School Social Work
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The primary function of School Social Workers is to facilitate the resolution of situations where behavioral and social barriers interfere with a students ability to attain his or her potential.School Social Workers collaborate with students, school personnel, parents and the community at large.
Team with Students:
- Prepare students for success and participation in school and the community
- Promote problem solving and decision making skills
- Help students to develop internal control to accept responsibilities and take ownership of their actions
- Provide individual and group counseling to address stressors such as self-esteem, divorce, death, health issues, abuse, neglect, family violence, homelessness, truancy, anger management, socialization, special education needs and other youth-at- risk concerns ( i.e. alcohol and drug related issues.)
Team with Special Education Personnel:
- Explore all possible interventions with classrooms teachers in an attempt to divert CSE referrals
- Assist the CSE in the referral process
- Complete a social history
- Provide education and support to parents regarding the CSE process
- Participate as a member of the CSE
Team with School Personnel:
- Participate as a member of the Instructional support Teams
- Consult teacher in addressing their students special needs
Team with Parents/Guardians:- Encourage parent/guardian involvement to help ensure student success in the home, school, and community
- Coordinate communications between school and home.
- Empower parents/guardians to participate and respond to their child’s educational endeavors.
- Counsel families’ guardians individually and in groups on topics such as problem-solving skills, family crises and other problems that affect learning.
Team with Community:
- Coordinate services between Child Protection agencies, Probation, PINS, diversion programs, and mental health agencies.
- Maintain open communication among home, school, and community agencies to facilitate the social needs of the child.
- Help students to prepare for occupational opportunities.
Within each of our four schools, School Social Workers provide:
- Individual and Group Counseling addressing such issues as: social skills, changing families, grief and anger management, bullying prevention and victim assistance.
- Home visits
- Crisis Intervention
- Committee for Special Education Assessment
- Consultation, liaison and referral for families including FAST referrals (Family Assessment Support Team)
- Peer Mediation Training and Programming
- Coordination of Mentoring Programs
- Holiday Assistance
- Intervention Programs to address: conflict resolution, family violence, substance abuse, decision making, and healthy lifestyles.