School Social Worker
Phone: 804-585-4635
Email: kbentley@rvaschools.net
Degrees and Certifications:
Bachelors of Social Work from Virginia Union University.
Masters of Social Work from the University of Illinois
Ms. Kathryn Bentley
School Social Worker Overview
School Social Workers are a trained mental health professionals who provide services related to students & family's social, emotional, and life adjustment to school and society in a safe nurturing environment. School Social Workers are the link between the home, school, and community in providing direct as well as indirect services, resources and referrals to students, families and school personnel to promote and support students' academic and social success.
As advocates, “change agents”, who make a difference for every student in the school division, we are committed to helping each student meet his or her potential. By meeting students where they are we can help to address needs or concerns that may be hindering their academic progress.
In part, the work of the school social worker is to assess the biological, psychological, and social emotional condition of students to identify and address barriers to academic achievement. Through the use of strategies and interventions, we empower students and families to overcome personal and environmental challenges which affect learning.
Direct intervention to address the immediate concerns of at-risk students for the Purpose of Prevention, Intervention, & Crisis Response.
Indirect Services Work with school, community and agency personnel to address at-risk student concerns. for the purpose of Prevention, Intervention, Community/Agency response
Some of the specific services that School Social Workers/ Game changers provide?
- Truancy
- Bio-psychosocial Assessment
- Family & Student Engagement
- Crisis Intervention
- Home/School/Community Liaison
- Mediation
- Small Group
- Social Emotional Learning
- Multidisciplinary Teams;
- Case Management;
- Collaboration home, school, family, & community
- Professional Development
- Parent Education;
- Consultations
- Prevention & Coordination Referrals;
- Facilitation of services, supports, & referrals
- Support Student Learning
- Collaboration with Instructional Programs
Social Workers are game changers who believe MINDSET is Everything!
"If you don't like something, change it, if you don't change it, change your attitude. " Maya Angelou
COVID-19 Resources:
CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
VDH - https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/
VCU - https://www.vcuhealth.org/covid-19
Resources:
Safe Harbor Domestic Violence Line 804-612-6126
Richmond Child Protective Services 804-646-0438
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
RPS Family Support Line 804-780-6195
Feed More Hunger HelpLine 804-521-2500 x631
RVA "211" https://www.help1rva.org/ or dial 2-1-1
YWCA Richmond Emergency Shelter 804-643-6761
Housing Crisis Hotline 804-972-0813
RBHA Mental Health Crisis Support 804-819-4100
RPS - Cigna School Support Line.
The number is 833-632-4462 ( 833-MeCigna) and available 24/7/365
CPS Hotline 1-800-552-7096 (Out of State)
804-786-8536 (In Virginia)
Contact the Virginia Dept. of Children Protective Services at 1-800-552-7096 or any Law Enforcement Agency at 911. You are not required to provide proof. Anyone who makes a good faith report based on reasonable grounds is immune from prosecution.
Darkness to Light Helpline 1-866- FOR-LIGHT or text LIGHT to 741741
Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center 888-969-1825
VA Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline (24 Hour) 1-800-838-8238
SAVAS Hotline 703-368-4141
United Way Crisis Helpline (24 hour) 888-421-1266
211(after hours)
YWCA Crisis-Hotline 804-643-0888
Childhelp: USA National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD
(1-800-422-4453)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Legal Help
VA State Bar 804-775-0500
Victim Advocacy
Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy Service(SAVAS) 703-368-4141
CPS Hotline 1-800-552-7096 (Out of State)
804-786-8536 (In Virginia)
Contact the Virginia Dept. of Children Protective Services at 1-800-552-7096 or any Law Enforcement Agency at 911. You are not required to provide proof. Anyone who makes a good faith report based on reasonable grounds is immune from prosecution.
Darkness to Light Helpline 1-866- FOR-LIGHT or text LIGHT to 741741
Latinos in Virginia Empowerment Center 888-969-1825
VA Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline (24 Hour) 1-800-838-8238
SAVAS Hotline 703-368-4141
United Way Crisis Helpline (24 hour) 888-421-1266
211(after hours)
YWCA Crisis-Hotline 804-643-0888
Childhelp: USA National Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-4-A-CHILD
(1-800-422-4453)
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Legal Help
VA State Bar 804-775-0500
Victim Advocacy
Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy Service(SAVAS) 703-368-4141