Social Worker

Primary Purpose:

The school social worker provides unique services to children, youth, and their families to help the student attain maximum benefits from their school programs. School social workers have knowledge and a concern for the wide range of social, emotional, cultural, and economic differences among children, families, and communities. The worker will assist the school principals and counselors but will report to the director of social services.

Education/Certification

Bachelor’s degree, must be licensed Social Worker

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of social work theories, practices and procedures
• Knowledge and understanding of all pertinent legislation and policies
• Knowledge in the areas of needs and risk assessment, family dynamics, the impact of trauma, psycho-social functioning theories and practices and child protection theories, models and practices.
• Knowledge of case management, case conferencing and investigation and intervention theories and practices.
• Flexible, adaptable and able to work effectively in a variety of settings and in a cross-cultural situation and be knowledgeable of the services available in the community.
• Well-developed organizational, verbal and written communications skills, interviewing and analytical skills and good computer skills.

Experience:

At least one year of related social work experience

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide case management services to elementary – high school students who have been identified as having chronic school absences, behavior problems, or other barriers to learning. 
• Assess family needs and make home visits.
• Establish resource referrals, which can be used to assist children and families from each school.
• Attend scheduled ARD meetings.
• Continue on-going case management documentation.
• Provide crisis intervention.
• Notify appropriate agencies when abuse or neglect is suspected.
• Refer school staff and parents to resources in the community.
• Consult with administrative and instructional staff.
• Support campus goals of prevention to maintain a healthy and safe school environment.
• Consult parents regarding their children’s academic performance, behavior, and needs.
• Plan, evaluate, and research related to preventive and developmental student services.
• Follow through with social work referrals.
• Assist with mentor program.
• Provide parenting groups
• Investigate cases of unexcused and excessive absences and tardies and enforce provisions of compulsory attendance laws according to Texas Education Code §25.091—Powers and Duties of School Attendance Officer; issue warnings; file complaints against students, parents, or individuals with parental control in accordance with compulsory attendance laws, Texas Education Code, and board policy; and refer to appropriate court; interpret and communicate compulsory attendance laws and school policy to parents and students; represent the school district in court hearings resulting from attendance problems; investigate cases of suspected drop out; retrieve textbooks and school property.
• Confer regularly with teachers, counselors, principals, and other staff to identify problems of tardiness, attendance, and student truancy; work closely with counselors, teachers, and other staff to identify and counsel students at risk of dropping out, as well as their parents; confer with students in matters of attendance and tardiness and make a reasonable effort to gain their cooperation to improve attendance; conduct home visits and parent conferences on student truancy and attendance problems; maintain contact and act as liaison to local law enforcement agencies and courts in the area of student truancy.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including records of all cases investigated and reports required by the commissioner of education; implement and comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the area of student attendance; comply with all district and campus routines and regulations; maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors; communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents.
• Administer oaths and serve legal process according to Texas Education Code §25.091—Powers and Duties of School Attendance Officer; maintain confidentiality; participate in professional development to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Dependable performance requires reliable and dependable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal or other administrative staff in which duties are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position.Supervisory Responsibilities:
• None
•  

Equipment used:

Personal or laptop computer, printer, copier, fax machine, shredder, calculator, telephone, electronic mobile devices, projector, video display monitor

Working Conditions

Physical Demands/Mental Demands/Environmental Factors:

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned. Regularly sit, talk or hear; frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; frequent repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer; occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-50 pounds; occasionally required to stand, walk reach with hands and arms; vision abilities include close vision; and color vision, regularly work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress; the noise level is usually moderate. The employee may spend long hours in intense concentration which requires attention to detail. There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant stress. The employee must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.

Experience:

At least one year of related social work experience

Essential Job Functions:

• Provide case management services to elementary – high school students who have been identified as having chronic school absences, behavior problems, or other barriers to learning. 
• Assess family needs and make home visits.
• Establish resource referrals, which can be used to assist children and families from each school.
• Attend scheduled ARD meetings.
• Continue on-going case management documentation.
• Provide crisis intervention.
• Notify appropriate agencies when abuse or neglect is suspected.
• Refer school staff and parents to resources in the community.
• Consult with administrative and instructional staff.
• Support campus goals of prevention to maintain a healthy and safe school environment.
• Consult parents regarding their children’s academic performance, behavior, and needs.
• Plan, evaluate, and research related to preventive and developmental student services.
• Follow through with social work referrals.
• Assist with mentor program.
• Provide parenting groups
• Investigate cases of unexcused and excessive absences and tardies and enforce provisions of compulsory attendance laws according to Texas Education Code §25.091—Powers and Duties of School Attendance Officer; issue warnings; file complaints against students, parents, or individuals with parental control in accordance with compulsory attendance laws, Texas Education Code, and board policy; and refer to appropriate court; interpret and communicate compulsory attendance laws and school policy to parents and students; represent the school district in court hearings resulting from attendance problems; investigate cases of suspected drop out; retrieve textbooks and school property.
• Confer regularly with teachers, counselors, principals, and other staff to identify problems of tardiness, attendance, and student truancy; work closely with counselors, teachers, and other staff to identify and counsel students at risk of dropping out, as well as their parents; confer with students in matters of attendance and tardiness and make a reasonable effort to gain their cooperation to improve attendance; conduct home visits and parent conferences on student truancy and attendance problems; maintain contact and act as liaison to local law enforcement agencies and courts in the area of student truancy.
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including records of all cases investigated and reports required by the commissioner of education; implement and comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the area of student attendance; comply with all district and campus routines and regulations; maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors; communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents.
• Administer oaths and serve legal process according to Texas Education Code §25.091—Powers and Duties of School Attendance Officer; maintain confidentiality; participate in professional development to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Dependable performance requires reliable and dependable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the principal or other administrative staff in which duties are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Equipment used:

Personal or laptop computer, printer, copier, fax machine, shredder, calculator, telephone, electronic mobile devices, projector, video display monitor

Working Conditions

Physical Demands/Mental Demands/Environmental Factors:

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned. Regularly sit, talk or hear; frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; frequent repetitive hand motions; prolonged use of computer; occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-50 pounds; occasionally required to stand, walk reach with hands and arms; vision abilities include close vision; and color vision, regularly work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress; the noise level is usually moderate. The employee may spend long hours in intense concentration which requires attention to detail. There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant stress. The employee must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues.