Social worker MSW - LaGrange School Program

Social worker MSW - LaGrange School Program

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Who We Are For over 60 years, Abilities First, Inc. has been empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to live their most vibrant, independent lives. From early education to adulthood, our wide range of services—including preschool and school programs, day and residential habilitation, community connections, and employment services—are designed to uplift every individual’s unique strengths and dreams.

We believe in the power of people—of every background, identity, and ability—to create change and build a more inclusive world. Abilities First is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is welcoming and supportive of people of varying abilities, races, ethnicities, religions, socio-economic status, gender and gender identities. At Abilities First, you’ll join a mission‑driven team that values collaboration, celebrates individuality, and is dedicated to meaningful work.

If you're ready to turn your passion into purpose, we’d love to welcome you aboard.

We are looking for a patient, energetic and passionate Social Worker for our Dutchess County School programs. This is an opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team, families, students and groups focusing on a variety of treatment modalities. The Social Worker assists School Staff in meeting Individual Education Plan goals of students with disabilities.

Monday – Friday – 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

$28.50 – $30.50 per hour.

• Individual and Group Counseling with students.
• Complete annuals, quarterly reports, follow IEP goals and create goals.
• Collaborate with teachers and interdisciplinary team members to develop and implement Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals.
• Coordinate donations for families during the holidays.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments and develop treatment plans.
• Provide counseling as listed in a child’s IEP and maintain documentation as required by NYSED.
• Assist families in understanding the developmental and behavioral needs present in their children.
• Offer crisis intervention and support to students in need.
• Facilitate communication between school, families, and external agencies.
• Promote social‑emotional learning and behavioral development.
• Maintain accurate and confidential student records.
• Support and advocate for families in enhancing their coping skills and understanding of the issues that arise from developmental disabilities.
• Linkage and referral to community services for students and families.
• Request services from outside agencies when needed (BOCES).
• Attend classroom team meetings when requested.
• Evaluate students in crisis (suicide risk assessment, threat assessments).
• Participate in building classes for the school year.
• Assist participants in appropriate service plan development to include educational, medical, vocational, residential and social needs that reflect person/family‑centered planning. Provide linkage and referral services as needs are identified and requested by participant.
• Function as a member of the school team, act as a liaison, and ensure open communication between student service programs and other community agencies.
• Provide advocacy services by intervening on behalf of the students to ensure or secure needed services, resources, entitlements and human rights.
• Maintain appropriate documentation required by oversight agencies and/or service programs.
• Meet regularly (as per oversight agencies, service program and participant requirements) for follow‑up on concerns to provide support, information and concrete problem‑solving services.
• Provide individual, family and group counseling to enhance coping skills and increase understanding of issues arising from developmental disabilities.
• Perform other appropriate job‑related activities as required by the immediate supervisor or as circumstances warrant.
• Follow all agency policy and procedures and demonstrate continuous regard for personal safety and the safety of others.
• Adhere to agency Code of legal and Ethical Behavior, which requires all employees, consultants, board members,…