Social Work

School social workers play a critical role in schools and educational settings. They are trained mental health professionals who can assist with mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic, and classroom support, consultation with teachers, parents, and administrators as well as provide individual and group counseling/therapy.

School social workers provide services to students to enhance their emotional well-being and improve their academic performance. They are often called on to help students, families, and teachers address problems such as truancy, social withdrawal, overaggressive behaviors, rebelliousness, and the effects of special physical, emotional, or economic problems.

School social workers often also address issues such as substance abuse and sexuality issues in the higher grade levels.

If you are in need of social work services, please contact:

Judith Hertzler, MSW
Social Worker, ConVal School District
jhertzler@conval.edu
(603) 924-7105
Kim Fairbank, MSW
Social Worker, ConVal High School
kfairbank@conval.edu
(603) 924-3869 x4494

In addition to their direct work with students and families, school social workers also provide staff training in the areas of Life Space Crisis Intervention (LSCI) and Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI). School social workers also act as primary liaisons to provide assistance under the McKinney-Vento Act which protects the right of homeless children and youth to get to, stay in, and be successful in school while they or their families are homeless.