Counseling and Social Work Services

Guiding Philosophy of The Gengras Center

The guiding philosophy of The Gengras Center at Saint Joseph College is that all children have the right and ability to learn.
This learning must encompass the total child-- through a trans-disciplinary approach; the social, emotional, academic, and
vocational aspects of his/her world must be addressed.

Mission of The Gengras Center Social Work Department

As part of the interdisciplinary team, the mission of The Gengras Center Social Work Department is to provide support and advocacy services for students and their families. Another goal of the School Social Work Department is to enhance student's personal well-being in preparation to be life-long learners and productive members of society. The School Social Worker assists all staff to understand and respond effectively to the human and social factors that impact on student's learning. We will also be a liaison between the school, families and other organizations while helping to create a positive, safe and non-threatening school environment.

School Social Work Services

The following services may be provided based on the individual's specific needs:

•  Individual Counseling: Addresses social-emotional and/or behavioral issues as they occur or on an on-going basis.

•  Group Counseling/Social Skills Training: The focus of this intervention is to enhance the student's ability to interact
appropriately with peers and adults.

•  Community Participation/Independent Living Skills: This experience will assist the student in his/her ability to generalize
skills toward all environments.

•  Family Counseling/Consultation. This service is offered to support families throughout their educational experience.

•  Crisis Intervention Counseling. To support students during times of need.

•  Behavior Intervention Planning. To create strategies, with the educational team and family, to improve adaptive and
functional behavior.

•  Psycho-social evaluation. Provide formal/informal student assessments to support the educational process.

•  Parent/Guardian Education. Families will be provided information formally and informally to enhance understanding
of student needs and the educational process.

•  Transitional Planning. Students and families will be assisted in planning for their adult lives through identification
and referral to appropriate post-graduate support services.