School Social Worker

School Social Worker

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.

Schedules are flexible, may include early mornings, evenings, overnights, weekdays, weekends, holidays, mandated overtime, mandated holds, and on call 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: 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