Jo Adele Foster, School Social Worker at CGEC in Hudson.
Each month, we introduce you to a member of our staff and share a little about their work. This month, we meet Jo Adele Foster, one of our School Social Workers and part of our crisis team.
What is your role at Questar III, how long have you been here and where do you work?
I have been Social Worker for Questar III for approximately 17 years. During this time, I have worked at various Questar locations, some in districts and some in Questar buildings. The majority of my time at Questar has been at the Columbia-Greene Educational Center located in Hudson. I have had a few roles at Questar, including Transition Coordinator, Social Worker and Columbia-Greene Crisis Team Leader.
How do you support the BOCES and its students and school districts?
At BOCES, I provide ongoing, as well as, crisis counseling for students, both individually and in groups. This includes engaging and assisting students with their social and emotional development, and teaching skills to improve their functioning in and out of school. This requires building relationships with families and outside services. I frequently connect students and families with community resources.
Along with this, I support staff members both in and out of the classroom. We work as a team to promote a positive, nurturing and safe environment.
As a member of Questar’s Crisis Team, I am able to assist districts in times of crisis. Generally, when a traumatic event occurs, crisis team members help our districts by providing counseling and support services to faculty and students. This may involve providing information and resources along with individual and group counseling. I consider it an honor to be able to assist and support our districts in difficult times.
What do you like most about your work?
I enjoy many aspects of my job, but what I like most is the variety of my work. We have students from three counties all with different backgrounds. There is always something new and challenging and I like that.
Describe your background – previous jobs, education, etc.?
I graduated from the College of Saint Rose with a BA in Sociology/Social Work. I then went on to the University at Albany’s School of Social Welfare where I obtained a Master’s in Social Work.
Prior to working at Questar III, I worked at COARC as the Coordinator of Family Serivces and at the Columbia County Mental Health Center as a Psychiatric Social Worker and a member of their Crisis Team.
Tell us a bit about your life outside of Questar III.
Outside of Questar III, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I like being outside, taking long walks, boating, gardening and reading.
