PRIMARY PURPOSE

School social workers ensure that every student achieves excellence by:

• promoting, supporting, and inspiring student’s academic, emotional, and social potential to ensure that every student achieves excellence;
• facilitating interventions and referrals to appropriate community agencies to remove obstacles to education;
• and strengthening relationships between the school, the home, and the community. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification

Social work degree from an accredited college or university (Bachelor's required, Master's preferred)

Valid Texas license as a social worker granted by the Texas State Board of Social Worker Examiners

Special Knowledge/Skills

Knowledge and skills in casework methods

Awareness and ability to access community resources

Knowledge of child and adolescent development models

Strong consultation skills for conferring with teachers, parents, and students

Knowledge of mental health diagnoses

Knowledge of crisis management procedures

Knowledge of individual and group counseling methods

Knowledge of current educational trends, methods, research, and technology

Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies

Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills

Bilingual skills preferred

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

Student Services

• Coordinate and integrate school and community resources.
• Conduct individual and group counseling to: enhance social development and emotional well-being, resolve conflict, foster healthy decision-making skills, and improve academics/attendance/behavior.
• Facilitate communication between school personnel and students, parents, and the community.
• Crisis intervention.
• Refer students and families to appropriate community agencies.
• Serve as an advocate for students and their families.
• Participate in Response to Intervention (RTI), 504 and Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) committees by gathering data, advocating for student services and referring to community agencies as necessary.

Assessment

• Meet with student, family or teachers to gather information relating to student/family needs.
• Identify barriers to students’ education.
• Coordinate services for medical, psychological and/or behavioral evaluations.
• Conduct campus needs assessment to address gaps in social services.

Consultation

• Consult with parent/guardian regarding student’s academic performance, behavior and needs.
• Inform students and parents of their rights and responsibilities under federal and state law and district policy and procedures.
• Serve as a consultant to school personnel regarding students’ wellbeing.
• Assist school personnel in helping students explore alternative education programs and career counseling.
• Consult and collaborate with community agencies for the provision of services to students and families.
• Assist in the planning and implementation of parent involvement activities.
• Develop and conduct parenting training and support groups.

Program Management

• Compile and maintain all physical and computerized social work records.
• Participate in ongoing program evaluation of social work services.
• Adhere to district procedures
• Comply with the TBSWE Code of Conduct, NASW Code of Ethics and NASW School Social Work Standards.
• Follow policies established by federal, state and local governments as well as NISD board.
• Support campus goals of prevention to maintain a healthy and safe school environment.
• Participate in professional development activities related to job position and licensing requirements.

Communication

• Develop and maintain a professional relationship with district personnel, students, families, and community.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May supervise persons completing social work practicums or internships. Assist school personnel in helping students explore alternative education programs and career counseling.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Factors

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Regular district-wide travel to students’ homes and multiple work locations as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Equipment used:

Personal computer, printer, calculator, copier.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture: Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion: Repetitive hand motions including frequent keyboarding and use of a mouse; occasional reaching

Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds)

Environment: May work prolonged or irregular hours; occasional districtwide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.