School Social Worker

Archdiocese of Philadelphia•Philadelphia, PA

About The Position

The primary function of the Social Worker within West Catholic High School is to function as the liaison between home, school and community. The Social Worker ensures this connection by linking students and their families to services within the school and/or community setting in order to alleviate barriers that may interfere with a successful academic year.

Requirements

Knowledge of and orientation to the philosophy of the agency as presented in the mission statement.
Posses a working knowledge of Archdiocesan High School culture and mission specifically to the diverse community at West Catholic.
Strict adherence to the Archdiocesan position on abortion and contraception.
Knowledge of typical adolescent development and high risk behaviors found in this population.
Ability to communicate effectively, clearly and with cultural sensitivity to youth, parents, administration and faculty in both oral and written form.
Knowledge and training of the PA requirements for Mandated Reporting.
MSW preferred or BSW with 5 + years experience.
Experience working with the adolescent population is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience with reporting suspected child abuse, working with teens in crisis and working on a multidisciplinary team within a school is recommended.

Responsibilities

Interview and assess each child referred for level of need and intervention required.
Communicate findings of assessment with Administration, teacher and families when appropriate.
Assist any student/family experiencing crises that prevent them from feeling safe and secure within the home and school environments.
Refer and report any findings that indicate suspected abuse or danger to self or others immediately.
Provide brief counseling and referrals to students experiencing difficulties in any of the following ways: excessive lateness and\or attendance issues, extreme disciplinary and/or behavioral concerns and/or multiple academic failures.
Review information received on students new to the specified school and intervene when outstanding issues are identified to help transition the student smoothly to their new environment.
May require conferencing administration, teachers and staff on ways to help students have a successful academic year.
Perform as the school liaison for students involved in extended leave of absence (i.e. Homebound\Office Roll instruction).
Provide support and resources to student and family to ensure a smooth transition upon return to the school environment.
Assist school administration, faculty and staff members in dealing with any crisis situations as they arise (Examples may include serious threat to students, violence in or out of the school, natural disasters, death of a student or faculty or staff member, serious illness…)
Attend regular faculty and guidance department meetings as they pertain to the Social Worker’s role within the school.
Attend regularly scheduled supervisory group and individual meetings with CSS Social Work Supervisor.
Staff development: Attend workshops, seminars, training and retreats as designated through CSS.
Completes documentation as regulated by CSS.