Certified - Position - Social Worker Job Number : ******** Start Date : Open Date : 10/12/2023 Closing Date : Job Description : POSITION TITLE: SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER REPORTS TO: DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL EDUCATION OVERTIME STATUS: EXEMPT PAY GRADE: 710 JOB SUMMARY:
Position works with parents, students and staff providing specialized services to enable students to achieve optimal learning. Position also collects, interprets, and synthesizes information about a student's development, medical history, educational history, adaptive functioning, community environment, family dynamics, economic differences, classroom/school environment, and significant issues that influence academic and behavioral functioning. Position works cooperatively as an interdisciplinary team member to provide services and to devise appropriate service plans for referred students and their families. Work is performed under the general supervision of the School Social Work Department Head and the Coordinator of Special Education and Related Services. ESSENTIAL DUTIES: Perform culturally responsive casework services with students and families to address student's behavioral, academic, mental health and social concerns that are negatively impacting academic or school success. Select and administer age appropriate assessment tools in order to determine the needs of students. Gather, analyze and interpret data to develop student intervention plans and to monitor student progress. Obtain background information on students by conducting student observations, making home visits, conducting interviews, and reviewing school records. Submit comprehensive socio-cultural assessment reports that address the reason for referral and include appropriate recommendations. Serve as a member of the interdisciplinary assessment team assigned to each school and works as a team member in making placement decisions, developing intervention plans, and planning programs to meet the special needs of children. Communicate case findings and recommendations to parents, teachers, and other school personnel as needed. Participate in eligibility committee meetings and contribute to the development of the Individualized Education Programs (IEP). Assist in the development of Functional Behavioral Assessments and Behavior Intervention plans. Engage with and provide information, support, and counseling to parents/guardians of students. Provide in-service training and workshops for teachers and staff regarding mental health issues and proper procedures for the identification and referral of students. Conduct specialized individual and group counseling sessions to address specific emotional, social, mental health and behavioral needs of students. Serve as a liaison and foster partnerships between the student, home, school, private counseling facilities, and community resources such as social services, and family service agencies that mutually support the advancement, success and well-being of students. Provide follow-up support and periodic evaluation services as necessary. Act as a member of the school crisis team and provide intervention to students as necessary. Collaborate with Attendance Liaisons to provide support in matters involving attendance/truancy to include assisting in the development of a plan, parent or family outreach, and home visits as appropriate. Compile monthly reports and maintains accurate case records. Model nondiscriminatory practices in all of their activities. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The School Social Worker will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the School Social Work Head of Department and Coordinator of Special Education and Related Services or appropriate administrator. JOB SPECIFICATIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Thorough knowledge of the policies and procedure relating to special education placements, thorough knowledge of special education programs, excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to effectively communicate with students, parents, teachers, administrators, and community partners.
This light work requiring the exertion of up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects; work requires walking, and repetitive motions; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken work levels; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities; the worker is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions, and hazards. Personal transportation and maintaining a valid driver's license are necessary. Accurate, complete, and punctual record keeping are required. The organization and management of time, resources, and services are vital in an effort to meet and fulfill workload demands. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Must possess a Master's degree in social work or a related field and meet the Virginia Department of Education licensure eligibility requirements for School Social Worker (minimum of 60 graduate semester hours, a minimum of 6 graduate semester hours in education; and a completed supervised practicum or field experience of a minimum of 400 clock hours in an accredited school discharging the duties of a school social worker (1 year of supervised work experience may be substituted).
The School Social Worker is strong in the realm of service, social justice, dignity and worth of students, understanding relationships, integrity, and competence (Code of Ethics NASW). APPLICATION PROCEDURE:
All applicants please submit an on-line application along with copies of supporting credentials. Be sure to connect your application to the advertised position. PORTSMOUTH PUBLIC SCHOOLS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Salary Rate Range : $53,598.45 min. Job Description :
The Portsmouth Public Schools prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy and childbirth, marital status or any other basis prohibited by law. (Reference: School Board Policies 2-33,4-4, and 4-6).
