School Social Worker

Job Description

Job Description

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:

SKILLS:
• 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