School Social Worker

State of Maryland•Montgomery, MD

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Join Us in Making a Difference at DJS! The Maryland Department of Juvenile Services (DJS) is dedicated to transforming young lives, creating safer communities, and fostering equitable systems. We are seeking passionate individuals for the role of School Social Worker (Social Worker I, Criminal Justice), so come join our team and make a meaningful impact on youth and the community at DJS! The principle tasks of the School Social Worker are to help students and families make the best use of available opportunities and resources and to fully develop each student's individual potential. The School Social Worker brings to the educational process an understanding of the psychosocial development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences as they interact with the educational process. The incumbent will maintain a presence in the school, engage with students and staff. The School Social Worker provides the necessary professional skills to assist students and communities in problem solving and conflict resolution in a safe and healthy manner. School Social Work is founded on the following premises: Definite and identifiable reasons exist why some students are not successful in school and exhibit undesirable behavior (including at-risk factors, dropping out and trauma). It is critical to assist teachers and families in alleviating adverse conditions in order to promote resiliency and academic success for at risk students. It is important to assist parents and school personnel in utilizing school and community resources to help children maximize their educational abilities. Parental involvement with the school is essential to create positive academic and social outcomes for students. It is essential that school staff listens to and respects the feelings and sensitivities of students and parents of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Education becomes a successful experience for students who are helped to overcome the social and emotional problems interfering with adjustment and achievement in school. Special education and related services must be provided for students with physical, mental, social, emotional, or other educational disabilities. Social justice and equal opportunity for all students and families will increase educational attainment and enhance the educational experience for everyone.

Requirements

Must be licensed as a Graduate Social Worker (on or by June 30, 2018), Master Social Worker (on or after July 1, 2018), Certified Social Worker or Certified Social Worker-Clinical by the State Board of Social Work Examiners prior to appointment to a position in State service. Applicants who do not have a license may also apply pending receipt of the required license.
Employees assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle will be required to possess a motor vehicle license valid in the State of Maryland.
Employees are required to meet mandatory standards for continuing education as determined by the hiring department.
Employees of the Department of Juvenile Services must complete an approved training program in group counseling techniques.
Employees of the Department of Juvenile Services may be required to complete the Level I Counseling course certified by the Maryland AIDS Professional Education Center.
Employees of the Department of Juvenile Services are required to qualify for and successfully complete the Entry Level Training Academy operated by the Police and Correctional Training Commissions.

Nice To Haves

Hold or be eligible for School Social Worker Certification issued by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE).
Previous experience with children and working with a special needs population.
Experience with educational agencies and interdisciplinary teams.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills that bring about effective communication and positive interactions with students.
Candidates with lived experience relating to the criminal/juvenile legal system are encouraged to apply.
Experienced professionals transitioning from federal service are welcome to explore rewarding career opportunities.

Responsibilities

Help students and families make the best use of available opportunities and resources.
Fully develop each student's individual potential.
Bring to the educational process an understanding of the psychosocial development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences as they interact with the educational process.
Maintain a presence in the school, engage with students and staff.
Provide the necessary professional skills to assist students and communities in problem solving and conflict resolution in a safe and healthy manner.
Assist teachers and families in alleviating adverse conditions to promote resiliency and academic success for at-risk students.
Assist parents and school personnel in utilizing school and community resources to help children maximize their educational abilities.
Ensure school staff listens to and respects the feelings and sensitivities of students and parents of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Help students overcome the social and emotional problems interfering with adjustment and achievement in school.
Ensure special education and related services are provided for students with physical, mental, social, emotional, or other educational disabilities.
Increase educational attainment and enhance the educational experience for everyone through social justice and equal opportunity for all students and families.