Social Work Page

Union Ridge is fortunate to have two social workers. If you may need any support or would like to talk about a concern you are having, please contact

Social Work Staff
Alison Griffith, MSW (EC-3rd Grade)
agriffith@urs86.org
708 867-5822 (ext: 220)

Nina Dicristofano, MSW (4th-8th Grade)
ndicristofano@urs86.org
708 867-5822(ext: 200)

*Sign up for text message like updates regarding relevant resources/upcoming events through REMIND with our social workers. Click link below:

remind.com/join/d332cc

WHO are School Social Workers?

School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals with a degree in social work who provide services related to a person's social, emotional, and life adjustment to school and/or society. School Social Workers are a link between the home, school, and community in providing direct as well as indirect services to students, families and school personnel to promote and support students' academic and social success.

What are some of the specific services that School Social Workers provide?

Participating in special education assessment meetings as well as individual Educational Planning Meetings
Working with challenges within a child's living situation that affect the child’s adjustment in school. (home, school, and community)
Prepare a social or developmental history on a child.
Counseling (group, individual and/or family)
Mobilizing family, school, and community resources to enable the child to learn as effectively as possible in his or her educational progtam.
Assisting in developing positive behavioral intervention strategies.

SERVICES TO STUDENTS:

Providing crisis intervention.
Developing intervention strategies to increase academic success.
Assisting with conflict resolution and anger management.
Helping the child develop appropriate social interaction skills.
Assisting the child in understanding and accepting self and others.

SERVICES TO PARENT/FAMILIES:

Working with parents to facilitate their support in their children's school adjustment.
Alleviating family stress to enable the child to function more effectively in school & community.
Assisting parents to access programs available to students with special needs.
Assisting parents in accessing and utilizing school and community resources.

SERVICES TO SCHOOL PERSONNEL:

Providing staff with essential information to better understand factors (cultural, societal, economic, familial, health, etc.) affecting a student’s performance and behavior.
Assessing students with mental health concerns.
Developing staff in-service training programs.
Assisting teachers with behavior management.
Providing direct support to staff.

SCHOOL-COMMUNITY LIAISON:

Obtaining and coordinating community resources to meet students' needs.
Helping school districts receive adequate support from social and mental health agencies.
Advocating for new and improved community/school service to meet the needs of students and families.
Helping the system respond effectively to each child's needs.

SERVICES TO DISTRICTS:

Developing alternative programs for drop-outs, truants, delinquents, etc.
Identifying and reporting child abuse and neglect.
Providing consultation regarding school law and school policy including IDEA and Section 504.
Providing case management for students and families requiring multiple resources.