School Social Worker

Position Overview
Under the direct supervision of the Associate Director of School Support Services, the School Social Worker provides social work services to students, parents and school staff and will promote and enhance the overall school academic mission by providing services that strengthen home, school, and community partnerships and address barriers to learning and achievement. School Social Worker will support the school’s social and emotional wellness strategies on a Tier I level, as well as individualized Tier II/III intensive supports. 

Duties

• Works directly with School Support Services team; collaborating with SSWC, School Social Workers, Family Specialists, MSW Interns, School Counselor and other school personnel as needed.
• Manages the school’s truancy process; takes active steps to improve student attendance via parent conferencing, home visits, progress monitoring, and coordinating school-wide attendance campaigns.
• Provides ERICS and/or DIS counseling; Participates in the Individual Education Plan (IEP) process as required; completes necessary documentation in Welligent.
• Supports school wide preventative approaches to create a safe school environment that promotes positive culture and climate (i.e. anti-bullying, suicide prevention, mental health awareness, clubs).
• Provides a variety of student interventions including individual and group counseling for students needing Tier 2/3 support.
• Conducts risk assessments/crisis interventions for students who present with safety concerns.
• Supports families in understanding school interventions related to social, emotional or behavioral incidents; conduct necessary follow ups (i.e. check-in’s, parent meetings, conflict resolutions).
• Able to build collaborative relationships with teachers to better address in-class behaviors.
• Works with Family Specialist to facilitates parent workshops/groups based on community needs; able to implement innovated strategies to enhance family engagement.
• Develop and maintain relationship with Union Rescue Mission (URM) to better support homeless students and families; Develop systems of support for new students.
• Participates in the recruitment and interviewing process of PPS interns as well as the onboarding and training; acts as a preceptor as needed.
• Participates in staff meetings, case conferences, staff trainings and professional consultation.
• Promotes collaboration among external service providers and facilitates student access to these services.
• Conducts individual and/or system-wide surveys to assess the school and/or community needs.
• Maintains accurate case records and documentation.
• Maintains current knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations and abides by said laws and regulations with emphasis on persons with disabilities, child welfare, mental health, confidentiality, and student and parent rights.
• Able to articulate the details of Mandated Reporting to staff in order to ensure that instances of suspected abuse and/or neglect are handled appropriately. Support school staff with child abuse reporting when needed.
• Performs other job-related duties as directed by supervisor.

Qualifications and Experience Requirements

• Bilingual English/Spanish Required. English proficiency supporting professional-level verbal and written communication to children, parents and other staff members required.
• At least two years of experience providing direct services to school-age children; experience working within schools preferred.
• An understanding of the IEP process and Special Education programs.
• Knowledge of current state law/regulations regarding school proficiency standards.
• Direct service skills in working with students, parents and groups.
• Ability to prepare social and family histories and cooperate on the formulation of committee reports.
• Social work case reporting and writing skills.
• Depth in knowledge of child abuse/crisis intervention techniques.
• Ability to demonstrate effective liaison relationships with parents, schools, and agencies.
• Ability to conduct effective meetings and conferences.

Education and Certification Requirements

• Master’s in Social Work, currently registered as an Associate Clinical Social Worker or Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy, currently registered as an MFT Intern, or Masters in School Counseling who is registered as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
• Pupil Personnel Services Credential - required.
• Successfully pass all post offer, pre-employment screening requirements, including criminal background check, drug test and provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Current certification in CPR/First Aid.

Other Requirements 

• Must have reliable transportation and State required automobile insurance coverage and valid Class C California driver’s license (mileage to be reimbursed).
• Strong knowledge in conducting socio-environmental analysis and diagnosis on problem students.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills; able to work with a team.