School Social Worker

Fundamental Duties/Essential Functions

• Identifies and addresses social, emotional, learning, cultural, environmental and economic barriers that impede educational progress.
• Serves as a liaison between the home, school and community and works with staff to educate, train and promote mental health awareness in the school district.
• Engages families and community agencies in the planning, implementation and evaluation of a student's educational, social and environmental needs.
• Provides referral information to student, family and school personnel, including recommending student access to community-based services, facilitating referrals to these services, and providing assistance to help students and families gain access.
• Instructs individuals and groups in social skill areas as required by the Individualized Educational Program.
• Provides group and individual counseling to the programs within IU 11 area and supports the staff assigned to those students.
• Maintains records of all services provided.
• Identifies and addresses social, emotional, learning, cultural, environmental and economic barriers that impede the educational process.
• Plans and delivers social skills lessons, using researched-based programs and teaching methods.
• Documents and evaluates student progress based on progress monitoring techniques and observation.
• Maintains contact with parents of students.
• Conducts or assists in FBAs and the development of positive behavior support plans.
• Conducts presentations and training for IU and District staff, community agency staff and parents.
• Plays a role in the development of student exit plans which integrate aftercare school based intervention/treatment and utilize appropriate referral resources.
• Gathers data for educational decision making.
• Collaborates with others to determine programming needs and create modifications as needed.
• Prepares, maintains and disseminates current information/materials based on current research and related to mental health.
• Completes comprehensive assessment of student needs, identifying strengths and needs and developing a treatment or behavior plan when appropriate.
• Conducts individual or group counseling sessions with students in accordance with treatment plan, or as necessary for crisis intervention; provides students with feedback support or encouragement or to address behaviors and attitudes, or family, social or personal problems.
• Evaluates student's response to intervention/treatment and modifies intervention/treatment plan or recommends intervention/treatment extensions as circumstances require.
• Aids in the development of student exit plans which integrate aftercare school based intervention/treatment and utilization of appropriate referral resources.
• Maintains regular communication verbally and in written form with student family members and educators to relay reports and other information for the continuity of care.

Qualifications

• Master's degree
• Valid PA license in social work as a School Social Worker
• Experience working with children within the public school setting preferred
• Advanced knowledge in mental health disorders, behavior and treatment modalities preferred
• Advanced skill in individual and family therapy
• Advanced skill in crisis intervention