School Social Worker

The school social worker (SSW) provides supportive services division-wide at all educational levels in selected schools.  The SSW brings to the educational process an understanding of the psychosocial development of children and the influences of family, community, economic, and cultural differences as they interact with the educational process.  SSWs serve as a link between home, school, and community, assisting students and families to utilize available opportunities and resources, and mobilizing those resources to enable the child to learn as effectively as possible in the educational setting.  The SSW adheres to values and ethical standards outlined in the profession’s Code of Ethics.  The full scope of School Social Work services includes assessment, intervention, consultation and education, advocacy, and administrative support.

• Serves as a member of the assessment team assigned to each school and works as a team member in making placements decisions, developing intervention plans, and planning programs to meet the special needs of children.
• Attends and participates in Child Study, Attendance Improvement, Manifestation Determination Review, IEP, Section 504 and Eligibility meetings, as appropriate.
• Participates as a member of the Attendance Improvement Plan (AIP) meetings, compiles documentation of attendance interventions, and is the liaison with court services, as appropriate.
• Provides consultation services to staff and parents related to homelessness, Child Protective Services (CPS), attendance, residency, custody, and other areas, as appropriate.
• Works in partnership with parents and others on those problems in a child’s living situation (home, school, and community) that affect the child’s adjustment in school. Provides outreach services and assists in contacts with parents who may be difficult to reach.
• Supports students and staff through participation in a muli-tiered support system (MTSS).
• Participates in development of positive behavioral intervention strategies in concert with individual, group, and family input.
• Assists families in referrals to other agencies. Identifies environmental barriers to children’s access to public education and makes appropriate community referrals.
• Assists the school in following school board regulations for excessive absences and truancy; Attends student support team meetings and court intervention.
• Provides outreach services and assists in developing positive behavioral intervention strategies for children.
• Conduct home visits as a method to access the family and conduct interviews in response to school referrals.
• Provides group and individual counseling, as appropriate, with a child and his/her family.
• Provides individual and/or group counseling in response to school-wide crises.
• Provides crisis intervention services and responds to crisis needs, as requested.
• Provides in-service training and workshops for teachers and staff regarding mental health issues and proper procedures for the identification and referral of students.
• Assists in planning and participates in group and individual staff development projects and division-wide or community agency projects, and performs related duties, as assigned.
• Serves on student support teams and special education committees at assigned schools in the division.
• Models the WJCC Strategic Plan Values: Individualism, Integrity, Innovation, Accountability and Collaboration.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) and licensure or eligibility for licensure in School Social Work from an accredited school.
• Ability to interact with a variety of community service personnel.
• Experience working with parents, students, and individuals from a variety of populations and backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively with parents, public agencies, and building personnel.
• Understanding of the school social work profession including associated laws (IDEA, ADA, compulsory attendance, etc.)
• Ability to plan and organize.
• Knowledge of child development (0-22 years of age), psychopathology, social and environmental conditioning, cultural diversity and family systems.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license

Serves as Field Instructor/Supervisor in the area of social work for students and interns, as applicable.

Performs duties under the supervision of the Supervisor of Student Services.

Works independently to plan caseload and follow-up.  Must meet deadlines established by caseload.  Individual works and interacts with families with children ages preschool through grade 12 in school, home, and community environments.  Requires significant sitting for extended periods of time. Must be able to stand, walk, bend over, reach overhead, grasp, push, pull and move; life and/or carry up to 40 lbs.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.  The incumbent will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the principal or appropriate administrator.  WJCC Public Schools reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time.