AUSD Gateway to Success is part of a TK-8 and Comprehensive High School placement that provides social/emotional and mental health support to the school community to help each student reach their educational potential. We are a team of Mental Health Counselors and Licensed Mental Health Counselors that provide prevention and intervention strategies within the Multi-Domain Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTMDSS). Some of these interventions may include, but are not limited to: school-wide mental health education and workshops, SEL, behavior and social emotional Tier II supports, case management, crisis intervention, parent webinars, group counseling and individual counseling. Common areas of need within our school district are truancy, homelessness, students in need of support with depression, anxiety, grief & loss, social skills, motivation, and conflict resolution skills. Most interns will be site based for the purpose of helping to maximize the developmental potential of all students at the various ages and stages of their academic career.

Social Work Interns under the Gateway to Success Program will learn micro, mezzo, and macro practice skills as it applies to school settings. Social Work Interns are expected to learn and utilize prevention and interventions strategies to help improve individual and schoolwide academic achievement, attendance, behavior and engagement.

MICRO Experiences Available:

• Providing individual counseling to students using developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches

• Conducting risk assessments (e.g., safety concerns, attendance issues, emotional distress) under supervision

• Supporting students with emotion regulation, coping skills, social skills, and problem-solving strategies

• Engaging families through consultation, psychoeducation, and resource linkage

• Participating in crisis intervention and mandated reporting processes alongside supervisors and or preceptors

• Documenting services in accordance with district, school, and ethical standards

MEZZO Experiences Available:

• Facilitating or co-facilitating small groups (e.g., social skills, grief and loss, anxiety, attendance support)

• Collaborating with teachers, counselors, administrators, and support staff to address student needs

• Participating in Student Success Teams (SST), IEP, 504, MTSS, and SAIT meetings

• Consulting with educators to implement behavioral and SEL-informed classroom strategies

• Assisting with the development and implementation of tiered interventions aligned with MTSS and CASEL competencies

• Supporting schoolwide initiatives related to attendance, behavior, and student engagement 

MACRO Experiences Available:

• Assisting with program development, evaluation, or needs assessments related to student wellness and mental health services at the school level(s)

• Supporting district or school-wide initiatives, task forces, or committees (e.g., attendance, equity, mental health, school climate)

• Identifying systemic barriers affecting students and families (e.g., access to services, language barriers, immigration-related fears) and contributing to solutions

• Building and strengthening community partnerships along side our mental health counselors with external agencies and resources

• Supporting policy review or development related to student support services, confidentiality, mandated reporting, education law, and school child welfare law. 

• Advocating for equitable practices and access to services within the school system