School Social Worker

Job Overview

The School Social Worker promotes and enhances the overall academic mission of Loudoun County Public Schools by providing services that support students’ academic and social success. The School Social Worker alleviates barriers to learning by implementing effective intervention, strength and resiliency strategies with students, school staff, families and the community. School Social Workers serve as liaison between home, school and the community.

Family and community factors can influence learning, and school social workers focus on linking students and families to community resources to address issues such as poverty, chronic absenteeism, trauma and child abuse. This includes providing case management and collaborating with community agencies to help families access services through Children’s Services Act (CSA). School Social Workers are an integral part of the Unified Mental Health Team.

The following information is intended to describe the overall nature and scope of the work being performed. This is not a comprehensive listing of all responsibilities or tasks; work may differ and other work may be assigned when deemed appropriate.

• Provides individual and group counseling on anger management, social skills, self-esteem, educational mindfulness, anxiety, resiliency and mental health for students in grades K-12. Works with students through a strength based service delivery model using evidence based interventions.
• Delivers classroom, school and community based presentations including Signs of Suicide, Substance Use Prevention and other related mental health topics.
• Interviews parents of students referred for possible special education services and compiles information into socio-cultural assessment reports for use in the special education eligibility process.
• Participates as an active member of the Pupil Services Student Support Team, Unified Mental Health team, and Child Study Committee to effect school based interventions for students; provides consultations to teachers, parents and related services support staff.
• Provides referrals and case management services to students receiving Homebound, McKinney Vento and Foster Care services.
• Primary school-based referral source and member of interdisciplinary community-based teams for students receiving services through the Children’s Services Act and WRAP. Links students and families to resources in the community. Promotes educational, personal and social growth of students by strengthening the link between school, family and the community.
• Facilitates Restorative Practices Circles and Conferences and leads trainings in RP for school- based staff.
• Assists in planning, implementing and analyzing the following programs:
  Positive Behavior Intervention and Support (PBIS), PEER Program, Bullying Prevention, Sources of Strength, and serves as part of the LCPS crisis intervention team providing crisis interventions on a daily basis to include conducting suicide risk screenings and threat assessments.
• Collects and submits outcome-based data on programs under Student Support Services division.

Below are the minimum qualifications for this job. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are also acceptable.

Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited College or University

One (1) year of successful experience as a School Social Worker or Social Worker Intern

Holds or is eligible for the Virginia Pupil Personnel Services License with an endorsement of School Social Worker and is knowledgeable about Ethical Codes and Standards under the National Association of Social Workers and School Social Workers Association of America

• Possesses leadership qualities and professional characteristics necessary to work effectively with students, school personnel, parents and members of the community.
• Knowledge of and experience with children and youth mental health issues.
• Demonstrates strong skills in oral and written communication and time management.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is…