Licensed School Social Worker

Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit 16•Milton, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Licensed School Social Worker (LSSW) is responsible for supporting the social-emotional, behavioral health, and therapeutic needs of students in the Beyond Boundaries Non-Traditional Education Program. This role involves coaching program staff on trauma-informed practices, facilitating therapeutic group interventions, and promoting communication between school personnel, families, and human service agencies. The LSSW provides preventative and problem-solving approaches for students within the program.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW).
A valid Pennsylvania Social Worker license issued by the PA Department of State Bureau of Professional Occupational Affairs.
Computer experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, artificial intelligence (AI), data entry, email, and experience managing file sharing with Google Drive.
Adept at using virtual meeting platforms such as Skype, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
Excellent organizational and time management skills to prioritize tasks based on project deadlines.
Must be able to type accurately and maintain a high level of productivity.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel, and students/trainees.
Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.
Maintain confidentiality regarding education programs, students, and parents at all times, adhering to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements to protect staff and student data.
Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours of training every five (5) years.
Maintain active Act 48 continuing education hours by achieving 180 hours every five (5) years.
Attend scheduled staff meetings as directed by the Director of Behavioral Health Support Services.
Attendance at workshops/conferences as approved by supervisor.
In accordance with PA Chapter 14.133, staff will participate in training regarding behavior prevention, de-escalation, and/or safe physical management techniques.
Training in and the ability to implement fully all components of safe crisis management.
Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary), and able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors, and grounds.
Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors, office setting, with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations.
Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion, and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
The ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
Ability to travel to various Beyond Boundaries program locations and meetings is required.

Nice To Haves

A valid PA Department of Education 1851-School Social Worker Educational Specialist I or II certification is preferred. Pursuant to PDE CSPG #87-School Social Worker PK-12, this certification is required by August 1, 2026, in order to remain employed as a Licensed School Social Worker after that date.
Experience with trauma-informed care practices and implementation in educational settings is preferred.
Experience facilitating therapeutic group interventions with youth is preferred.
Proficiency in utilizing vetted artificial intelligence (AI) is preferred. The ability to enhance AI skills will be required.

Responsibilities

Coach and support Beyond Boundaries program staff on trauma-informed practices, including identifying the signs and impact of trauma in students and families, and coordinate or support initiatives to develop a trauma-responsive institutional culture and climate across program locations.
Facilitate and support Tier 2 therapeutic group interventions within the Beyond Boundaries program at various locations, addressing social-emotional and behavioral health needs of students.
Provide direct interventions to students, including individual and group therapy, counseling, and educational and informational programs focused on social-emotional well-being and behavioral health.
Conduct formal and informal assessments of student functioning, developmental history, family and community structure, interpersonal relationships, adaptive behavior, and cultural factors that may influence learning.
Use student, family, school, and community assessments to develop appropriate interventions to improve student learning and behavioral outcomes.
Develop intervention plans consistent with School Social Worker guidelines to meet student needs, strengths, social and cognitive functioning, and cultural experiences.
Assist in the planning of therapeutic, remedial, and behavioral modification activities provided by the educational agency.
Provide crisis and emergency assistance including support to students in need and participation in threat assessment and related initiatives.
Provide supportive case work to children and their families, including parent/caregiver education and self-advocacy.
Provide parent/caregiver counseling and training to help them acquire the necessary skills to support the implementation of their child’s specialized educational program.
Assist students and their families in gaining access to formal and informal community resources.
Consult with stakeholders to facilitate understanding of factors in a student’s home, educational agency, and community that affect their educational experience.
Consult and collaborate with educational agency personnel, parents, and community resources in areas that impact student learning (e.g., mental health, behavior management, school safety, diversity, crisis management, bullying prevention, child abuse, and neglect).
Assist staff in collaborating with community agencies and organizations.
Work with individuals, groups, and organizations to develop programs and systems that promote student welfare and achievement.
Promote collaboration among community health, mental health, and welfare service providers and facilitate greater access to these services for students.
Participate in interagency panels to assist with the effective integration of services to students.
Assist the intermediate unit with professional and program development related to social work services for eligible students; continue professional development by attending conferences, workshops, in-services, and staff meetings; maintain appropriate documentation; adhere to intermediate unit professional standards and regulations.
Acquire and maintain Safe Crisis Management certification and be willing to utilize the strategies.
Complete and submit appropriate records, reports, and data according to timelines established by the Director of Behavioral Health Support Services and CSIU policy and procedure.
Maintain requirements for continued valid licensure and certification in Pennsylvania.
Perform other related duties as assigned by the Director of Behavioral Health Support Services or program supervisor.