Ms. Cynthia Gipson

 

I’ve been a DCSD School Social Worker since 2012. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Family Welfare from Illinois State University.  Since 1987, I’ve worked in various areas of Professional Social Work, including foster care, public aid, child protective services and child support.

Inspired by the positive impact my mother made, as a public school teacher and school counselor, I went back to school and earned a Master’s Degree, in School Social Work, from The University of Illinois @ Urbana-Champaign. A native of Illinois, my family moved to Georgia, in 1998. I began my work in Georgia Schools, as a Community In Schools Program Coordinator in APS, before transferring to DeKalb County School District where I’ve also served in the capacity of an MS Graduation Coach and HS Graduation Specialist. I currently hold dual certification in School Social Work in Georgia and Illinois.  I am also a Georgia Notary.   In my spare time, I enjoy spending quality time w/family and friends, traveling (locally and abroad), outdoor concerts/festivals, dancing and good food.  I am a PROUD MEMBER of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated! 

School social workers intervene when there is a social, familial or economic challenge that impacts the learning process of students. Social workers are also part of the educational team comprised of administrators, teachers, counselors, and parents.  School social workers help strengthen students’ learning opportunities, achievement, and socio-emotional functioning by providing the following services:

• Assist families in identifying community services and resources
• Provide casework services to students who have problems adjusting to school
• Facilitate individual and group support sessions
• Consult with teachers, administrators, and parents regarding classroom behavior, school policies, and procedures affecting student performance
• Act as mandated reporters of suspected child abuse
• Participate in crisis intervention teams
• Coordinate with the juvenile court to uphold the Georgia Compulsory School Attendance Law
• Provide assistance to students and families who are homeless

Ms. Gipson’s email address: [email protected]