The Social Work Coaching Framework (2026-2027) outlines the district's tiered professional support model, detailing biweekly, monthly, bimonthly, and quarterly clinical sessions and administrative requirements.
Action: School safety plan, pantry resources, scheduled check-in.
Never report poverty as neglect.
Field Rule When unsure between Red and Yellow, treat as Red and consult!
Exact Scripts for High-Stress Moments
Copy and Paste These Phrases When Your Mind Goes Blank
Pocket Scripts
Opening
Opening Without Interrogating
"I noticed you seemed overwhelmed today. You're not in trouble. Can you tell me what the hardest part of your morning was?"
Confidentiality
"Promise Not to Tell Anyone"
"I keep almost everything private, but if someone is hurting you or you might hurt yourself, my job is to protect you. I'll always tell you first."
DCPP Care
Gently Sharing Next Steps
"Thank you for trusting me—you are not in trouble. There are caring partners whose job is to help support families. I'm going to reach out so we can keep you safe, and I will stay right by your side."
Caregiver
When a Parent Yells at You
"I hear how worried you are. Any parent would feel stressed right now. I am here to partner with you and make sure your child is supported."
Pocket Script Guide Never argue facts with an angry caregiver on the phone
4 Rookie Traps to Avoid in Years 1 & 2
Common Pitfalls Every Social Worker Encounters (and How to Sidestep Them)
Cautionary Tips
TRAP 1: Becoming a Detective
The Trap: Inspecting marks under clothes or cross-examining like a courtroom attorney.
The Fix: Ask open questions only. Let DCPP / nurse do physical checks.
TRAP 2: Confusing Poverty with Abuse
The Trap: Reporting families for unwashed clothes, food shortages, or electric bills.
The Fix: Poverty is not neglect. Provide food boxes, clean uniforms, and aid.
TRAP 3: Promising Total Secrecy
The Trap: Saying "I promise I won't tell anyone" to get student to open up.
The Fix: Never promise secrecy. Promise steady emotional partnership.
TRAP 4: Carrying Crisis Alone
The Trap: Sitting in office until 6:00 PM agonizing in silence over a call.
The Fix: Call your clinical coach within 30 minutes of any doubt.
Support System You are part of a team: lean on your clinical cohort!
Small Group Practice Lab (Triads)
Apply the 3-Step Model & Scripts in a Low-Stakes Practice Space
Lab Rotation 10 Min Cycles
Role 1: Clinician
Practice 3 Questions
Sit with the student. Use the scripts. Check: 1. Body, 2. SST Process, 3. Grown-ups. Choose Red, Yellow, or Green triage.
Focus: Steady your vocal tone and don't rush.
Role 2: Student
Act the Scenario
Follow the prompt on your sheet. Be authentic: show fear, defensiveness, or hesitation. Respond when clinician is calm.
Focus: Make the clinician practice containment.
Role 3: Peer Coach
Cheer & Coach
Use the Quick Feedback Rubric. Note 1 concrete thing they did well and 1 script line they can try next time.
Focus: Celebrate bravery in clinical practice!
Uncommon Schools • North Star Academy • Camden Prep Turn to Page 2 of Crisis Practice Packet to Begin
"I hear how stressed and worried you are. Any caring parent would feel upset right now. I want to partner with you so your child feels supported, and I am here to help us work through this together."
4. When a Student Starts Hyperventilating:
"We're going to pause right here. You don't have to explain anything right now. Look at my feet on the floor. Take one slow breath with me. You are completely safe in this office."
4 Rookie Traps Every 1st & 2nd Year Clinician Must Sidestep:
1. Detective Mode: Don't inspect marks under clothes or interrogate. Ask open questions.
2. Reporting Poverty: Unwashed clothes or no food = resource need, NOT abuse. Give food & clothes!
3. Promising Secrecy: Never say "I promise not to tell." It destroys trust later.
4. Panicking Alone: If you're stressed for >20 min, pick up the phone and call your clinical coach!
Social Work Clinic Day 1 • 1st & 2nd Year Navigator Page 1 of 4
Small Group Lab • Cases 1 & 2
Clinical Practice Lab: Cases 1 & 2
Practice with your Triad: 10 Min Role Play • 3 Min Coach Feedback • Apply the 3 Questions
Role Play Lab Triad Cycles
Roles Clinician: Use Pocket Scripts & 3 Steps • Student: Follow Actor Card • Peer Coach: Timekeep & Score
12 Min Per Case
Case 1 • Elementary (Grade 3)
Marcus: The Winter Coat in May & Mystery Mark
Age 8 • North Star
The Scenario: Marcus (8 y/o) refuses to take off his winter puffer coat in class. When the teacher asks, he cries and holds his forearm. When he enters your office, he is quiet, hunched over, and whispers: "I fell off my bed... but don't tell my stepdad or he'll make it worse." You notice purple linear marks on his wrist.
Clinician Game Plan (Role A):
1. Body: Offer markers & paper. Don't rush him to take off the coat.
2. SST Process: Ask open prompt: "Marcus, what happened when you felt hurt?"
3. Grown-ups:"Who was home when you got hurt? Did mom see?"
Triage Call: RED. Fresh linear marks + disclosure = Report to DCPP. Do not send home with stepdad.
Actor Prompts (Role B - Marcus):
• Clutches sleeves over hands. Avoids eye contact.
• If clinician asks fast questions, freeze and say: "Can I just go to recess?"
• If clinician mentions calling home, get scared: "No, please, stepdad said no!"
• Soften only when clinician speaks softly and colors with you.
Case 2 • Middle School (Grade 7)
Devon: 14 Absences, Dirty Uniform, & Alone at Home
Age 12 • Camden Prep
The Scenario: Devon (12 y/o) arrives at 11:30 AM smelling of stale smoke, unwashed clothes, defensive: "Stop asking me questions. I had stuff to handle." Dean wants to suspend for truancy. When you talk to him, he breaks down: his mom has been passed out drunk for 3 days, there is no food in the house, and his 3-year-old sister is currently home alone in the apartment!
Clinician Game Plan (Role A):
1. Body: Offer him a snack and water immediately. Sit side-by-side.
2. SST Process: Immediate crisis! 3-year-old is alone in the home right now!
3. Grown-ups: Mom is incapacitated. Devon cannot carry this alone.
Triage Call: RED. Immediate DCPP emergency response + notify Dean to assist.
Actor Prompts (Role B - Devon):
• Eye rolls and scoffing: "I'm 12, I take care of my sister just fine."
• Show panic at the clock: "I have to get back before she wakes up!"
• Guilt: "If you call DCPP, they'll lock my mom up and it's my fault."
• Soften when clinician says: "You did an amazing job protecting your sister, but you shouldn't have to carry this alone."
Social Work Clinic Day 1 • Simulation Lab Cases 1 & 2 Page 2 of 4
High School Lab • Case 3 & Coaching
Clinical Case 3 & Triad Coaching Lab
Acute Adolescent Self-Harm • Threat to Jump in Front of Train • Peer Coaching Protocol
High School Case 3
Case 3 • High School (Grade 10)
Aaliyah: Self-Harm, Father Threat, & Panic Over Calling DCPP
Age 16 • North Star High
The Scenario: Aaliyah (16 y/o) is caught scratching her wrists with a binder clip in the bathroom. She is shaking and sobbing: "My dad said if I don't move out by Friday, he's gonna beat the life out of me. If you call him or call the state, I swear I will walk right in front of the train on Broad Street."
Clinician Game Plan (Role A):
1. Body: First aid for scratch + box breathing: "Look at me. Breathe in for 4..."
2. SST Process: Ask directly: "Aaliyah, are you planning to hurt yourself today?"
3. Grown-ups: Dad made explicit physical threats. Calling dad will cause direct harm.
