Social Worker, Educationally Related Mental Health Services (ERMHS) - Programs for Exceptional Children (PEC) (2024-25)

DUTIES : Incumbent may perform any combination of the essential functions shown below. This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge, or abilities associated with this classification, but are intended to accurately reflect the principal job elements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Perform ERMHS social work services for a caseload of students at various school sites, and / or in an assigned Counseling Enriched Special Day Classroom on site, and in the field.
• Develop a therapeutic milieu that is based on understanding the effects of human feelings, conflicts, and trauma on students’ learning ability and behavior if working in a Counseling Enriched Special Day Classroom;

collaborate with the team to develop and implement a positive behavior management / intervention system to improve student functioning and academic success.

Conduct initial assessments and evaluations of students' mental health, behavioral, social and emotional problems and needs per Federal Special Education, Medi-Cal, and Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) requirements.

Develop individualized mental health treatment plans that meet standards of clinical and ethical practice, referencing ERMHS and Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and objectives.

Maintain confidential client records per Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) regulations.

• Diagnose mental health conditions using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V) under the supervision of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
• Complete daily progress notes and submit into the county- and district-adopted tracking and billing system for Medi-Cal billing.

Bill for clinical services provided under Medi-Cal contract with Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services.

• Participate on the Individualized Education Program team and prepare IEP documentation as required. Along with the IEP case manager, develop social-emotional goals and objectives and positive behavior intervention plans for each student that are consistent with his / her individualized mental health treatment plan and Alameda County mental health goals, and report progress on those goals at intervals designated within the IEP.
• Collaborate with staff to develop an appropriate level of support and plan for each student. Provide consultation to personnel about mental health diagnoses, social-emotional needs and behavioral interventions.
• Facilitate individual, group, and milieu therapy services under the supervision of a LCSW. Provide case management, family intervention, support, and education.
• Make referrals to appropriate outside agencies. Collaborate with outside agency providers, such as psychiatrists, psychologists, probation officers, and the Department of Social Services.
• Provide clinical crisis intervention services.
• Provide education and support to families about mental health diagnoses, social-emotional functioning and behavioral interventions.
• Provide education, counseling, and case management services to support compliance with psychotropic medication prescriptions and on-going evaluation by the psychiatrist.
• Participate in monthly Peer Review / Quality Assurance meetings per Medi-Cal and BBS requirements.
• Prepare mental health charts for required six-month Clinical Quality Review per Medi-Cal and Alameda County Mental Health contract requirements.
• Complete and submit appropriate reports and referrals when necessary, to Alameda County Mental Health, medication evaluations, and reports to the juvenile justice system, Department of Rehabilitation, Social Security / Disability and Transition Services.
• Participate in weekly clinical supervision with LCSW per BBS and Medi-Cal regulations.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS :

The District determines whether a candidate is qualified based on fulfillment of prerequisites, relevant work experience, ability to perform the essential functions, reference checks, effective interpersonal and communication skills demonstrated by interview performance and / or writing samples, and achievement on performance-based assessments (if applicable) that demonstrate the candidate possesses the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities.

Meeting prerequisites only satisfies the initial screening process and does not indicate the candidate is qualified to perform the essential functions of the position.

KNOWLEDGE OF :

• Laws, rules, and regulations applicable to social services, including National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V)
• The Individuals and Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
• Social work principles and practices, including assessment, evidence-based therapeutic interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, group and family work
• State and federal regulations regarding ethics, treatment, clients' rghts and confidentiality

ABILITY TO :

• Interpret and implement applicable laws, codes, policies, procedures, and District regulations governing workscope
• Communicate effectively in English orally and in writing and to speak in public
• Process and make decisions quickly
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action
• Maintain accurate and confidential records
• Work confidentially and with discretion
• Work independently
• Meet schedules and timelines
• Establish and maintain effective working relationship among students, parents, District staff, and the community
• Plan and organize work
• Follow oral and written instructions
• Compile and analyze information and prepare reports
• Supervise assigned personnel
• Operate personal computer, related software, and other office equipment

PREREQUISITES :

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university, and an earned Master's degree in Social Welfare or Social Work (MSW) from an accredited college or university.
• Valid California Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) License or registered with the Board of Behavioral Sciences as an Associate Social Worker (ASW) currently in the process of accruing hours towards the examination process and licensure.
• Experience working with children or in an educational setting
• Valid California Pupil Personnel Services Credential with School Social Work authorization
• Valid California Driver’s License, if applicable

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS :

Employment eligibility will include fingerprints, tuberculosis and / or other employment clearance

WORKING CONDITIONS

ENVIRONMENT :

Mental health classrooms, diverse school sites and office environment; home visits; field and outside agencies; driving a vehicle to conduct work;

very fast-paced work; constant interruptions; work with verbally and physically aggressive individuals; exposure to a variety of childhood and adult diseases and illnesses

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Consistent mental alertness; sitting or standing for extended periods of time; lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling objects up to 50 pounds, occasionally 50+ pounds;
• bending and twisting at the waist, reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally; dexterity of both hands and fingers while performing duties;

seeing to read, write and use the computer; hearing and speaking to exchange information, in person or on the telephone, and make presentations.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY :

The Oakland Unified School District does not discriminate in any program, activity, or in employment on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, gender, sex, or sexual orientation.