BARB FURPHY, MA, LMFT, HSV, NCC
Social Worker / Home & School Visitor
215-809-6662
bfurphy@neshaminy.org
Assignment: High School & Alternative Placements

GREG LAUSCH, MSW, LSW, HSV
Social Worker / Home & School Visitor
215-809-6596
glausch@neshaminy.org
Assignment: Middle Schools

BRITTANY PAWLOWSKI, MSW, LSW
Social Worker
215-809-6598
bpawlowski@neshaminy.org
Assignment: Elementary Schools

What do social workers do in schools?

School Social Workers are licensed professionals who consult and collaborate with educational agency personnel, students, parents and community resources in areas that impact student learning. The primary role of the School Social Worker is to identify and assess student needs through behavior assessment and case management services. School Social Workers also advocate for students and consult with stakeholders to help facilitate an understanding of factors in a student's home, school, and community that may be affecting their educational experience.

What needs and problems of students are addressed?

• Homelessness
• Gender Identity Issues
• Cultural / Diversity
• Decision-making Skills
• Coping Skills
• Juvenile Probation
• Child Abuse / Neglect
• Truancy
• Home / Family Concerns
• Substance Abuse
• Bereavement

School Social Workers help STUDENTS...

• Achieve maximum benefit from their educational opportunities
• Cope with stress
• Develop decision-making skills
• Minimize those environmental factors that inhibit learning

School Social Workers help PARENTS...

• Participate effectively in their children's education.
• Understand school policies, programs, and practices
• 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.
• Utilize their resources to meet the educational, social, and emotional needs of students.
• Develop resources to adequately meet the needs of students and families
• Promote a safe school environment 

What other services do School Social Workers provide?

• School representative for interagency panels to assist in the effective integration of services for students
• Provide supportive case management for at-risk and needy students
• Referrals to community agencies for support and resources
• Provide direct interventions for students (e.g. behavioral intervention planning, individual/group counseling, consultation)
• Member of: Child Study Team; SAP Team; CERT Team
• Promote collaboration among community health, mental health, and welfare service providers and facilitate easier access to these services for students and families.

Neshaminy School Social Workers are also Home and School Visitors. 

Home & School Visitors help enforce the state of Pennsylvania School Attendance Code by visiting the homes of students who have accumulated unlawful absences. Their responsibilities include making home visits, meeting with students and parents in school and in their homes to discuss truancy issues, transporting students to school when necessary, working with tardy students, and making Student Assistant Program (SAP) referrals. Home & School Visitors also work collaboratively with district personnel to service the needs of students by enforcing district attendance policies.