Position Summary
The primary task of the School Social Worker is to provide services to students to enhance their emotional well-being and improve their academic performance. This individual brings to the educational process an understanding of the psychosocial development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences as they interact with the educational process. The school social worker is called upon to help students, families, and teachers address issues such as truancy, social withdrawal, maladaptive behaviors, and the effects of physical, emotional or economic problems. The School Social Worker assists students with academic learning by providing strategic services that identify and address the social, emotional and environmental issues that interfere with the education process. While working with the parents/guardians, teachers, school principal (or appointed designee), and community based resources, this individual implements strategies that promotes students’ positive school adjustment.
Primary Areas of Accountability
- Maintains required clinical records and submits appropriate documents for statistical reports with adherence to standards in National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
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Adheres to federal legislation that mandates child protective services and the reporting of suspected child abuse and neglect.
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Understands and maintains the continuing education requirements per the Health and Professional Licensing Administration (HPLA), and keeps up-to-date on any changes that could potentially impact licensure status.
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Adheres to the values, principles, and standard set forth by the NASW Code of Ethics.
Essential Job Functions
- Identifies and assesses academic problems through observation of factors impinging on student adjustment including factors in the home, school and community.
- Determines and implements appropriate therapeutic strategies to effect changes in behavioral and social interactions in students and their families.
- Conducts risk assessments on referred students including barriers to learning, physical and emotional functioning, substance use and support systems.
- Provides direct therapeutic support services such as individual and group therapy regarding specific issues.
- Provides behavior support services per students’ Individualized Education Plans (IEP).
- Collaborates with school staff and other school personnel in implementing strategies to promote student learning.
- Makes referrals to public or private agencies with appropriate follow-up.
- Participates as members of the IEP team, Student Support Team (SST) and other school based teams to develop interventions for promoting students’ academic success.
- Provides crisis intervention services
- Provides case management for students and families.
- Provides staff consultation on student related issues that impact learning.
- Conducts staff development on issues related to social, emotional, environmental factors that impact learning.
- Complies with all responsibilities and mandates for medicaid billing.
- Conducts classroom meetings, psycho-educational groups, and classroom presentations on identified areas of concern for the students.
- Conducts home visits related to establishing communication and positive connections between the parent/guardian and school setting around identified issues.
- Identifies and resolves ethical issues.
- Conducts classroom observations.
- Serves as liaison with community agencies and assists in fostering communication between schools and parents/guardians.
- Attends meetings and professional development activities as required.
- Implements multi-tiered programs and practices
- Evaluates service effectiveness
- Promotes effective school policies and administrative procedures
- Facilitates engagement between student, family, school, and community