Youth and Family Specialist (School Social Worker)

Bedford County Public Schools•Bedford, VA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Youth & Family Specialist provides comprehensive school social work services to parents, students, and school staff, addressing barriers that limit a student from receiving full benefit from their educational experience. Responds to referrals from school administration, parents, teachers, the Mental Health Support Team, the Special Education Eligibility Committee, and others by providing direct services to students and families, assessing the sociocultural environment of the student, and assisting families in accessing appropriate community resources.

Requirements

Licensure or eligibility for licensure as a School Social Worker is preferred but not required.
Bachelor’s Degree in a human services field (Social Work, Human Services, Sociology, Psychology, Family & Child Development, Counseling)
Must possess and maintain a valid state driver’s license with an acceptable driving history.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree with specific courses in education, social work, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Serve on student support teams and special education committees at assigned schools in the division and assist families in understanding their child’s educational needs and special education procedures.
Review student records to identify previous barriers and/or interventions.
Conduct parent interviews to acquire socio-developmental information as needed for special education referrals.
Analyze information gained through record reviews and interviews to determine environmental impacts and appropriate resource needs; integrate gained information into a written report and oral presentation.
Interview students and parents to discuss issues related to non-attendance and develop a plan of action.
Assist the school in following school board regulations for excessive absences and truancy; attend student support team meetings and court intervention as requested.
Develop and implement professional development training for educational staff and parents, as requested.
Provide individual and/or group counseling in response to individual needs and/or school crises.
Respond to referrals requesting verification of residence.
Participate in professional development activities aimed at current trends and best practices for the provision of comprehensive school social work and family engagement programs.
Conduct home visits as a method to access the family and conduct interviews in response to school referrals.
Maintain an ongoing liaison with community agencies and other resources to meet student needs; refer parents and students to agencies when appropriate.
Perform related work as required.