Social Worker (MSW or SSW)

Integrity Educational Services•Grand Rapids, MI

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Integrity Educational Services is seeking a School Social Worker to serve students at Lighthouse Academy on a full-time or part-time basis. Integrity Educational Services (IES) is the non-profit educational service provider for Hope Academy of West Michigan and Lighthouse Academy. The role requires a commitment to the IES mission, vision, and Whole Child approach, aligning with values of Respect, Inclusiveness, Integrity, Persistence, Growth Mindset, Teamwork/Collaboration, and Excellence. Lighthouse Academy serves youth in residential programming (detention centers and residential treatment programs) and community-based programs (day treatment programs), including those who are court-affiliated, expelled, long-term suspended, or have intensive special education needs. This is an opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of at-risk youth within a growing, values-driven team.

Requirements

Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university.
Valid State of Michigan Master’s Social Worker license, issued by the State of Michigan, Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.
Ability to write simple correspondence.
Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to students, parents, and other employees.
Ability to do simple computations, calculate percentages, and use a calculator.
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed written or oral instructions.
Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations.
Knowledge of Google and/or Microsoft applications and/or willingness to learn needed computer skills specific to this position.
Must have a valid driver’s license.
Required to provide proof of registration within defined area of Certified School Social Work.
Must participate in and complete annual training, Professional Development, and various other training as deemed appropriate for position.
Must pass criminal history records search, physical and drug screen, if required.
Regularly required to communicate and exchange information.
Frequently required to walk, and move about within the school.
Frequently required to sit, use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms, talk or hear.
Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Certified School Social Worker status issued by the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services, preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a case manager or co-writer with the teacher for all student assessments and learning plans, focusing on educational needs and other areas such as housing assistance, mental health/substance abuse, and job skill/career exploration, ensuring timely completion.
Provide individual SSW services/therapy to students/families on caseload, or coordinate referrals to external services, and collaborate with outside agencies/therapists if services are already in place.
Coordinate student and family enrollment from previous school districts and maintain communication with previous schools, DHS, juvenile court workers, and KISD truancy officers.
Maintain contact with students, families, and all other stakeholders.
Conduct life skills groups during the school week, scheduled cooperatively with teachers.
Coordinate, plan, and link students to career exploration opportunities.
Maintain communication and good working relations between the school and the community, including police, neighbors, volunteers, employers, and friends of individual students.
Assist parents with referrals for medical, dental, or other needed services.
Monitor the quality and adequacy of SSW services for students on caseload to meet educational objectives.
Participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings, social worker meetings, and other necessary meetings as directed by the supervisor.
Attend school-related activities, including field trips, family dinners, school events with students/families, conferences, and parent meetings.
Assign and coordinate social work interns and/or student mentors, if approved by the Director of Special Education.
Provide supervision as required by MDE and the State of Michigan to Temporary Approved social workers seeking Full Approval SSW status.
Assist with the overall and on-going SSW needs of the district as directed by the supervisor.
Perform all other duties as assigned.