The School Social Worker Assistant will work with the Social Worker who is responsible and accountable for enabling students to derive the fullest possible educational experience from school to ensure they reach their academic and personal potential by providing or arranging necessary social work services for referred students. They will be actively involved in the day-to-day activities of the students, including meeting with students, coordinating contact with parents and school staff, and integrating social work services with the regular school day. They work closely with the School Social Worker, Special Services Director, School Director, the school administrative team, to ensure the social work services are meeting the needs of the students. The School Social Worker assistant will help ensure accurate and timely reporting to the Special Services Director. They report regularly regarding student needs and challenges, with recommendations for action and a summary of actions taken. The School Social Worker Assistant ensures the school philosophy, brand, systems, policies and procedures are properly implemented and observed.
Student Services:
Develops long-term and short-term intervention plans and performance objectives for students for designated referred students that are consistent with curriculum, students’ needs, strengths, diversity and life experiences
Conducts Functional Behavioral Analyses
Provides consultations/counseling services to students and their families when necessary
Participates in due process proceedings when necessary
Student, Family, School Needs Assessment:
Functions as evaluation coordinator for designated referred students
Conducts evaluations of referred students when social, developmental, adaptive behavior, socioeconomic, and/or family assessments are determined necessary
Interprets social and other student appraisal assessment findings including a thorough interpretation of the student’s exceptionality to parents, teacher, the School Director and other professional school personnel and practitioners outside the school
Conducts groups and courses to meet student needs
Attends IEP meetings and supplies all needed paperwork as requested
Distributes correspondence via email and other ways to inform team members of staff meetings and I.E.P. meetings
Creates a spreadsheet for scheduled I.E.P. meetings and evaluations
Coordinates I.E.P. meetings between parents and team members
Emails Request for Services to appropriate county’s Special Education Services and to team members
Sets up (sends out invitations) and confirms parent appointments for I.E.P. meetings
Communications:
Explains and interprets school social work services to parents, teachers, the School Director and other members of the school staff
Facilitates communication between the home and school, seeking to involve families in the educational process of their children and providing feedback to the school on family situations and problems
Serves as liaison between the school and community agencies, through reciprocal referral arrangements, collaboration on cases, and assistance to families in obtaining and utilizing local resources
Explains to parents and other interested persons due process procedure as defined by legislative acts
Professional Relations:
Ensures smooth and efficient working relations that positively impact the program
Motivates students to perform well and responds promptly to student needs
Regularly collaborate with teachers and school personnel to help teach and reinforce appropriate replacement behaviors in the school setting
Works closely and efficiently with the Special Services Director, School Director, the school administrative team, to ensure compliance with policies and procedures are being adhered to and protocols are followed
Maintains positive relations with colleagues, administration, and staff; inspires respect and trust
Maintains a positive attitude; follows instructions; responds to management direction; requests support as needed
Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling (MSW) with full state licensure via the state health professionals licensing body
Minimum 1-2 years of Social work experience in a public school setting
Education and Certification required in compliance with local regulations
Preferred:
Experience in teaching, counseling, or related experience in a public school setting preferred.
Competencies:
Leadership and team management skills
Interpersonal and communication skills
Organizational and self-management skills
Ability to handle multiple responsibilities effectively
Goal oriented
Planning and execution skills
Problem-solving abilities
Dependable and ready to go above and beyond when necessary to achieve goals.