School Social Worker

Job Description

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY

This professional serves as a liaison between the program, educational personnel, families, and community resources. The individual provides intensive counseling and support services to students facing significant social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. The role includes helping students succeed academically by addressing social-emotional and environmental issues that interfere with learning. Collaboration with caregivers, educators, and community providers is essential to support students’ positive adjustment and long-term success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide social work case management to support student success and family engagement.

Make appropriate referrals to external and internal services that support students’ academic, behavioral, and mental health needs.

Assist families in accessing community resources and navigating support systems.

Identify the need for, and assist in developing, parent workshops and family-focused support services.

Collaborate with school-based and program staff to develop strategies that promote academic progress and reduce behavior-related barriers.

Participate in individualized education planning (IEP) meetings to help establish and monitor social, emotional, behavioral, and academic goals.

Conduct home and agency visits to maintain strong communication and support networks between school and family / community stakeholders.

Identify intervention strategies and support crisis management to promote student stability and success.

Provide direct individual and / or group counseling to address the behavioral and emotional needs that impact student learning.

Implement behavior support strategies to help improve social interactions and student conduct.

Observe classrooms and consult with staff to support behavior and emotional wellness in educational settings.

Model and train staff and caregivers on crisis management and behavioral intervention techniques.

Facilitate classroom meetings, social-emotional learning groups, and presentations tailored to student needs.

Maintain required documentation and submit timely, accurate reports.

Conduct risk assessments and follow established protocols for emergency evaluations as needed.

Monitor and support student transitions into less restrictive or general education environments.

Attend meetings, training sessions, and professional development activities as required.

Maintain confidentiality, adhere to ethical guidelines, and perform additional duties as assigned.

Carry out responsibilities consistent with the overall intent and scope of the role.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED SKILLS

Strong clinical background with experience working with youth facing emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges.

Familiarity with relevant laws, regulations, and practices related to special education and emotional disabilities.

Ability to contribute to the development and implementation of IEPs, including behavioral and academic goal-setting.

Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

Ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary teams and adapt to various working environments.

Master’s degree in Social Work or a related field from an accredited institution.

Must hold or be eligible to obtain appropriate licensure or certification (e.g., LCSW, LPC, or equivalent, as applicable by jurisdiction).

Previous experience in educational, clinical, or community-based settings serving children and adolescents with emotional or behavioral needs.

PHYSICAL AND WORK ENVIRONMENT REQUIREMENTS

This position involves regular movement throughout educational facilities and may require occasional travel between sites based on program needs.

Must be able to communicate effectively, engage in active listening, and use standard office equipment.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

This organization is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. Harassment of any kind will not be tolerated.

DISCLAIMER

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the responsibilities and requirements of the position. It is not a comprehensive list, and duties may be modified or assigned as needed to meet program and organizational goals.