School Social Workers

Lori Boillat, ext. 3408 / email: [email protected]

Sarah DeFosset ext. 3762 / email: [email protected]

Verline Gaddis, ext. 3763 / email: [email protected]

Meghan Hurley, ext. 2909 / email: [email protected]

LEA - Chandra Murray - Ext. 3760 /email: [email protected]

Administrative Assistant - Alyn Ward, ext. 3750 / email: [email protected]

Fax Number (708) 371-3770

What is a School Social Worker?

School Social Workers (SSW) are a vital part of the educational team, working together with educational administrators, teachers, counselors, psychologists, nurses, speech and language pathologists and other staff. Their unique graduate level training in social work enables them to understand and interpret the influences of the school, home, and community on children. School Social Workers identify factors that can make school a more successful experience for students.

What do School Social Workers Do?

School social workers help STUDENTS:

Achieve maximum benefit from their educational opportunities
Understand themselves and others
Provide social/emotional and mental health counseling to students
Cope with stress
Develop decision making skills

School social workers help PARENTS:

Participate effectively in their children’s education
Understand and meet their children’s social and emotional needs
Understand programs available to students with special needs
Utilize school and community resources effectively

School social workers help SCHOOLS:

Understand factors (cultural, societal, economic, familial, mental and physical health, etc.) that affect students
Abilities to make maximum use of their school experience
Utilize their resources in meeting the educational, social, and emotional needs of students
Promote a safe school environment