School Social Worker

Social Worker Position

JOB SUMMARY: The Social Worker is responsible for delivering high-quality, trauma-informed clinical support to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and/or Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). This position ensures a person-centered and therapeutic approach to care through individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, treatment planning, collaboration with interdisciplinary teams, and coordination of community services. The Social Worker acts as a liaison among families, external providers, and internal team members to ensure continuity of care and successful program engagement. This is a full-time, non-exempt position that reports to the assigned program leadership.

WORK SCHEDULE: Adelbrook is a 24/7 operating Agency. Schedules are flexible, may include early mornings, evenings, overnights, weekdays, weekends, holidays, mandated overtime, mandated holds, and on call responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Provide individual and group counseling services as prescribed by program needs and/or individual treatment plans (e.g., IEPs or care plans). • Deliver crisis intervention and de-escalation support in alignment with agency policies and therapeutic crisis intervention models. • Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members including educators, behavioral staff, clinicians, and administrators to ensure a unified understanding of each individual's needs and a consistent plan of care. • Maintain regular communication with families, guardians, DCF workers, probation officers, external mental health providers, and other relevant service entities. • Support participation in and documentation for all program-related meetings, including PPTs, team case reviews, and crisis debriefs. • Develop goals and objectives related to social, emotional, and behavioral domains. • Maintain up-to-date clinical documentation, including assessments, progress notes, service plans, and contact logs. • Participate in student and family intake and discharge planning, including referrals to outside services (e.g., BRS, DMHAS, outpatient therapy). • Serve as a resource for staff by providing consultation, modeling, and training in therapeutic approaches and behavior support strategies. • Coordinate community-based services and ensure proper transition planning for individuals moving to post-secondary or adult services. • Represent the agency professionally at external meetings and forums. • Ensure adherence to all agency policies, procedures, and ethical guidelines. • Maintain active certification in agency-approved crisis intervention training, including all required levels of Physical and Psychological Management Training (PMT). Apply training techniques appropriately to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals served, staff, and others in the environment. Demonstrate competency in de-escalation strategies, safe physical interventions, and adherence to agency protocols. • Perform additional duties as assigned by program leadership.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE, AND ABILITIES: • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build rapport with diverse populations. • Conflict resolution and crisis management techniques. • Organization and time management, with attention to detail and ability to prioritize. • Team collaboration in interdisciplinary environments. • Documentation, data tracking, and case management.

KNOWLEDGE: • Clinical knowledge in child and adolescent development, trauma-informed care, and ASD/IDD treatment models. • Familiarity with special education law and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). • Knowledge of community resources, entitlement systems, and behavioral health systems. • Understanding of professional ethical standards and confidentiality regulations (HIPAA, FERPA).

ABILITIES: • Ability to implement and adapt individualized treatment plans. • Ability to conduct assessments and clinical evaluations. • Ability to manage multiple cases with shifting priorities. • Ability to function effectively during crises and provide de-escalation support. • Ability to engage families and external partners in a collaborative treatment process. • Ability to use clinical judgment and make sound decisions.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: • State of Connecticut Social Worker Certification Required. (071) • Master's Degree in Social Work (MSW) required. • Valid State of Connecticut School Social Work Certification • Minimum of three years of experience in a clinical or educational setting, ideally working with children and young adults with ASD/IDD. • Valid driver's license with a clean record; ability to transport individuals safely • Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications (PMT, First Aid, CPR; training provided) • Strong commitment to trauma-informed and person-centered care.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS: • Work is performed across school and group home settings • May involve crisis response and physical intervention in accordance with training. • Perform all requirements of physical management techniques (PMT) • Regular standing, walking, lifting (up to 50 lbs), and active physical engagement required • Exposure to behavioral challenges and crisis situations requiring PMT interventions • Travel between locations required

A job description is not meant to be all inclusive of every task and/or responsibility

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