Social Worker

Position Summary

The social worker's role is to enhance students' educational progress by providing counseling, instruction, consultation, collaboration, assessments, and monitoring services for IU5 and/or district‑designated students, their families, and the staff who support them. Services are delivered as part of a broader support team to reduce barriers that impede students from benefiting from their educational program. School social workers address social and psychological issues that can hinder school success, offering counseling, crisis intervention, community resourcing, family engagement, and prevention programs to help students overcome difficulties and increase their chances of success.

Salary

• Master's – $61,471 (2026‑2027 school year)
• Master's +15 – $62,866 (2026‑2027 school year)
• Master's +30 – $64,597 (2026‑2027 school year)

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance upon hire (employee contribution $75/month for individuals or families)
• Life Insurance: $50,000 provided at no cost to employee
• Paid Time Off: 10 paid sick days, 3 personal days, 2 emergency days per school year (based on start date)
• Work schedule: 187 work days per school year

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Social Work
• Current Pennsylvania Department of State issued license as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Valid and active PA certification as a School Social Worker (PK‑12, Educational Specialist)

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Provide direct services to students, including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, and conflict resolution.
• Conduct assessments to identify students' social, emotional, and behavioral needs.
• Develop intervention plans tailored to individual student needs.
• Work collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and other school staff to support students' educational goals.
• Consult with parents and guardians to provide guidance and support for addressing student needs.
• Partner with community agencies to access additional resources and services for students and families.
• Participate in the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for students with special needs.
• Implement IEP goals related to social, emotional, and behavioral support.
• Monitor student progress and adjust interventions as needed.
• Maintain detailed records of services provided, student progress, and communications with stakeholders.
• Coordinate services for students and families, ensuring seamless access to necessary resources.
• Follow up with students and families to ensure continuity of care.
• Ensure adherence to SBAP and PDE regulations and guidelines.
• Document all services provided to students, including dates, duration, and nature of services.
• Prepare and submit reimbursement claims for eligible services under the SBAP.
• Maintain compliance with Medicaid billing requirements and other relevant regulations.
• Engage in ongoing professional development to stay updated on best practices, regulations, and emerging trends.
• Participate in training programs related to mental health, special education, and school‑based interventions.
• Seek supervision and consultation as needed to enhance professional skills and knowledge.
• Advocate for student needs within the school and community.
• Promote awareness of social, emotional, and behavioral issues affecting students.
• Develop and implement prevention programs to address issues such as bullying, substance abuse, and mental health.
• Assume all other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Performance Factors / Job Competencies

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and to explain complex instructions in an easily understandable fashion.
• Uses data effectively.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws that impact operations within the IU.
• Flexibility and tolerance of many situations and personalities.
• Ability to sit at a desk or stand for extended periods of time.
• Verbal skills to communicate effectively with the public.
• Capacity to withstand emotional stress.
• Valid PA driver's license and ability to travel within and outside the IU region as required.
• Ability to create and manage appropriate computer applications necessary for program management.
• Ability to organize and maintain programmatic files.

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment. The incumbent must be able to sit at a desk for extended periods and routinely uses standard office equipment, with a majority of time spent on computers to complete daily tasks. Travel outside the home office is required; candidates must have a vehicle and a valid driver’s license to attend job‑related duties, meetings, seminars, and trainings.

Physical Demands

• Standing: Occasionally (<20%)
• Sitting: Frequently (>80%)
• Lifting: 0‑20 lb occasionally (<20%); 20‑50 lb occasional (<20%); over 50 lb rarely (<10%)
• Travel: Regular (>50%)
• Pushing/Pulling: Occasional (<20%)
• Manual keying/data entry: Often (30‑60%)