School Social Workers
The goal of the social work program is to partner directly with families, educators, students, and our communities to address and overcome barriers to academic achievement. Ultimately this partnership provides the necessary support and guidance that are essential to academic success and sound life decisions.
Dually licensed by the Minnesota Board of Social Work (BOSW) and the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB), school social workers are mental health professionals and practitioners who bring a variety of skills and evidence-based practices to the school setting. This includes providing social work services and support to students, families, and educational staff while bridging connections between home, school, and community to support students' academic, social, emotional and behavioral success at school.
They do this by providing individual, small group and family support. Sessions focus on:
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Improving social, emotional and academic functioning
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Positive reinforcement
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Behavior modification
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Specific skill development
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Building trusting connections with each student and their family
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Direct consultation and linkage to appropriate community resources for families
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Help children and their families meet basic needs and overcome barriers to education
Social work settings are created around the ever-changing and unique needs of each school and may vary throughout the year and at each site. Please contact your child’s school social worker for more information.
School Social Worker Internship
Are you a student interested in participating in a school social worker internship? We can help! There are opportunities available in District 196 for aspiring school social workers. Please contact Steve Troen for more information.
Our Social Work Team
District Office
Stephanie Ochocki
Monday-Friday
Phone: 651-423-7630
Email: Stephanie.Ochocki@district196.org
District 196 Social Emotional Wellbeing (SEB) Design Team
Susan Piepgras
Thursday (p.m.)
Phone: 651-423-7634
Email: Susan.Piepgras@district196.org