School Social Worker

Choice Schools Associates•Grand Rapids, MI

13d

About The Position

The School Social Worker promotes understanding of children’s emotional and social development and of how family, community, and cultural differences influence student success. The role implements effective intervention strategies and supports the mission and vision of the environmental academy. The position provides social work services, psycho-social assessments, recommendations, and interventions in the school setting. It assesses needs affecting student learning, supports Functional Behavior Assessments and Positive Behavior Support Plans, and works with students on personal concerns related to home, family, health, and emotional adjustment. The social worker also connects students and families with agencies and community resources, collaborates with school staff and community partners, and participates in student support and IEP processes. The role includes maintaining confidential student records, contributing to instructional policies and regulations, providing staff in-service training, and pursuing professional development. The social worker follows the NASW Code of Ethics and Standards for School Social Work practice and carries out other responsibilities assigned by the Principal.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Social Work.
State of Michigan Certification as a School Social Worker.
Valid social worker license (LLMSW or LMSW) issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of and ability to follow and implement the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process.
Knowledge of and skills working with students from all backgrounds.
Demonstrated competence in all areas of focus.
Social work case reporting and writing skills.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to counsel students, parents, and staff individually and in groups.
Excellent verbal and written expression using proper grammar and vocabulary.

Responsibilities

Conduct assessments and evaluations in accordance with family and student rights.
Use student, family, and school assessment results to identify needs affecting student learning.
Support the creation and implementation of Functional Behavior Assessments (FBA) and Positive Behavior Support Plans (PBSP).
Provide social work services to students.
Conduct psycho-social assessments and provide recommendations and interventions within the school setting.
Refer students and families to public or private agencies and provide appropriate follow-up.
Serve as a liaison between the school, families, and community resources.
Participate in the Child Study Process and IEP process as required.
Collaborate with pupil personnel workers, school personnel, and community agencies in case conferences.
Work individually with students to address personal problems related to home, family, health, and emotional adjustment.
Participate in the development of instructional policies and regulations.
Follow the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics and Standards for School Social Work practice.
Participate in professional development activities to enhance knowledge and skills.
Maintain and administer the student records system in compliance with regulations and confidentiality requirements.
Ensure the orderliness and safe use of instructional facilities and equipment.
Organize time, resources, energy, and workload to fulfill responsibilities effectively.
Provide staff in-service training in guidance programs, student conflict resolution, and self-awareness programs.
Assume other responsibilities assigned by the Principal.