Abington School District is committed to working with the community to provide the best outcomes for students. A school social worker within the Student Services Department is able to address a variety of concerns related to student behavior and/or wellbeing, working with teams of teachers, parents and administrators. Some of these responsibilities can include individual and group counseling/therapy, special education assessment and support, assisting in the development of positive behavioral intervention strategies, and working to address problems in a child’s living situation that affect the child’s adjustment in school, ultimately serving as a bridge between the school, the child’s home and the community. Of equal importance is the social worker’s role in mobilizing schools, staff, families and members of the community to enable all children to learn as effectively as possible in Abington School District.

The Abington School District Social Worker is often the impetus in helping families obtain Behavioral Health services through Medical Assistance. The Social Worker not only helps families navigate the application process, but helps families gain the benefits of these services, working out any barriers such as transportation, costs, and cultural differences.

The Social Worker often attends intake and discharge planning meetings when students necessitate mental health in-patient or partial hospitalization. The Social Worker ensures there is a comprehensive transition to and from these services to promote student success.

Further, the District Social Workers supports families in need by helping to coordinate donations and the dispersion of donated resources, in addition to dispersing family meals and gifts during the holidays, clothing during the colder months, and resources after difficult circumstances such as eviction, fire, or homelessness.