Social Worker - Autism School

Social Worker - Autism School

Martin Luther School is launching a new school designed specifically for students with autism, grounded in a developmental, relationship-based model of learning.

The school will be rooted in a developmental approach that prioritizes emotional engagement, functional communication, regulation, and authentic relationships as the foundation for learning. Rather than focusing only on compliance or behavior management, the program will support students in building the cognitive, social, and emotional capacities that lead to long-term independence and meaningful participation in the world.

The autism program will be supported by a collaborative team that includes teachers, related service providers, clinicians, developmental specialists, and leadership who work closely together to understand each student and support their growth. Speech therapists are not working alone. They are part of a thoughtful team focused on helping students build the skills that support independence, communication, and learning.

Job summary:

We are looking for a School Social Worker who will be responsible for providing direct service to students in groups and individual settings; will be serving as support to families, community resources, and social service agencies concerning educational issues to help promote school success; coordinating and collaborating within the school, as well as with other divisions/departments; complying with operating policies and procedures established for the assigned function; communicating with appropriate personnel; responding to inquiries or requests for information; maintaining appropriate records and providing assigned reports.

The position is for 12 months. Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. (May be required to handle emergencies or participate in inter-agency or community meetings beyond regular hours.)

• Provides structured learning opportunities throughout the school day, including leading instruction, facilitation or coaching of assigned activities.
• Provides direct interventions to students, including individual and group therapy counseling, and educational and informational programs.
• Assists in the planning of therapeutic, remedial, and behavioral modification activities provided by the educational agency.
• Assists to develop intervention plans consistent with curriculum, student needs, strengths, social and cognitive functioning, and cultural experiences.
• Conducts formal and informal assessments of student function, developmental history, family and community structure, interpersonal relationships, adaptive behavior, and cultural factors that may influence learning.

Education and experience:

• Master's degree in social work
• Pennsylvania LSW or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) required
• Pennsylvania Department of Education Home and School Visitor Certification, certified by the Academy of Cognitive Therapy preferred
• A minimum of three (3) years' related experience in mental health, education and trauma-informed care normally required.

Benefits include:

• 3 health insurance plans included, one at no cost to the employee!
• 2 dental plans to choose from
• Educational assistance for professional development and Act 48/CEUs
• 403b retirement plan with organizational match
• Group Term Life Insurance at no cost to the employee
• Short and Long-term Disability coverage
• Generous paid time off and Personal Holidays
• Funding for employee self-care activities

Martin Luther School is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.