School Social Worker

Bancroft•Mountainside, NJ

9d•$62,000 - $82,000•Onsite

About The Position

The School Social Worker provides assistance and support to teachers in planning and implementing classroom instruction to meet assigned students’ educational needs, and encourages and supports students in pursuing the best possible educational experience. In accordance with applicable regulations, policies, service plans, and education plans, the role serves as a primary liaison among the school, social services, agencies, families, and residential sites, providing social work, case management, and support services to students and their families. The position supports the coordination, monitoring, and modification of Individual Service Plans and Individual Education Plans; facilitates admissions, transitions, and discharges; and may provide counseling and conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments. The School Social Worker advocates for students’ rights, dignity, empowerment, and quality of life, and collaborates with families, school districts, state agencies, clinical teams, and community providers. The role also participates in interdisciplinary and student review meetings, maintains current social work knowledge and required credentials, follows emergency and crisis procedures, and completes related activities as program needs require. The position is based in Mountainside, New Jersey, and is listed at 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The stated salary range is $62,000–$82,000 per year.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Social Work.
Current New Jersey School Social Worker Certificate.
Knowledge of social work services, counseling techniques, and consultation skills.
Effective verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
Effective interpersonal skills and ability to implement crisis intervention techniques.
Effective prioritization, organization, and time-management skills.
Valid driver’s license in the incumbent’s legal name and current address, with no provisional restrictions.
Minimum age of 18 years.

Nice To Haves

At least two years of related work experience is preferred.
New Jersey Licensed Social Worker (NJLSW) licensure is preferred.
Prior experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary liaison among the school, social services, agencies, families, and residential sites, providing social work, case management, and support services.
Coordinate the timely receipt and availability of ISP and IEP materials with education staff, residential management, and family members.
Monitor education plans with education management, faculty, clinical staff, and family members to ensure goals remain appropriate and achievable.
Participate in and recommend modifications to education plans and document educational and, when applicable, residential goals and objectives.
Coordinate admissions and discharges with students, families, funding sources, the Admissions Department, future discharge sites, school districts, and state agencies; prepare correspondence and required forms and complete follow-up.
Depending on the program, provide social work counseling to students and support families in promoting students’ growth and stability.
Conduct comprehensive psychosocial assessments to understand each person served, identify needs and supports, and promote success in the program.
Provide person-centered advocacy to support quality of life, empowerment, rights, and dignity.
Network with community agencies and school districts to encourage referrals and share resources.
Communicate with students, families, DDD case managers, funding sources, clinical teams, state agencies, service providers, and school districts about progress, behavioral changes, disabilities, and routine or problematic issues.
Carry out discharge planning and follow-up, including gathering assessments from ancillary providers, checking in with caregivers, evaluating discharge plans, and securing appropriate funding for transitions to other Bancroft programs.
Oversee completion and consistency of ISP and ancillary-services documentation in support of discharge planning and file closure.
Convene, coordinate, and participate in Interdisciplinary Team processes and meetings; share information, review goals and progress, identify strengths and needs, and discuss potential goal modifications and teaching strategies.
Attend student review, team, and departmental meetings as needed and advocate for students at significant decision points and during transitions.
Maintain awareness of current social work methods and techniques through training, workshops, and professional reading.
Follow state-approved emergency procedures and Bancroft-approved crisis intervention techniques; prepare for and respond to emergencies, participate in drills and evacuations, and notify the appropriate authority when needed.
Model professionalism, confidentiality, courtesy, honesty, fairness, personal integrity, and respect for the rights, dignity, and privacy of others.
Perform related social work activities as needed and adapt work schedules and assignments to program needs.
Follow Bancroft’s Code of Ethics, mission, and vision, and demonstrate its core values of accountability, results-driven work, respect, and innovation.
Maintain required training certifications and comply with state licensing, accreditation, and regulatory requirements.
Maintain effective verbal and written communication with colleagues, people served, and their families or guardians.
Cooperate with Bancroft, state agencies, licensing authorities, and municipalities during inspections and investigations when requested.
Report violations promptly to the appropriate person.
Maintain supervision levels specified in applicable behavior and service plans.