What We Do
Under direction, using knowledge of Montgomery County Public Schools programs and community resources, and in collaboration with administrators, parents, counselors and teachers, the pupil personnel worker assists in determining interventions/placements for students who need program adjustment. The pupil personnel worker acts as case manager for identified students in effecting programs changes and monitoring progress.

The role of the Pupil Personnel Worker may be divided into four major functions. The Pupil Personnel Workers primarily serves as an advocate for all students. However, Pupil Personnel Workers may provide consultation to school staff and parents on a variety of issues. The Pupil Personnel Worker also serves as a liaison between various departments within Montgomery County Public Schools. Additionally, the Pupil Personnel Worker serves as a referral source to staff and families to outside agencies and community service providers. The following describes the various activities involved in these roles:

As an Advocate -

• Supports student rights and responsibilities

• Fosters understanding and collaborative efforts among home, school, and community

• Problem solves and identifies prevention and early intervention strategies for student success through a collaborative action process

• Manages cases for home schooling, change of school assignment requests and disciplinary proceedings

• Assists with case management for program placement outside the home school

• Works with parents and school staff to assess and support the needs of homeless families

As a Liaison -

• Works with school staff to help maintain a positive home-school connection through strategies such as home visits and conferences

• Provides crisis support services to school staff, students, and families

• Collaborates with schools to facilitate student intake conferences

• Interprets policies and regulations for students and families

• Assists in accessing home and hospital teaching services, as appropriate

• Conducts home instruction reviews

• Assists in the case management process for students referred to the Department of Health and Human Services and Juvenile Justice Services

As a Consultant -

• Assists with the interpretation of MCPS policies and regulations, as well as federal, state, and local laws

• Collaborates with school staff in developing interventions to address chronic attendance issues and dropout prevention

• Collaborates with families and school staff to access MCPS and community programs designed to prevent, intervene in, and treat alcohol and other drug use

• Works with school staff and families to identify, investigate and resolve residency and guardianship issues

• Assists in the special education identification and placement process

• Works with school staff to provide training on a variety of topics identified as needs

• Refers students, families, and school staff to community resources

Updated October 2, 2006| Maintained by Webmaster