School Social Worker FAQ
A: Ms. Dempster is available Monday through Friday at Western School of Science and Technology: A Challenge Foundation from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm or by phone at 623-249-3900. You can also email her at anytime at jovonnedempster@wsst.school.
A: At WSST, I provide services focusing around the students social/emotional development. I can provide individual support for scholars who are struggling socially and/or emotionally in school, as well as group support for small groups of scholars who are struggling with similar issues. I also provide crisis support, community mental health referrals, and family support.
A: No, unless the support will be on-going and in that case the social worker will contact you. As long as the parent hasn’t stated specifically that their scholar cannot see the school social worker, school social skills development and counseling supports are considered a regular educational service provided by the school. If a scholar has an issue with a friend or is having a difficult day, the school social worker will often intervene without parental permission. Often parental follow up is initiated.
A: The scholars at WSST know who I am and what my role is here at school. I have built a relationship with most of the scholars through classroom visits, individual meetings, etc. Many scholars visit me with a variety of concerns, so your scholar should not feel alone. The meetings with your scholar will be confidential and I can provide them with language to use if others ask why they came to my office.
A: Confidentiality is an important aspect of counseling; this is how the social worker builds trust with the scholar. What they say during a session is to remain between the social worker and the scholar unless:
-The scholar is in imminent danger.
-The scholar is threatening to harm him/herself or someone else.
-The scholar reports an incident of abuse and/or neglect.
-The scholar gives permission to disclose.
When a breach in confidentiality is necessary, I will make a report to the appropriate agencies, support staff and/or parents depending on the situation.
A: The role of a school social worker is to assist scholars during their school day. This may include issues with friends, test anxiety, social issues, and problems at home that are affecting their school day. When there are difficulties at home (i.e. divorce, death of a loved one, deployment) that are not affecting the scholar at school, or are affecting the scholar greatly at school there are times when outside, private counseling may be necessary. If you decide private counseling is necessary for your family, I can provide information regarding local counseling agencies. Please visit the Social Work Resources page for more infomation.
