Social Worker

SUMMARY :

The Social Worker will identify and access the needs of at-risk youth, while coordinating human service partnerships to deliver necessary services.

Responsible for overall program management of the assigned campus(s).

The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties and responsibilities noted herein, however, this list represents examples only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

• Model KISD core organizational beliefs and values; perform duties effectively and efficiently for the purpose of supporting and contributing to high student achievement.
• Provide program support and service delivery; communicate effectively within and across teams and participate in cross-functional work groups.
• Maintain a commitment to the District mission; model District expectations through personal leadership and actively support the efforts of others to achieve District goals.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Social Work

• Work with the Counseling department and Federal Programs department to develop standards and communicate these standards to Keller ISD personnel, students, and parents.
• Ensure that the family has a role in the support of the identified student, through home visits, phone calls and other methods of communication that are applicable to the specific family.
• Deliver evidence-based services, based on identified student and school needs, and / or to build and reinforce student assets.

These include Level One (school-wide) and Level Two services (case-managed).

• Provide overall case management and dropout prevention services to an identified group of students; ensuring that their social, emotional, medical and educational needs are addressed, as resources are available at the school / community level.
• Provide crisis support and counseling to students, parents, and school staff.
• Coordinate and integrate school and community resources and refer school staff and parents to community resources where appropriate.

Consultation

• Collaborate with school staff to assess, identify and prioritize student needs and make appropriate linkages to needed academic, physical or social services to children in need.
• Serve as consultant to school personnel regarding students or situations that are not referred for direct District or outside services.
• Seek to be a valued member of the school community, by pursuing membership on the campus counseling team or other teams / groups within the school that would support the role of the Social Worker.
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of parent involvement activities. Develop and conduct parenting training and support groups.
• Consult with parents regarding their children’s academic performance, behavior, and needs.
• Inform students and parents of their rights and responsibilities under federal and state law including compulsory attendance.

Program Management

• Work with direct supervisor to refine and implement improved systems for documenting activities / program services delivered to all identified students and their families.
• Utilize an effective referral process for assisting identified students and others to use special programs and services.
• Link to community agencies to provide support to students, in partnership with school staff (counselor, social worker).
• Successfully recruit, train, and retain community volunteers by providing overall scheduling and coordination of volunteer / student relations.

One-on-one relationship with a caring adult).

• Conduct an annual needs assessment using multiple sources of data, to be used as the foundation for campus(s) operations planning.
• Plan, design, and lead professional development sessions for Keller ISD personnel as well as community members and other participants.
• Provide networking opportunities for volunteers and community partners.
• Provide leadership in securing community resources beneficial in improving student’s physical and academic needs.
• Coordinate and / or support after-school services offered to students when available.
• Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of social work services and make changes based on the findings.

Policy, Reports, and Law

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other required documents.
• Develop and maintain systems for retrieval of information in support of all programs; compile, maintain, file, and secure all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents.
• Pursue Professional Development activities for self and assigned staff; ensure that Professional Development activities are aligned with District goals and initiatives and current professional research.
• Comply with all policies, operating procedures, legal requirements, and verbal and written directives.
• Comply with the Professional Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
• Follow District safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education / Certification :

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from a Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited program or
• Valid Texas License as a Baccalaureate Social Worker (LBSW) granted by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners

Experience :

Two (2) years successful Social Work experience.

SPECIAL KNOWLEGDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES :

• Knowledge of individual and group counseling skills
• Knowledge and skill in casework methods
• Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students
• Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Ability to present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations to students, parents, and district staff
• Ability to identify, access, and utilize the multiplicity of social services available in the community to support students.
• Knowledge of community-based organizations to help students’ access appropriate services outside the school setting.
• Strong organizational, communication, teambuilding, and interpersonal skills

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES :

None

MENTAL / PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS :

Tools / Equipment Used :

Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture :

Prolonged sitting; frequent standing; kneeling / squatting, occasional bending / stooping, pushing / pulling, and twisting

Motion :

Frequent walking; Repetitive hand motions, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting :

May require regular heavy lifting (45 pounds or more) to control behavior through physical restraint

Environment :

• Work to be completed on-site from assigned school or building; regular exposure to noise and computer monitors
• No remote work
• Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands :

Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress work; prolonged or irregular hours

INTENT AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT :

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be.

It is not intended to limit, or any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision.

The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.