Social Worker (MSW or SSW)

Integrity Educational Services•Grand Rapids, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Integrity Educational Services (IES) is seeking a School Social Worker to serve students at Lighthouse Academy. IES is the non-profit educational service provider for Hope Academy of West Michigan and Lighthouse Academy. The ideal candidate will care about the students, believe in their potential for success, align with the organization's mission, vision, and Whole Child approach, and be committed to the values of Respect, Inclusiveness, Integrity, Persistence, Growth Mindset, Teamwork/Collaboration, and Excellence. Lighthouse Academy offers both residential programming (detention centers and residential treatment programs) and community-based programs (including day treatment programs), serving youth 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 of the organization.
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.

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 needs such as IEP goals/accommodations that may affect a student’s functioning in school (e.g., housing assistance, mental health/substance abuse, job skill/career exploration). Ensure these documents are completed in a timely manner.
Provide individual SSW services/therapy to each student/family on their caseload as needed, or coordinate student/family referral to such services. Coordinate services with outside agencies/therapists if therapy services are already in place at enrollment.
Coordinate enrollment from the previous school district for the student and family.
Maintain contact with the previous school, DHS or juvenile court worker, the KISD truancy officer, etc., throughout the educational process.
Maintain contact with students, family, and all other stakeholders.
Conduct life skills groups during the school week, scheduled cooperatively with the teacher.
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, as necessary, with referrals for medical, dental, or other needed services.
Monitor the quality of overall SSW services for students on their caseload and evaluate the adequacy of these services to meet educational objectives.
Participate in regularly scheduled staff meetings, social worker meetings, and appropriate meetings as deemed necessary by the supervisor.
Attend school-related activities including but not limited to: field trips, family dinners, school-related events with students/families, conferences, and parent-teacher conferences.
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 working for IES who are 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.