Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is Social Work?

The primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human well-being and help meet basic and complex needs of all people, with a particular focus on those who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.

Social workers help fight for social justice, and improve lives and communities. Most people think of social workers when they think of poverty alleviation and child welfare. Many social workers do that kind of work — and we do much more.

• We can be found in hospitals, helping people cope with acute conditions and chronic illness.

• We provide therapy and community health centers and help prevent students from dropping out of school.

• We help prisoners as they reenter communities and provide rehabilitative support in drug and alcohol centers.

• We provide outreach and long-term care in nursing homes and homeless shelters.

• We are clinical therapists to members of the military and veterans.

• Social workers are executive directors of nonprofit organizations, community organizers, and professors.

• We are corporate leaders and members of Congress.

Q: What does a School Social Worker do?

A: We create a link between home, school, and community to help students find academic success. School social workers address the social and psychological issues that impact students ability to successful in the classroom setting.

In addition School Social Workers:

• Identify and service students in need of special education services

• Developing and implementing comprehensive interventions with students, parents, and teachers that will enhance student adjustment to, and performance in, the school setting;

• Consulting and collaborating with teachers and other school personnel regarding behavior management and intervention plans

• One on one and group counseling with Diverse Learners and General Education Students

• Establish and implement Social Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons on social skills, friendship, bullying, violence prevention, decision making, conflict resolution, grief, coping skills, etc.

• Providing crisis intervention within the school setting

Q: As a Parent, how do school social workers help?

A: School social workers help PARENTS:

• Participate effectively in their children’s education

• Understand and meet their children’s social and emotional needs

• Understand programs available to students with special needs

• Utilize school and community resources effectively

Q:How do I explain the Corona Virus to my Child?

A: Coronavirus for Kids

Q:Can I receive support from a Parent Advocate for my child's education?

A: NEW ODLSS Parent/Guardian HELPLINE!

• SAME DAY RESPONSE - right when you need it most.

• Provide support by attending IEP/504 virtual meetings

• Connect you with your District Representative

• Facilitate ODLSS online Parent University training's

• Assist you with conversing with School Leadership

• Connect you with ODLSS/CPS resources & support

Just call (773) 553-1840 Monday - Thursday between 9-5p.m. Leave us a message, and you will receive a call back before the end of the business day.

Please know that we will continue to support families online during regular business hours, Monday-Friday at odlssparentsupport@cps.edu.

Q: Is there someone at Spencer that helps if my family is in a temporary living situation/ homeless?

A: Yes. Please contact Ms. Mason for more information

Email: smason2@cps.edu

Phone: 773-534-6150