Social Worker

PRIMARY PURPOSE :

To provide services to students and their families to ensure school attendance and positive adjustment to an educational setting;

to promote a positive working relationship among and between staff and the schools by fostering a climate conducive to open communication and productive work.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education / Certification :

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work or related field, required

Masters' Degree in Social Work or related field, preferred

Texas Board of Social Work Examiners' License, required

Special Knowledge / Skills :

Communicate effectively (verbal and written); utilize effective interpersonal skills; interpret data, federal and state laws and policies, preferred

Experience :

One (1) year social work or related field, required

Experience that relates to the nature of the performance responsibilities, preferred

Days : 187

Daily Rate pay range :

Minimum : $267.16

Midpoint : $319.95

Maximum : $372.74

Note : Starting pay for a new hire in a pay range plan will be determined individually based on each person's job-related experience and salaries paid to peer employees in the same position with similar experience.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

1. Keep informed about current legislation, educational developments, literature and research in Social Work Services by participating in state and national professional organizations;

attend appropriate conferences and staff development sessions; disseminate professional information and materials to the schools.

2. Help students overcome barriers to school attendance and achievement.

3. Support students and parents individually and / or in groups emotional wellness support services on topics such as problem-solving skills, parenting, family crisis, abuse of drugs and alcohol, family violence, teenage pregnancy and other topics.

4. Communicate with teachers and other staff about student life situations and home / neighborhood circumstances.

5. Support students in helping them participate in leadership opportunities.

6. Assist families to understand their children's educational needs and resources available within the school.

7. Provide information to facilitate the family's use of community resources for meeting housing, clothing, nutritional and health needs.

8. Intervene early in problem situations concerning students to prevent development of more serious difficulties.

9. Provide information and referral services to appropriate community resources in physical health, mental health, public welfare and other related services.

10. Enable families to interpret their concerns to school personnel and open lines of communication.

11. Collaborate with teachers to modify classroom approaches to meet the special needs of students.

12. Foster collaborative educational efforts among staff by supporting the district's philosophy and mission.

13. Keep the principal informed regarding the status on all projects or initiatives undertaken and of directives or requests received internally or externally.

14. Foster care (Residential Facility Tracker) Intake and Foster Parent Training for District Foster Students.

15. Communicate with Community Organizations regarding referral for children to conduct initial referral intake with parent.

16. Submit all completed documents to State & Federal Programs.

17. Receive all out of school referral phone messages by parents requesting evaluation. Follow up with setting a date and time to meet parent so initial referral may be initiated.

18. Serve as a liaison between outside agencies for parents with children in need of supports or services.

19. Follow McAllen ISD customer service standards.

20. Perform other duties assigned by campus principals (primary evaluator) in accordance with funding source guidelines.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES :

None

EQUIPMENT USED :

Computer, telephone, copier, fax machine, multimedia equipment

WORKING CONDITIONS : Mental Demands :

Mental Demands :

Maintain emotional control under stress; coordinate multiple projects; meet deadlines

Physical Demands / Environmental Factors :

Frequent prolonged and irregular hours; frequent districtwide and occasional state travel