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5 days ago

Illinois School for the Deaf

Educating Today's Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students for Tomorrow's World

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Social Work Services

Social Work Services

 

"Social work is the professional activity of helping individuals, groups, or communities enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning and creating societal conditions favorable to that goal." -National Association of Social Workers, Standard for Social Service Manpower (Washington, DC: NASW, 1973) 

We assess social-emotional well-being needs, participate in IEPs and Transition meetings, provide individual and group counseling, and regular contact and support to new students and those in temporary crisis.  We effectively team with parents on issues impacting students, conduct educational programs regarding both school and dorm setting social issues, and offer support to staff who provide services to students with social and emotional issues.

Additional Roles

● Assess student needs in the area of social-emotional well being.    ● Participate in student's Eligibility Reviews, IEPs or Transition meetings.    ● Provide individual counseling or group therapy for students.    ● Provide regular contact and support to new students.    ● Provide regular contact and support to students in temporary crisis.    ● Work cooperatively with parents on issues impacting students.    ● Conduct educational programs on social issues within the school and dorm setting.    ● Provide support to staff who are working with students on social or emotional issues.

Portrait of Sarah Van Aken with a background of orange swirls.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Illinois and a Master of Social Work from Saint Louis University. With over 20 years of experience working in and alongside schools across Illinois, Sarah is dedicated to supporting students' social and emotional growth. She works closely with students to strengthen social competencies in alignment with the Illinois Social Emotional Learning Standards and collaborates with families to help students reach their personal and academic goals.

Portrait of Abby Valtierra with a background of orange swirls.

Abby received her Bachelor of Psychology and Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois. She has worked in the public school system as well as completing care coordination for children with complex medical needs. As a social worker, she is dedicated to working with children to help them utilize their individual strengths and talents. She will be providing services to the Elementary and Jr. High students.

Portrait of Sarah Van Aken with a background of orange swirls.

Sarah holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Illinois and a Master of Social Work from Saint Louis University. With over 20 years of experience working in and alongside schools across Illinois, Sarah is dedicated to supporting students' social and emotional growth. She works closely with students to strengthen social competencies in alignment with the Illinois Social Emotional Learning Standards and collaborates with families to help students reach their personal and academic goals.

Portrait of Abby Valtierra with a background of orange swirls.

Abby received her Bachelor of Psychology and Master of Social Work from the University of Illinois. She has worked in the public school system as well as completing care coordination for children with complex medical needs. As a social worker, she is dedicated to working with children to help them utilize their individual strengths and talents. She will be providing services to the Elementary and Jr. High students.

FAQs

  • Contact your child's principal or the unit social worker and discuss your concerns. A team decision will be made regarding the specific needs your child may have for services.

  • Social workers provide services for a variety of reasons. If you suspect that your child would benefit from talking with someone regarding his/her social or emotional needs or on-going concerns, the social worker can help you and your child make a decision regarding the possible benefits of services.

  • A variety of counseling activities could occur, depending on the age and needs of the child. Generally, sessions consist of discussion but may also include role playing, writing, drawing, or other activities that the social worker feels are appropriate.

  • Confidentiality is an important part of establishing trust during counseling. Although the social worker cannot share details of the discussions that take place, she can provide parents with feedback regarding the general progress.