. Alumni still keep in contact with her. (Photo by Barbara Augsdorfer/Effingham Herald.)
Published: Jun 13, 2023, 4:10 PM

Special to the Herald

Dr. Jackie Brown-Pinkney, a social worker at Effingham County High School, recently completed requirements to become a National Certified Social Worker with the National School Social Work Association of America. She is the first school social worker in Georgia to earn this designation, according to the SSWAA.

“National Certification is a commitment to my field and my work with students,” Dr. Brown-Pinkney said. “This certification allows me to learn best practices in school social work and evaluate my current practice with students to ensure that I provide them with the best services and interventions possible.”  

For the 2023-2024 school year Dr. Brown-Pinkney will move from Effingham County High School to the district office as the assistant coordinator of social emotional learning. “I will be working to remove the social and emotional barriers to learning,” she added.

“As a National Certified School Social Worker™ your school social work employee demonstrates leadership, commitment, and competent practice that is highly valued and contributes greatly to the school community,” states Rebecca Oliver, executive director of the School Social Work Association of America, in a press release. “We are so proud of Dr. Brown-Pinkney’s accomplishment, and we hope that you will help us acknowledge the hard work and dedication of this great achievement.”

In March, Dr. Brown-Pinkney received recognition as National School Social Worker for 2023. She was the state school social worker in 2022.

“I worked alongside Dr. Brown-Pinkey for 10 years while I was the principal at Effingham County High School. Dr. Brown-Pinkney works really hard to make sure students and families are cared for,” said Effingham County Schools Superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford. “There are so many behind-the-scenes and after-hours work that she has done and continues to do to support the families in this district.

"There is not a doubt she has earned this designation and I truly look forward to our continued work together. Dr. Brown-Pinkney will always do what is necessary to ensure our students, staff, and families can have the necessary resources to succeed at high levels. This is a well-deserved recognition. I am truly honored to work alongside her," Dr. Ford added.