Social Work Services at Rich Central are provided by
Dr. Ghana Cooper, MSW
Office phone: (708) 679-5634
E- mail:gcooper@rich227.org
Dr. Cooper received her M.S.W. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is new to the Rich Central family and has been practicing social work for over 11 years and had eight years of experience as a school social worker for the Chicago Public Schools. Dr. Cooper brings to her position a positive upbeat spirit, and a profound belief in the capacity for change throughout the life span.She has a great passion for seeing the lives of young people impacted so that they will live to their full potental. You may contact her by leaving a message with the receptionist, phoning the school, or calling her direct line: (708) 679-5634.
What is a School Social Worker?
School Social Workers (SSW) are a vital part of the educational team, working together with educational administrators, teachers, counselors, psychologists, nurses, speech and language pathologists and other staff. Their unique graduate level training in social work enables them to understand and interpret the influences of the school, home, and community on children.
School Social Workers identify factors that can make school a more successful experience for students.
What do School Social Workers Do?
School social workers help STUDENTS:
- Achieve maximum benefit from their educational opportunities
- Understand themselves and others
- Improve interpersonal relationships
- Cope with stress
- Develop decision making skills
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
School social workers help SCHOOLS:
- Understand factors (cultural, societal, economic, familial, health, etc.) that affect students'
- Abilities to make maximum use of their school experience
- Utilize their resources in meeting the educational, social, and emotional needs of students
- Promote a safe school environment
School Social Workers help COMMUNITIES:
- Understand school policies, programs, and practices
- Minimize those environmental factors which inhibit learning
- Develop resources to adequately meet the needs of students and families
