Social Worker

• Position Type: Counselor/ Licensed Master Social Worker
• Location: Southwest Legacy High School

Primary Purpose:

Perform casework service to help students resolve personal, emotional, and social problems that interfere with their adjustment to school and their ability to enjoy the benefits of the educational process. Function as part of the pupil services team to formulate plans with the school, students, and parents.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Master's degree in counseling from an accredited college or university

Valid Texas license as a master social worker granted by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners

Candidate must have a satisfactory outcome of the fingerprinting check/background check

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of individual and group counseling skills

Knowledge and skills in casework methods

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

Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions

Awareness and ability to access community resources

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience:

Minimum two years of experience in social work

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Conduct group and individual counseling sessions to enhance social development of students and provide peer support in accepting responsibility for their actions, overcoming crisis, resolving conflict, improving attendance, decision-making skills, etc.
• Perform casework service with parents to increase the parents' understanding, their constructive participation in resolving their child's problems, and their knowledge and use of available and appropriate resources.
• Refer school staff and parents to community resources.
• Coordinate and integrate school and community resources.
• Facilitate communication between school personnel and students, parents, and the community.
• Provide crisis support and counseling to students, parents, and school staff.
• Make home visits to gather information relating to students.
• Identify and explore causes of students' dysfunction as it relates to the home, school, and community.
• Arrange for medical, psychiatric, and other tests and examinations that may disclose causes of difficulties and indicate remedial measures.
• Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist in interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students according to district procedures.
• Assist school personnel in helping students explore alternative education programs and career counseling.
• Serve as consultant to school personnel regarding students or situations that are not referred for direct district or outside services.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of parent involvement activities.
• Develop and conduct parenting training and support groups.
• Consult with parents regarding their children's academic performance, behavior, and needs.
• Inform students and parents of their rights and responsibilities under federal and state law including compulsory attendance.
• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interests of students.
• Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and Student Handbook.
• Support campus goals of prevention to maintain a healthy and safe school environment.
• Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of social work services and make changes based on the findings.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and board policy.
• Comply with all district routines and regulations.
• Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
• Daily attendance and punctuality are essential functions of the job.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Tools/Equipment Used:

Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture:

Prolonged periods of sitting, walking, standing, bending, stooping

Motion:

Requires long periods of arm, hand, finger movement

Lifting:

Occasional light lifting and carrying (up to 40+ lbs.)

Environment:

Frequent district-wide traveland occasional prolonged and irregular hours

Mental Demands:

Ability to interpret policies and procedures; communicate effectively (verbal and written); maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.