Home and School Visitor

Home and School Visitors (HSV)/School Social Workers are licensed and certified professionals who provide a variety of services to students, families, schools, and the community. Working with other school staff and outside agencies, the HSV intervenes to identify and eliminate barriers to students’ academic achievement and their healthy social-emotional development.

HSV/School Social Workers provide both direct and indirect services to help students achieve maximum benefit from educational experiences.

Here are some key HSV/School Social Worker responsibilities:

School district liaison to homeless students and their families.
Provide support to families experiencing difficulty with student school attendance.
Enforce the attendance laws of the Commonwealth of PA.
Link families to community agencies and social service providers.
School District liaison to Child Protective Services concerning reports of suspected child abuse and neglect.
Provide support to students, families and the schools in crisis situations.
Conduct investigations to ensure that students reside within the Methacton School District boundaries.

How does the Home and School Social Worker help students?

Enhance communication among students, families, and schools.
Work with students to improve their attendance and performance.
Assist students experiencing homelessness or living in foster care to eliminate barriers to their education.
Identify and connect students to tutorial, enrichment, and after-school programs.
Provide individual student and family interventions including home visits.
Provide crisis intervention support.
Locate mentoring and recreational resources for students.
Consult with other interagency partners to determine ways to help meet students’ needs.

How does the Home and School Social Worker help families?

How to apply for medical assistance?

Children who have been diagnosed with developmental disabilities, emotional disorders, behavioral disorders, and/or medical conditions, are eligible for health insurance through Medical Assistance (MA). MA provides important funding for behavioral health services, medicines and medical care.

When children with a disability apply for MA, their parents’ income is not considered to determine eligibility. Many children with a disability can also apply for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on a parent’s income.

Information for obtaining Medical Assistance (MA) can be obtained at the Montgomery County Assistance Office, in several ways:

· By phone: 610 270-3500

· In person: 1931 New Hope Street, Norristown, PA 19401

· Online: www.compass.state.pa.us

Private/Commercial Insurance: Insurance providers cover behavioral health services (e.g. therapy). To access support regarding private/commercial insurance, contact the customer service number located on the individual’s insurance card.

No Insurance: County funding is available for certain services and programs to assist individuals who do not have insurance.

If you need help completing the application or have any additional questions, please contact Jennifer Johnson, Home and School Visitor/School Social Worker at 610 489-5000 ext. 25406.

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