School Social Worker

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Promotes maximum development of all students by prevention/alleviation of problems that interfere with the tasks of learning through knowledge of human behavior, social systems and social work skills. May supervise professionals, social work interns, paraprofessionals, and clerical staff.

The School Social Worker promotes and enhances the overall academic mission by providing services that strengthen home, school, and community partnerships and address barriers to learning and achievement. The School Social Worker significantly contributes to the development of a healthy, safe, and caring environment. Such an environment is achieved by advancing the understanding of the emotional and social development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences on student success along with the implementation of effective intervention strategies.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

School Social Workers will demonstrate leadership by: being leaders within the school; enhancing the social work profession; advocating for students, families, schools and communities, demonstrating high ethical standards according to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and uses assessment skills to determine special needs of students.

Employs appropriate social work methods in situations affecting the student's educational progress.

Maintains an advocacy role to assure that the student's educational, social, emotional and material needs are met in accordance with established laws, rules and regulations.

Provides consultation and in-service experiences for teachers and staff and engages in the mutual exchange of information with community agencies.

School Social Workers will promote a respectful environment for diverse populations by: promoting an environment in which each student has a positive, nurturing relationships, embracing diversity in the school, home, community and world; treating students as individuals; providing services that benefit students with special needs and working collaboratively with families and significant adults in the lives of students.

School Social Workers will apply the skills and knowledge of their profession within education settings by: delivering comprehensive services unique to their specialty area; demonstrating effective communication skills, recognizing the interconnectedness of academic, social, emotional and psychological development and societal challenges and facilitating student acquisition of 21st Century skills.

Shows evidences of professional growth and development and adheres to a professional code of ethics.

Any other duties deemed appropriate by the Principal(s), Executive Director of Student Services and/or Superintendent.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

BA or Masters Degree in Social Work from a CSW (Council on Social Work) accredited University.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be licensed in the State of North Carolina in social work, counseling or in a related teaching area. Must be eligible or possess Social Work Certification.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Extensive knowledge of human behavior, social systems and social work skills. General knowledge of the principles of organization and administration.

General knowledge of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Skill in counseling, motivating students and talking with parents.

Ability to manage culturally sensitive topics.

Ability to coordinate the efforts of support services personnel and outside agencies.

Ability to maintain complete and accurate records and statistics and to develop meaningful reports from that information.

Ability to effectively express ideas orally and in writing.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to this job.