SOCIAL WORKER

Overview To provide school social work services and referrals to students and families that will meet the social and emotional needs of students and promote a successful learning capacity for all students. To work in collaboration with student services personnel, both district and school-based. Qualifications Master’s degree in social work from an accredited college or university. Must have and maintain a valid state of Florida driver’s license and/or have access to transportation. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Ability to communicate effectively using written and oral communication skills; ability to use effective positive interpersonal skills; knowledge of state and federal laws related to school attendance, child abuse and HIPAA; knowledge of community resources and community contacts; knowledge of and the ability to interact with individual, group and family dynamics; ability to analyze reports, social histories and behavior assessments; commitment to a core set of beliefs about learning, teaching and ongoing professional learning; knowledge of effective social work theories and practices; ability to provide effective social work practices; and ability to make sound decisions. Reports To Depending on job location, the Director at the district level or Principal at school level. Job Duties and Responsibilities Manifests a professional code of ethics and values. Responds to internal and external customers in a timely, accurate, courteous and empathetic manner representing OCPS in a positive light. Models the routine, intentional and effective use of technology in daily work, including communications, organization and management tasks. Collaborates and meets regularly with the school’s Student Services Team to support all tiers of mental health support and resiliency initiatives. Participates in and supports the multi‑tiered system of supports (MTSS) process to assist with addressing student needs in all areas (attendance, academic, behavioral, social, health, and mental health, etc.) including MTSS, ACST, IEP, 504, and discipline meetings, as appropriate. Serves as a representative at appropriate meetings and activities pertaining to the delivery of school social work services and ensures that federal, state, and district requirements are met. Conducts assigned portions of evaluations of students for ESE services in accordance with social work areas of responsibility. Provides instructional lessons on resiliency topics such as Child Safety Matters and lessons following specific disciplinary infractions. Provides direct individual and group counseling services (which may include counseling as a related service on Individual Evaluation and 504 plans). Supports Threat Management Teams and serves in an appropriate capacity as defined by the district. Supports students who exhibit self‑harm or suicidal ideation and ensures appropriate interventions are implemented. Collaborates with the school‑based attendance team to support all tiers of support related to attendance and truancy. Connects families with community resources and information to meet student and family needs. Conducts home visits for the purpose of assessing areas that may interfere with learning and/or appropriate educational placement. Supports district crisis response. Provides timely documentation through district tracking and accountability systems (digital and cumulative). Participates in and provides professional learning for OCPS employees and community members in accordance with social work areas of responsibility as needed. Provides support and assistance to graduate interns and newly hired school social workers. Follows the district’s policies and procedures as related to HRMD guidelines and the district’s instructional initiatives. Follows the district’s policies and procedures as related to fixed assets. Develops leadership in subordinates. Maintains timely and accurate information and is accountable for the quality of information maintained by those supervised. Engages in self‑development and keeps up to date on current research, trends and best practices relevant to the area of responsibility. Performs other duties as assigned by the principal or director. ADA Compliance Physical Ability: Tasks involve the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of stooping, kneeling, crouching and crawling, and which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (1–20 pounds). Sensory Requirements: Most tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Some tasks require oral communication ability. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds. Environmental Factors: Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, violence, disease or pathogenic substances. Evaluation Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions as set forth in the OCPS Instructional Personnel Evaluation System procedures manual. #J-18808-Ljbffr