School Social Worker Anticipated SY

Job Summary

This position is responsible for collaborating with multiple groups including students, families, educators, other support professionals, administrators and outside agencies. The School Social Worker must have strong knowledge and understanding of social issues and the array of behavioral issues that students may present. This position must advocate for students and families but must also maintain boundaries and ethical behavior as set forth by the NASW Code of Ethics and also by state law and district policies governing this service for students.

The School Social Worker must be able to work with multiple systems to ensure student access to a robust and full education. This position requires empathy and respect for students and families manifested by maintaining and protecting their dignity.

• Provides onsite support to district students, staff and families to enhance educational opportunities for students, specifically for a targeted population of students who are considered high risk.
• Provides IEP mandated services to students including group or individual counseling, in‑class coaching, and social skills training.
• Attends 504 meetings when needed and provides related services to support students' social/emotional learning.
• Provides consultation to staff and administration related to student behavior, social and emotional need, and family dynamics when appropriate.
• Serves as a multi‑disciplinary evaluation team member conducting and reporting out on Social Histories when necessary.
• Works with families to provide referral and services that support improved functioning for students.
• Provides support as a member of the behavior intervention team.
• Develops data collection systems and reviews the data and outcomes with the team.
• Serves on committees as necessary to engage with staff, administration, families and other agencies including but not limited to attendance committees and RTI MTSS.
• Promotes and supports the PBIS school‑wide culture.
• Collaborates with outside providers.
• Determines the need for small target psych‑educational groups with students (i.e., anger management, impulse control, grief).
• Communicates regularly with families of students with social emotional needs.
• Builds community partnerships that enhance student and family access to services and community resources.
• Provides formal and informal opportunities to both staff and the community to increase their awareness of mental health, social/cultural and emotional issues that affect learning and functioning.
• Provide crisis management and conduct risk assessments to students when necessary.
• Act as a liaison in cases where students are returning from out of district placements for mental health reasons (hospitals, day programs and out of district placements).
• Maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Communicates effectively (written and verbally) with students, families, staff, administration and outside providers.
• Demonstrates the ability to synthesize data; make recommendations and develop effective plans to enhance students' educational opportunities.
• Other related duties as assigned.

• Experience:
  • Prefer experience as a School Social Worker but must have a minimum of three (3) years successful experience in providing social/emotional support/services to students.
• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree including coursework in Social Work required.
  • Master's Degree in Social Work preferred.
• Certification:
  • Must possess RIDE School Social Worker certification.
  • Must possess either RI LICSW or LCSW.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Walk, climb stairs, bend and lift up to 45 lbs.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Must provide a current national background check without disqualifying results at time of hire.