Social Worker (District Wide)

Social Worker

Under limited supervision, works effectively with school personnel, community agencies and families of District students to alleviate any presenting problems or issues affecting students' abilities to maximize their academic and social development. Coordinates special programs and activities as assigned. Reports to the Coordinator of Social Work.

Provides direct social casework and counseling services to individual students to help alleviate any presenting problems or issues affecting students' abilities to maximize their academic and social development. Develops attendance improvement plans, and makes recommendations on transfer request. Under the direction of the coordinator compiles and analyzes annual dropout information and attendance reports as required by the State Department of Education. Prepares a comprehensive assessment of a students' family, developmental and social histories prior to psycho-educational evaluations. Participates and provides consultation in student staffing (IEP, SIT, etc.) Works with the coordinator of social work to develop school attendance awareness projects with the goal of improved attendance throughout the district. Makes home visits to gather data, relive school-home difficulties, improve home to school communication and increase parents' understanding of children's educational needs and the resources available to them within the school. Represents the District in meetings as required; provides testimony before the Hearing Board and Family Court as necessary. Works cooperatively with school and community agencies personnel regarding the needs of particular students. Consults with other disciplines on student issues and assists in locating resources to meet the environmental needs of students and their families; makes appropriate referrals. Reports evidence of child abuse or neglect to the Department of Social Services, updates and informs schools of any changes in the child abuse and neglect law. May serve as a Field Instructor for social work students. May work with summer testing. May coordinate Medicaid activities, keeping parents informed of available services through Medicaid and Medicaid procedures. May assist in developing and implementing programs and services as part of a comprehensive drug and violence prevention/education program. May assist in securing and administering grant funding for special projects. Keeps abreast of developments and innovations in the profession; attends workshops and conferences as appropriate. Represents the District on community boards, committees and task forces as appropriate. Uses a computer to prepare correspondence, record and retrieve information and to prepare reports required by District, State Department of Education and other agencies. Receives, reviews, prepares and/or submits various records and reports including case records, case summaries, court petitions/affidavits, referrals, case reports, grant applications and reports, Hearing Board reports, travel reports, memos, correspondence, etc. Operates a variety of equipment such as a computer, printer, telephone, adding machine, audio-visual equipment, vehicle, etc. Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals such as the immediate supervisor, other administrators, co-workers, subordinates, students, parents, principals, teachers, other District personnel, community service agencies, day care personnel, the Department of Social Services and other government agencies, court personnel, school psychologists, consultants, law enforcement personnel, medical personnel, professional peers, etc. Complies with all federal laws, state statutes, Board policies, administrative rules, and directives.