Meet the Social Worker
Laura Powers LCSW
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About Me
I go by Ms. Powers here at school because kids remember it! My pronouns are she/her and they/them. I'm very happy to be working in my own neighborhood after 3 years community to Vancouver, WA.
I have a Masters in Social Work from Portland State University and a BA in History from Reed College. My background is in early childhood education and child and family therapy. I've worked or volunteered at the following organizations:
https://nestplayschoolpdx.com/
https://www.childrenshomesociety.org/
https://www.clackamas.us/healthcenters/hilltop.html
https://rphs.nclack.k12.or.us/
Fun Facts
I am on an improv theater team
I am learning how to play Dungeons & Dragons. My current character is a human rogue.
I completed a 500 hour yoga training last winter and I use mindfulness practices daily
I'm originally from Minnesota so you may hear my accent from time to time
I love to fix things I find for free and re-use them
About My Role
I bring a unique set of skills to our school team.
I offer direct support services to students (groups or one-on-one) and am especially trained to respond to crisis situations
I work with school staff to address barriers that get in the way of student's well-being at school.
I also work with families experiencing high levels of stress who might need emotional support, help navigating the educational system, or assistance connecting with community resources.
If you have a need, I will help you myself or direct you to someone who can help- so don't hesitate to reach out!
Learn more about social workers at PPS here: https://www.pps.net/Page/17797
National Association for Social Work (NASW) Ethical Principles
Social workers’ primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems
Social workers challenge social injustice.
Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person.
Social workers recognize the central importance of human relationships.
Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner.
Social workers practice within their areas of competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise.
Learn more here: https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
How to Work with Me
There are so many different ways that I come into contact with students and families at Lewis!
Self-referral: If your family feels I could be helpful to you, either in school or at home, please reach out to me by:
Asking the front office if I'm available to chat with you
Emailing me at lpowers@pps.net
Calling or texting my work cell phone: 971-387-6355
Teacher referral: I ask teachers to refer students to me who may benefit from my groups or individual services. Usually these students come through our Student Intervention Team (SIT) and families are given the chance to give their input into the process.
I reach out after data review: I review school data and reach out to families when I notice their student is struggling to attend school, make academic progress, or meet behavior expectations. This is often the first sign that a student may need additional support to stay on track!
Confidentiality
I am bound by both the NASW Code of Ethics as well as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), state and federal laws and PPS policies.
I value your right to privacy!
If you contact me, I will keep our conversation confidential UNLESS you tell me about abuse or neglect of any vulnerable person or there is "serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm to a client or others" (NASW).
If we talk, I will ask if you are okay with me sharing relevant information with other staff at Lewis so that they can help (for example our school counselor, your student's classroom teacher, or the principal). If you give consent, I will work with the school team and be discreet about when and how I share information.
You can read more about the NASW Code of Ethics and privacy and confidentiality here: https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-to-Clients
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