Lakeport Unified School District

Lakeport Unified School District can provide a wide range of professional learning opportunities for social work practicum students within a TK–12 educational setting. Students would have the opportunity to work across school sites and grade levels while gaining experience in direct services, family engagement, and systems-level supports. Practicum students would learn case management skills, including conducting needs assessments, identifying barriers to attendance and academic success, making referrals, and helping families access housing, food, transportation, mental health, and community resources. Students would participate in Student Study Teams, MTSS processes, attendance review meetings, CARE teams, and wellness initiatives. They may also support foster youth, McKinney-Vento students, English learners, and students with disabilities. Additional opportunities include parent outreach, home visits when appropriate, restorative practices, social-emotional learning groups, attendance interventions, crisis response, and behavior support. Students would collaborate with teachers, counselors, administrators, nurses, school psychologists, county agencies, tribal organizations, and community partners. Through this practicum, students would strengthen skills in communication, assessment, advocacy, ethics, documentation, confidentiality, cultural responsiveness, and collaboration within a public education setting.

Practicum students at Lakeport Unified School District may encounter some unique risks associated with working in a school setting. Students may work with children and families experiencing high levels of stress, trauma, behavioral challenges, mental health concerns, housing instability, substance abuse, neglect, or family crisis. At times, students may encounter unpredictable, dysregulated, aggressive, or assaultive student behaviors. Practicum students will receive support and guidance regarding de-escalation, safety procedures, mandated reporting, and district protocols. Students may also have increased exposure to communicable illnesses common in school settings. Some practicum activities may include home visits within Lake County, including high-needs areas. Home visits would always be conducted in pairs or with district staff and in accordance with district safety procedures. The school environment can be fast-paced and emotionally demanding. Practicum students should be prepared to manage stress, maintain professionalism, and work effectively in situations that may require flexibility, problem-solving, and responsiveness.