Robertsdale High School 9 th Grade Success Academy

1. Robertsdale High School9th Grade Success Academy School Social Worker Jan Gay, MSW, LGSW

2. The main objective of the school social worker is to deliver social work services to the 9th Grade students in an effort to resolve personal, emotional, and social problems, as well as to enhance academic success and personal growth.

3. The “Link” • Home • School • Community

4. How are social workers the “link” for students? As a part of the education team, school social workers help students to: • Improve attendance • Cope with crisis situations • Develop self-discipline • Build self-esteem • Enhance problem-solving and decision making skills • Learn conflict resolution • Take advantage of educational opportunities

5. How are social workers the link for families? Through working with students, schools, and communities, school social workers support parents and families to: • Actively participate in their child’s education • Use school and community resources more effectively • Identify and meet their child’s emotional and social needs

6. How are social workers the link between homes, schools, and communities? To promote students’ academic and social success, school social workers can provide specialized services that include: • Home visits • Parent education/ training • Referrals for services • Crisis prevention/ intervention.

7. Therapeutic intervention services: individual, group, and family counseling Referrals for outside sources Home/ Community visit. Assessments Parent Education and training Crisis Prevention/ intervention Collaboration with school personnel and community agencies Consults regarding early identification and intervention services Serve as the school/ home/ community liaison The 9th grade academy social workers are responsible the following ways:

8. How do I make a referral? • Teacher, administrator, or staff member: email your school social worker the referral • Parents: You can reach the social worker by calling the school at the phone number listed on this form • Students: You may leave a note on her door (First Aid office), talking to her in person, or notifying your teacher

9. When should a student be referred? A student should be referred when the student shows signs of social and emotional difficulties which are interfering with the student’s success at school. Such signs include: • Frequent absences • Failure to complete school work • Poor hygiene/ appearance • Appear neglected or abused

10. All social work activities, records, and identifying information remains confidential. Information will not be released to or requested from outside agencies without the written consent of the student/ or students legal guardian. However, the social worker must report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a minor. Please note that the school social worker collaborates with the school counselor/administrators in order to provide continuity of care to the students.