PRIMARY PURPOSE: The principal tasks of the School Social Worker are to provide casework and support to help students resolve personal, emotional, and social problems that interfere with their adjustment to school and their ability to enjoy the benefits of the educational process. In addition, the Social Worker helps students and families make the best use of available opportunities and resources and fully develop each student’s individual potential. The Social Worker functions as part of the campus leadership team to formulate plans with the school, students, and families.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Certification:

Master’s Degree in Social Work preferred and/or Bachelors degree in social work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program. Bilingual desired.

Special Knowledge/Skills:

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  Knowledge of individual and group counseling skills
• Knowledge and skill in casework methods
• Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students
• Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Ability to present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations to students, parents, and district staff

Experience:

Two years experience in social work or equivalent preferred.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Social Work:

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  Conduct individual and group counseling sessions to encourage peer support and enhance social development of students including developing the ability to accept responsibility for their actions, resolve conflicts, and develop decision-making skills.
• Perform casework service with parents to increase the parents’ understanding, their constructive participation in resolving their child’s problems, and their knowledge and use of available and appropriate resources.
• Respond to school-wide crises and provide crisis intervention, support, and counseling to students, parents, and school staff.
• Collaborate with school staff and the Student Services Department to develop and implement student attendance improvement strategies that include family involvement.
• Coordinate and integrate school and community resources and refer school staff and parents to community resources where appropriate.
• Identify and explore causes of students’ dysfunction as it relates to the home, school, and community including making home visits to gather information relating to students.

Consultation:

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  Assist school personnel to help students explore alternative education programs and career counseling.
• Serve as a consultant to school personnel regarding students or situations that are not referred for direct district or outside services.
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of parent involvement activities. Develop and conduct parenting training and support groups.
• Consult with families regarding their children’s academic performance, behavior, attendance, and needs.
• Work with school and community personnel to bring together resources for students.
• Inform students and families of their rights and responsibilities under federal and state law including compulsory attendance.
• Participate in coordinated multi-disciplinary student support structures including Campus Attendance Review Committees, the campus Behavioral Threat Assessment Team, the campus MTSS Team, and/or the Response to Intervention Committee.
• Work in collaboration with the school community to provide mental health assessment and intervention services from a strengths-based ecological perspective (NASW SSW Standards 12, 13).

Program Management:

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  Provide case management, which is defined as organizing, coordinating, and sustaining activities and services designed to optimize the functioning of students and/or families (NASW SSW Definitions).
• Provide short-term, goal-oriented individual mental health interventions when social-emotional needs impact academic learning or ability to participate in school day; facilitate connection to more extensive services if determined necessary.
• Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of social work services and make changes based on the findings.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other required documents.

Professional:

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  Build and maintain positive relationships externally between the school, families, and other community members and internally among students and staff.
• Collaborate with other BISD professionals to provide health, nutrition, and wellness initiatives, including but not limited to school district nurses, school counselors, and classroom teachers.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and board policy.
• Comply with district and campus routines and regulations.
• Follow district safety and emergency procedures.
• Perform additional professional duties/responsibilities. Adhere to procedures according to specific guidelines and professional and ethical standards.
• Use evidence-based research and evaluation data to inform practice.
• Understand and stay informed of current relevant policies, laws, court decisions, legislation, rules and regulations.
• Maintain adequate safeguards for the privacy and confidentiality of information within district and professional guidelines.

Other:

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  Serve as the campuses’ McKinney Vento point of contact and/or Foster Care Champion.
• Identify students who would benefit from a mentor program.
• Contribute to the District’s Social Worker Internship Program.
• Provide a mental health perspective to (a) enhance school climate and (b) build, sustain, and integrate service-delivery systems in collaboration with the school community of students, staff, families, and service providers.
• Assess the current status of needs and resources of the school community to inform program implementation; consult with teachers, administrators, staff, and parents regarding social and emotional needs of students.
• Develop and provide training to the school community on social and emotional factors that impact students’ learning (NASW SSW Standard 10).
• Attend and/or facilitate meetings, workshops, and professional development for SSWs.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

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  May supervise persons completing practicum or internship through a college or university program.

MENTAL/PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:

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  Tools/Equipment Used: Personal computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting; frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent walking.
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds); Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); may be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchairs or assist with positioning of students with disabilities.
• Environment: Work inside, regular district-wide travel to student homes.
• Mental Demands: Maintain emotional control under stress; may work prolonged or irregular hours.