School Social Worker

Job Description Middletown Public Schools Mission Statement Middletown Public Schools cultivates the brilliance in each student. Values and Belief Statements Empowerment: Middletown Public Schools empowers its students with the knowledge and skills to create lives brimming with purpose, passion and fulfillment. Community: Middletown Public Schools harnesses the power of community by fostering an environment of mutual understanding and appreciation. Growth: Middletown Public Schools encourages a culture of growth and exploration, inspiring lifelong learners. Authenticity: Middletown Public Schools embraces each person's authenticity and cultivates an inclusive culture that brings about a sense of belonging. Location: Lawrence Elementary School Broad Function This position is responsible for providing social work services that support students' educational, social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs in order to promote academic success and access to educational opportunities. The School Social Worker serves as a liaison among students, families, school personnel, community agencies, and service providers, and assists in the development and implementation of interventions that support student well‑being, school engagement, and compliance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities In addition to the job specific requirements listed in this section, employee is accountable for and expected to integrate all MPS values work Pillars into the execution of the essential functions of their job. Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general requirements for work being performed by employees in this job. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all requirements, responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so employed. Ability to display flexibility to meet the operational demands of the department activities required. Knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of Special Education required. Ability to adhere to and model organizational values and Work Pillars required. Ability to interact with students, families, co-workers and members of the public in a courteous and professional manner required. Knowledge of and ability to successfully utilize Google Suite and Microsoft office suite programs required. Knowledge of State and Federal regulations related to Special Education and related services required. Knowledge of ability to successfully utilize CT SEDS database required. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing required. Ability to work nights and weekends required. Knowledge of assessment methods, techniques, and tools for supporting all students required. Knowledge of child development, adolescent development, and social-emotional learning principles to support student growth and educational success. Knowledge of federal and state laws, regulations, and professional standards governing special education, student services, mandated reporting, confidentiality, and student rights to ensure legal and regulatory compliance. Knowledge of behavioral health practices, crisis intervention techniques, trauma-informed practices, and evidence-based interventions to address student social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Knowledge of community resources, social service systems, and mental health agencies to facilitate access to appropriate supports and services. Ability to conduct comprehensive social-developmental assessments and analyze information to identify student needs and recommend interventions. Ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with students, families, staff members, community agencies, and service providers to support student success. Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written formats to present information, facilitate meetings, prepare reports, and maintain required documentation. Ability to coordinate services among multiple stakeholders to ensure continuity of support and effective implementation of student intervention plans. Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate records, and meet established timelines to support district and school operations. Ability to exercise sound professional judgment and maintain confidentiality while performing assigned responsibilities. Ability to de-escalate conflict, facilitate problem-solving, and respond appropriately to crisis situations involving students, families, or staff. Ability to utilize technology systems, data management platforms, and standard office software to maintain records, monitor services, and communicate effectively. Ability to maintain appropriate student supervision required. Ability to collaborate and work effectively with peers, administrators, and others required Essential Functions Conducts social-developmental assessments, functional assessments, interviews, observations, and record reviews to identify barriers affecting student learning, attendance, behavior, and educational performance. Prepares written reports, assessment summaries, recommendations, and documentation required for special education eligibility determinations, reevaluations, intervention planning, and student support services. Participates in Planning and Placement Team (PPT), Section 504, student support, attendance, threat assessment, crisis response, and other multidisciplinary meetings as assigned. Provides direct individual, group, and family-centered social work services to students experiencing social, emotional, behavioral, attendance, adjustment, or mental health concerns. Develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates intervention plans designed to improve student attendance, behavior, engagement, emotional regulation, and access to educational programs. Collaborates with teachers, administrators, related service providers, and support staff to identify student needs and implement appropriate interventions, accommodations, and supports. Consults with school personnel regarding student behavior, family dynamics, mental health concerns, crisis situations, and social-emotional supports. Coordinates referrals to community agencies, mental health providers, medical professionals, social service organizations, and other external resources as appropriate. Communicates with parents, guardians, caregivers, and family members regarding student needs, available services, intervention strategies, and school-based supports. Conducts home visits, when appropriate and authorized, to assess student needs, improve family engagement, address attendance concerns, and facilitate access to educational services. Responds to student crises involving behavioral, emotional, mental health, safety, or family-related concerns and implements appropriate intervention, stabilization, and referral procedures. Assists in the identification, reporting, and documentation of suspected abuse, neglect, or other situations requiring mandated reporting in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and district procedures. Maintains confidential student records, service logs, case notes, reports, and documentation in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, professional standards, and district requirements. Collects, reviews, and analyzes student data to assess intervention effectiveness, monitor progress, identify trends, and support data-informed decision-making. Facilitates conflict resolution, restorative practices, mediation, and problem-solving processes involving students, families, and school personnel when appropriate. Provides consultation, training, and professional development to staff regarding social-emotional learning, behavioral health, trauma-informed practices, attendance interventions, crisis response, and related topics. Collaborates with outside agencies, service providers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to coordinate services and support student needs. Travels between schools, district locations, student residences, community agencies, and service providers as required by assignment. Utilizes computers, student information systems, electronic recordkeeping systems, communication platforms, and standard office technology to perform assigned duties and maintain required documentation. Maintains regular and reliable attendance and performs duties within established timelines and professional standards. Performs other duties as directed Qualifications and Experience Master's Degree in Social Work required. LSW and/or LICSW certification required. Three (3) years of relevant experience providing social work, counseling, case management, behavioral intervention, or related services to children, adolescents, and families; experience in a public school setting preferred. Valid State Social Worker certification required (071) required. Valid State Driver's license required. *Only qualified applicants will be contacted. Statement of Non-Discrimination The Middletown Board of Education is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, age, marital status, military or veteran status, national origin, ancestry, alienage, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability or pregnancy in any of its education programs, activities, or employment policies. All educational programs and offerings, including vocational education and extracurricular activities, subscribe to this policy. Job Requirements 1 Year Contract #J-18808-Ljbffr