School Social Worker
Mary Clare Roberts, LMSW
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Phone: 607.282.1038

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Angel Network of Cooperstown

Bassett Healthcare School-Based Health Centers

Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego, and Schoharie Counties

Catskill Area Hospice

Family Resource Network

The Kelberman Center

LEAF

Mobile Crisis Assessment Team (MCAT)

NAMI Otsego County

NYS Child Abuse and Maltreatment Hotline

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Otsego County Parent Handy Book

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Single Point of Access (SPOA) Application

Q2 in Utica

School Social Workers bring a unique systems perspective to a school. The School Social Worker’s services enhance the district’s ability to meet its academic mission by supporting the emotional, social, and behavioral functioning of students. In addition, the School Social Worker seeks to support a school environment that promotes positive relationships, a sense of belonging, and increased self-esteem, all of which benefit the individual student, school population, and community at large.

The School Social Worker is based in the Jr./Sr. High School and serves students in grades 7 through 12.

School staff members can refer students in grades 7-12 to the School Social Worker. Students may also refer themselves, and parents may request that a student be seen by a social worker. Students in crisis, or with other acute social-emotional needs, may also be referred to the School Social Worker for immediate assistance. The School Social Worker works collaboratively with students, parents, teachers, and administrators to fully support the needs of students.

INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

• Teach students coping skills to manage behaviors and emotions with a focus on school-related concerns.

• Utilize systems perspective to identify psychosocial factors that may impact student learning and make plan for appropriate course of action based on student needs and strengths.

• Support student transition needs.

GROUP COUNSELING

• Provided as needed and as time permits. Example topics: social skills, positive choices, coping skills.

CLASSROOM LESSONS

• Implement lessons on topics such as character education, personal safety, healthy relationships, mental health, and other issues related to the social-emotional learning of students.

CONSULTATION

• Offer classroom management strategies for teachers and staff.

• Draw from family strengths and community connections to support overall student well-being.

• Assist parents and caregivers to manage concerning behaviors or other challenges of their children.

REFERRALS AND COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

• Provide information on and referrals to community services/agencies for students and families. Examples include outside mental health services, social services, and a variety of other supportive community programs.

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with community practitioners, agencies, and other community partners.

SCHOOL-WIDE PROGRAMMING

• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to implement school-wide programming.