School Social Worker

Job Description

Title

School Social Worker

Department(s)

Student Services

Reports to 

Coordinator of Pupil Personnel

Terms of Employment

10-month full time position

Physical Requirements

• Demonstrate overall good health.
• Demonstrate ability to communicate in clear, concise manner with others.

Evaluation

Performance of this position will be evaluated in accordance with the provisions of the Sussex County School Board’s policy manual.

Job Summary

Serves as a liaison between the home, school, and community in order to alleviate personal and/or social adjustment difficulties, which may be obstructing the educational process of students. Assists children having difficulty adapting to school life by consulting with parents, teachers, and other school personnel to determine causes of problems and effect solutions. Serves as advocates for the rights, interests, and general welfare and understanding of students.

Summary of Essential Job Functions

• Maintains and respects confidentiality of student and school personnel information, while maintaining the safety and welfare for all students and staff members;
• Follows federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies regarding children’s educational welfare;
• Reports any pertinent information to the proper authorities in cases of child endangerment, neglect, or abuse;

• Participates in and provides direction and consultation to local school-based team as deemed appropriate, including working cooperatively with school personnel seeking solutions to students’ difficulties;
• Assists in the evaluation and placement of students in special education programs through socio-cultural interviews and report writing;
• Prepares and conducts assessment reports and other administrative documents as necessary;
• Maintains accurate records of all services provided;
• Maintains clearly written and comprehensive reports and data which provide practical recommendations;

• Makes home visits to counsel with parents and students, and gathers data used by other school personnel;
• Provides crisis intervention services with appropriate follow-up and participate as a member of crisis intervention teams;
• Assists students in securing clothing, eye glasses, and other social and medical services needed for an appropriate educational experience;
• Interprets to school personnel information concerning the home life values of the family as well as interpreting community resources, values, and trends;
• Enforces student attendance in cooperation with administration, school personnel, and parents in compliance with the Laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and confers with the truancy personnel as necessary;
• Participates in interdisciplinary teams with local agencies (as appropriate) to develop and coordinate planning/services for students and families;
• Assists parents in understanding the programs and objectives of the school and enhancing their involvement in the education of their children;
• Maintains a liaison with the community and state organizations;
• Serves as contact for the Sussex Department of Social Services Learnfare Program. Reports truant school age students to the eligibility worker on a monthly basis.  Develops truancy prevention plan with parents, students, and eligibility worker as needed.
• Serves as a member of the Sussex County Family Assessment and Planning Team (FAPT).  Refers families to FAPT for assistance.
• Serves as the homeless education contact for Project Hope, VA’s Homeless Education Program.

• Maintains licensure at the state and/or national level; assumes responsibility for professional growth and keeps materials, supplies, and skills up-to-date;
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Pupil Personnel in accordance with school/division policies and practices.

Minimum Requirements

1. Required: Candidate must be a graduate of an accredited college or university and must possess a Postgraduate Professional License. Must hold or be eligible for Virginia license with an endorsement as a visiting teacher/social worker.
2. Possess leadership qualities and personal characteristics necessary for working effectively as a team member with Superintendent, Director of Pupil Personnel, Director of Instruction, central office staff, principals, teachers, parents, and community.
3. Knowledge of special education laws and regulations is required. Must be knowledgeable of school law and the legal provisions related to childcare. Must be able to demonstrate the ability to function effectively as a team member in determining appropriate services for the children through such meetings as Child Study, Eligibility, IEP, etc.
4. Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

The Sussex County School Board is an equal opportunity employer; as such, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, religion, political affiliation, handicapping condition, or sex in its educational programs or employment.  No person shall be denied employment solely because of any impairment which is unrelated to the ability to engage in activities involved in the position or program to which application has been made.