Marion Junior High School Social Worker

Social Worker Position

Under the direction of the principal, the Social Worker's primary responsibility is to help students with issues that affect their school performance and behavior. The Social Worker will act as a communication liaison between family and school focusing upon building a positive family/school relationship leading to student success and to assist with the identification, support & reporting of homeless/truant students. The Social Worker shall address the psychological and social well-being of students.

He/she shall provide information/counseling that helps students, parents and school staff work together to solve problems, and communicate and provide referrals to other resources.

Requirements include a Degree in Psychology. A Master's Degree in Social Work and Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS) for Children and Adolescents is preferred as well as the necessary licensure determined by the Illinois State Board of Education.

Responsibilities include working with the district's administrative team, At-Risk Coordinator and fellow social worker(s) to ensure proper identification of homeless/truant students, appropriate response(s) and reporting (e.g. transportation arrangements, school supplies, clothing, etc.). Assisting in the identification of families who may need support in navigating school and community systems (e.g. school services, routines). Participating as a core team member of the school's PBIS team (Mandated Response to Intervention program).

Providing staff trainings (e.g. restorative justice, student referral process). Acting as a liaison/systems navigator between families/students and community agencies for the purpose of enlisting needed help for homeless/truant students. Interacting with students to assess the areas in which they might need counseling or assistance. Communicating with parents, teachers and administrators to provide a full view of the issues facing an individual student, group or entire district.

Maintaining case files and reports to track student problems and progress and to recognize patterns in behavior. Once issues or behavior problems have been identified, the coordinator/social worker shall assist in remediation by providing counseling, behavioral plans or workshops. Ability to utilize word processing, database and spreadsheet programs on the computer. Maintaining updated and accurate student records. Holding and maintaining an Illinois Driver's License.

Ability to learn and interpret rules, regulations, laws and instructions. Knowledge of and ability to use English correctly and appropriately. Ability to perform required work with accuracy and within established timelines. Helping students function effectively in the school environment. Participating in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process as necessary. Referring families who may be in need of services to improve their child's academic outcomes (e.g. District's Multi-Tiered System of Support, Regional Office of Education Truancy Response Program, Community Agencies/Supports).

Accurately maintaining digital homeless/truant student data within the district's student database. Participating in School/District meetings, conferences, and collaboration as appropriate. Promptly responding to referrals from school personnel. Prioritizing situations according to need and urgency. If Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS) for Children and Adolescents (SASS) certified, assisting with crisis situations district wide. Conducting home visits as appropriate. Collaborating on urgent situations with school/district administration as quickly as possible.

Maintaining confidentiality and information shared follows district, state and federal guidelines. Assisting with family trainings/meeting. Assisting with evaluation of parent engagement efforts. Assisting with other duties that may be assigned by the Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent. Assuring that eligibility for services and supports shall not be limited on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, political affiliation, income level, insurance status, or disability.