Social Worker

School Social Worker

The school social worker provides unique services to children, youth, and their families to help the student attain maximum benefits from their school programs. School social workers have knowledge and a concern for the wide range of social, emotional, cultural, and economic differences among children, families, and communities. The Social Worker will assist the school principals and counselors but will report to the Director of the Whole Child Department.

Bachelor's degree, Master's degree preferred, must maintain current licensure status

Must be familiar with the community and support agencies

Must be adaptable to meet the needs of the families in the program in addition to working flexible hours to accommodate work in the evening

Preferred - ability to communicate in native language(s) of program recipients

Experience working with families that have diverse cultures and economic backgrounds

General knowledge of Academics, Behavior, and Attendance Supports

Strong leadership and supervisory skills, able to work in collaborative team based environments

Experience working in an educational, social service, or family support service setting

Experience with child development

Knowledge of individual and group counseling skills

Knowledge and skill in casework management, investigation and intervention theories and practices

Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills, interviewing and analytical skills and interpersonal skills

Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students

Knowledge of social work theories, practices and procedures

Knowledge and understanding of all pertinent legislation and policies

Knowledge in the areas of needs and risk assessment, crisis support, family dynamics, the impact of trauma, psycho-social functioning theories and practices and child protection theories, models and practices

Flexible, adaptable and able to work effectively in a variety of settings and in a cross-cultural situation

Must have 3-5 years experience working with youth, families, schools, and/or community outreach and at risk youth

Provide case management services to elementary – high school students who have been identified as having chronic school absences, behavior problems, or other barriers to learning

Assess family needs and make home visits

Establish and follow through with resource referrals

Attend scheduled ARD and other academic meetings that assist with advocating for scholars well-being

Continue on-going case management documentation

Provide crisis intervention, individual and group counseling as well as parenting groups as seen necessary

Support Student Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams

Notify appropriate agencies when abuse or neglect is suspected

Refer school staff and parents to resources in the community

Consult with administrative and instructional staff as well as mental health partners

Support campus goals of prevention to maintain a healthy and safe school environment

Consult parents regarding their children's academic performance, behavior, and needs

Plan, evaluate, and research interventions related to preventive and developmental student services

Collaborate with Truancy team for cases of unexcused and excessive absences and tardies and enforce provisions of compulsory attendance laws according to Texas Education Code §25.091

Conference regularly with teachers, counselors, principals, and other staff to identify problems of tardiness, attendance, and student truancy; work closely with counselors, teachers, and other staff to identify and counsel students at risk of dropping out, as well as their parents; confer with students in matters of attendance and tardiness and make a reasonable effort to gain their cooperation to improve attendance; conduct home visits and parent conferences on student truancy and attendance problems; maintain contact and act as liaison to local law enforcement agencies and courts in the area of student truancy

Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including records of all cases investigated and reports required by the commissioner of education; implement and comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the area of student attendance

Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations

Assist with coordination of holiday support for families

Assist with coordination of district wide events for Whole Child such as the annual school resource fair

Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and board policy

Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment

Facilitate professional development District Wide to assist with increasing awareness on trauma-informed schools

Coordinate the Department's resource referral process, which can be used to assist children and families from each school

Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisor, colleagues and partners

Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, parents and partners

Maintain confidentiality

Dependable performance requires reliable and dependable attendance

Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or other administrator that are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position.

Supervise Interns

Personal computer, printer, copier, fax machine, shredder

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Maintain emotional control under stress

Work with frequent interruptions

Lifting (45 pounds or more)

Carrying (45 pounds or more)

Sitting

Standing

Bending/Stooping

Kneeling

Pushing/Pulling

Repetitive hand motions

Keyboarding/mouse

Speaking clearly

Hearing

Work inside/outside

Exposure to noise

Work prolonged or irregular hours