Centralized Social Worker

Social Worker

Reports To:

Director of Special Education

Supervises:
None

Work Period: 9 Months

Unit Classification: KEA

The purpose of this position is to assist in the student's adjustment and integration within an educational setting. The work involves contact with students, families, school staff, and administrators via individual, group, and family meetings to solve problems and facilitate the educational process. The employee acts as an advocate on behalf of the student.

Determines students' needs based on interviews and plans appropriate course of action; consults with district administration and building staff with respect to identified needs of students; maintains continuous contact with staff and administrators regarding needs of students.

Advises family and staff on how to access community services for students faced with emotional, physical, or environmental stress; acts as liaison among school, community, and family.

Initiates, supervises, and/or assists in the development of in-service training programs for school personnel relative to social work processes.

Participates in multi-disciplinary teams to develop action plans to meet students' needs.

Initiates and maintains appropriate student records; maintains other appropriate records as needed.

Meets weekly with individual and groups of students.

Maintains regular contact with families; acts as liaison among school, family, and community service providers.

Develops and coordinates programs to address specific needs of high-risk students. Provides crisis intervention services to students and families.

Engages in ongoing professional development and research.

Serves on a variety of committees and works on special projects as assigned.

Seeks funding for programs that improve student achievement and increase family involvement with the educational process.

Serves as member of the special education team of the school and district; performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position as assigned.

Consults with the principal, building staff, and parents in meeting identified needs of all students.

Collaborates with community professionals in support of students' academic program. Interacts daily with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and other district staff.

The daily activities are performed in a school and community setting. There is a high level of interaction with students. The work may require moving, lifting, and storing of materials and equipment. The social worker may be exposed to infectious diseases.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Must demonstrate a successful level of the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below:

Knowledge of effective social work practices, methods, and processes.

Knowledge of social and educational institutions including their capabilities and limitations.

Knowledge of the concerns, problems, and issues facing students and families.

Knowledge of social, emotional, and academic development of school age children.

Ability to make decisions within the framework of existing laws, policies, and regulations.

Ability to assess individual students' abilities and limitations.

Ability to analyze and synthesize data.

Ability to produce accurate records and reports.

Ability to make independent decisions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, parents, other employees, and others as needed.

Ability to communicate effectively.

Ability to remain objective in emotionally charged situations.

Skill in computer operation and ability to learn and operate a variety of software programs. Skill in organizing and coordinating work load.

Education and Experience…