Social Worker

Teri McKenna, LMSW
Phone: (208) 578-5070

Which students may require services from the Social Worker?

Students are referred to school social workers when they show signs of social or emotional difficulties that interfere with their adjustment and academic achievement in school, such as:

They appear to have no friends.
They do not work up to their known ability.
They fail to do required school work.
They appear neglected, abused, or unhappy.
They are disruptive to the school environment.
They are frequently absent or tardy.
They do not respect the rights of others.
They regularly complain of not feeling well.
They are excessively quiet, shy or withdrawn.
They lack problem solving and decision making skills.

What does a School Social Worker Do?

Provide crisis intervention services to students and families.
They are first responders to child abuse and neglect issues.
They refer directly to Health and Welfare, Law Enforcement and other relevant agencies.
Provide group and individual counseling services to students to facilitate the educational process.
Represent the schools on numerous community boards and committees such as the Children's Mental Health Alliance, YAK! (Youth/Adult Konnections), Community Justice Council, Harassment Investigation Team, CART (Child Abuse Response Team), and Rape Awareness Task Force.
Teach classes on personal safety, harassment, bullying problem solving, anger management, impulse control, friendship, stress management, and feelings to all students.
Case-manage complex families to ensure utilization of needed services and coordination of effort.
Serve on Building Support and Leadership Teams, act as 504 coordinators, and serve on Multidisciplinary Teams that make decisions regarding students of concern.
Refer families to community agencies for material needs as food, clothing and medical assistance, and to consult and coordinate community agencies also working with students to ensure continuity in the student's overall program.
Conduct assessments and obtain social and developmental histories in order to make the necessary recommendations concerning problem areas and interventions.
Identify needs within the community and develop or collaborate with resources to meet such needs (e.g., Lunch Buddies, Attendance Court, Afterschool Clubs, Counseling, etc.).