School Social Worker Substitute

About the Role

Under the direction of the Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, School Social Workers provide social services to parents and students. They assist students with academic learning by identifying and addressing social-emotional-environmental issues that interfere with the educational process. School Social Workers collaborate with parents, teachers, school principals, community resources, and district employees to implement strategies that promote students' positive school adjustment.

Responsibilities

• Provide school-based counseling services for students identified and referred for early intervention mental health services.
• Conduct school-based counseling groups using evidence-based curriculum for identified and referred students.
• Collaborate with outside agencies to link students and families in need of additional supports to appropriate community resources and services.
• Support legislative requirements related to enrollment, graduation, and transitional planning.
• Assess home, school, personal, and community factors that may affect a student’s learning, school adjustment, and general well-being.
• Provide behavioral support and consultation to school site staff, and assist in the development of behavior support plans.
• Assist in functional behavior assessments on identified students.
• Assist in the management of crisis situations, perform risk assessments, and serve as a member of the site Crisis Intervention Team.
• Attend all mandatory trainings and meetings.
• Maintain required clinical records and submit appropriate documents for statistical reports as required by federal, state agencies, and the District.
• Conduct classroom meetings, psycho-educational social skills groups, and classroom presentations on identified areas of concern for students.
• Develop programs to address parent/guardian participation in the school and student engagement in the learning process.
• Provide social work case management for students and families.
• Participate as a member of school-based teams to develop interventions for promoting students' academic success.
• Complete psychosocial assessments to assist in the determination of special education services.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree with sub-specialization in School Social Work.
• One or more years of experience in social work services.
• California Clear Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work.
• Knowledge of school social work practice model, student support programs, behavioral interventions, and community and school-based prevention services.
• Understanding of applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures governing scope of work.
• Familiarity with physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth patterns of students.
• Ability to work with diverse academic, socio-economic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds of District students.
• Proficiency in interviewing techniques and interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Competence in record-keeping and report preparation techniques.
• Ability to collaborate with school personnel, program providers, and community organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead groups, work on multidisciplinary teams, analyze situations and needs, carry out directives, and communicate effectively.
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) recommended.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Regularly required to stand, walk, and talk or hear; frequently required to sit.
• Occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Typical office work activities such as sitting, standing, walking, writing, working with computers, and telephone use.
• Exposure to a general school setting environment with students who may have behavioral and emotional problems; training will be provided to handle aggressive situations.
• A self-provided automobile is necessary for travel between schools and to the district office.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.