School Social Work at Dubiski

What can a social worker help with?

School social workers are often called on to help students, families, and teachers for:
- Consultation and/or counseling with students, families, or staff on school or personal issues
- Mediation
- Crisis intervention (at the district and campus level)
- Bio-psychosocial assessment
- Mental health concerns
- Behavioral management and intervention concerns
- Family needs resources
- Case management
- Participation in the RTI process
School social workers have knowledge of resources in the community to serve families in many of the previously mentioned situations.

The following services are provided to families during the case management process:
- Connect families to existing community resources for mental health services
- Educate families about child's performance at school
- Educate parents about how they can help their child in school
- Assist families in obtaining needed food, hygiene supplies, clothing, and school supplies
- Assist families in brokering school systems including lunch application assistance, school enrollment, etc.
Social workers are also trained in assisting and identifying students and families qualifying for homeless services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act.

Resources - These organizations and their activities are not related to or sponsored by the Grand Prairie Independent School District.
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School Social Work

Social Work Hub

Students and families experiencing economic challenges and need assistance may contact the Social Work Hub at 972-522-7070 or visit the Social Work Hub located at Johnson DAEP: 650 Stonewall Drive, Grand Prairie, TX 75052. The Social Work Hub is open Monday-Thursday 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M (telephone and virtual assistance)

Learn more about the Social Work Hub.

Community Resource List: counseling agencies, mental health hospitals, drug treatment facilities

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Twitter: @GpisdH

Facebook: @SocialWorkHubGPISD

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About School Social Work

School social workers provide unique services to children, youth and their families to help them attain maximum benefit from their school program.

They are also trained in assisting and identifying students and families qualifying for homeless services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act. More information is available on the Connections Program page.

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School Social Work Team

Adams Middle School
Dubiski Career High School
Fannin Middle School
Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy

Ms. Brandy Gifford, LMSW

Mrs. Gifford was raised in Nashville, TN. She is an Army wife and has had the opportunity to live in multiple states over the years such as South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Texas. Having a passion for helping others, she pursued her education in social sciences. She received her associate's degree in paralegal studies from Virginia Western Community College. Her family was eventually relocated to Fort Hood, TX, where she attended the University of Mary-Hardin Baylor (UMHB). She graduated Magna Cum Laude from UMHB, earning a Bachelor of Social Work degree. She attended California University of Pennsylvania while living outside the Pittsburgh area, graduating at the top of her class with Presidential Honors and earning her master’s degree in social work.

Mrs. Gifford has experience providing case management services, behavioral interventions, and counseling to both adults and children. She interned with Belton ISD’s homeless liaison, providing case management, supportive guidance, and drop out prevention to homeless youth in the district. She worked as a Therapeutic Support Specialist for Family Behavioral Resources (FBR), providing in-home behavior interventions for children diagnosed with mental health and behavior disorders. Mrs. Gifford worked at Communities In Schools Greater Tarrant County providing case management and supportive guidance to at-risk-youth in Crowley ISD. She is excited to be at GPFAA and looks forward to providing students with the tools and support they need to grow and be successful.

Learn more about school social work at Grand Prairie Fine Arts Academy.
Grand Prairie High School
Jackson Middle School

My name is Adrian Franklin, and I am the Social Worker at Jackson Middle School. Before coming to Jackson, I worked as a medical social worker for 12 years. I also have experience in mental health, crisis intervention, and providing resources and referrals. I received my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and my Master of Social Work from Texas A&M University-Commerce. I became a social worker because I have a passion to help others in any way I can. I became a school social worker because I have the desire to help students eliminate social and emotional barriers so they can reach their highest potential in the classroom.

When I am away from the school, I enjoy spending time with my family, including my two dogs; a Pug named Ruby and an English Bulldog named Teddy. I also enjoy watching and playing sports. Lastly, I like trying out new foods and restaurants.

I look forward to serving the students and families here at Jackson. Please feel free to contact me if you have any question or concerns.

Best Wishes,

Adrian Franklin, LMSW
Johnson DAEP
South Grand Prairie High School
Truman Middle School

Hello, I am Ms. Barrett your school social worker. I am happy to start another great year at Harry S Truman Middle School. This is my 5th year with Grand Prairie ISD and my 12^th year as a social worker. I am excited to use my knowledge and experience to help your students be as successful as possible. My approach is to use a strengths perspective and be solution-focused. I earned my Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Tarleton State University and my Master of Social Work Degree from Baylor University. I began my career in the field of child welfare. Following this, I worked with those experiencing homelessness and disabilities. Prior to beginning my work in the district, I worked as a children's therapist. Both of my internships took place in schools and my ultimate goal has been to work with students where they spend the majority of their day. Let me know what I can do for you.

Learn more about school social work at Truman Middle School.
Young Men's Leadership Academy
Young Women's Leadership Academy

Hi, my name is Angela Gash and I will be the School Social Worker at Young Women’s Leadership Academy. I’m thrilled to be joining the GPISD family for the 2019-2020 school year! I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2012, and my Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Texas Austin in 2014.

Following graduation, I spent two wonderful years with Tarrant County Communities in Schools providing drop out prevention services to 7th and 8th-grade students. In 2016, I decided to enhance my clinical skills by providing crisis intervention, and mental health services to adults and adolescents at John Peter Smith Hospital.

I am so excited to be returning to the school setting! I look forward to assisting students with overcoming barriers so that they too may reach their academic and future goals.

Learn more about school social work at Young Women's Leadership Academy.