Advocates for Our Students: CIS of Eastern PA's Social Workers

At CIS of Eastern PA, we have served thousands of students with diverse needs. Our social workers, a unique and indispensable part of our organization's support system, are pivotal in providing students with supplementary social, emotional, and behavioral assistance. They step in when students face challenges at school, at home, or in their community. They aim to advocate for students’ needs and guide them toward success. 

Every day, our social workers engage in many tasks, all aimed at a common goal - to alleviate the stressors that hinder student success. Their day often starts with welcoming students as they arrive at school. They understand that being visible and consistent is key to building trust with students, a crucial element in their support system. This also serves as a reassurance to newly referred students, knowing that they’ve seen a familiar face inside their school. 

Collaboration is not just a value, but a cornerstone of our social work at CIS of Eastern PA. Our social workers actively participate in meetings with the Student Support Team, or SST. These meetings bring together principals, guidance counselors, CIS staff, counseling staff, and sometimes teachers. Each member shares their unique perspective on students’ needs, fostering a collaborative environment where ideas are generated, and solutions are advocated for.  This collaboration allows students to get to the resources they need in an expedited way.  

Also, social workers spend a considerable portion of their days meeting with students. Sometimes, these meetings are scheduled as one-on-one student meetings. Other times, our social workers run social-emotional support groups for students with similar struggles. Groups like anger management, LGBTQ+ mentoring, boys mentoring and social skills are all examples of groups that meet throughout the year.  They also meet with other faculty and staff for new updates on their students. In meetings, social workers also assist students with academic assignments, teach study skills, and provide a quiet space where they can work. 

Our social workers spend a great deal of time monitoring student progress and communicating with their support team. Student support plans are always subject to change depending on what is working and what isn’t. If certain interventions are unsuccessful, social workers adjust or incorporate new supports to empower students.  If it’s determined that additional outside resources are needed, our Social Workers also have extensive connections with doctors, therapists, and other community resources. 

No matter what social workers do during their workday, the top priority is to build a safe space for students and make a positive difference in their school experience. Social-emotional barriers are a considerable force preventing many students’ success; this has only been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.  It’s crucial that schools are prepared for quick solutions for their students.  Our CIS of Eastern PA social workers’ efforts to help students overcome their individual challenges can’t be understated.  We are very proud that our collaborative approach has helped ensure that 99% of the students we serve stay in school! 

Click here to meet all the faces who make CIS of Eastern PA’s mission possible.