Bend-La Pine Schools is committed to the principle of equity. Equity supersedes the notion of equality, where all are treated the same. Pursuing equity requires the removal of barriers and the promotion of inclusive practices so that all students fully benefit. The principle of equity will inform all BLS policies, regulations, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.

Studies have shown that some individuals (women and people of color, for example) are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification in a job description. Our goal is to find the best candidate for every position, and we acknowledge that that candidate may be an individual from a less traditional background. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of a position, or how this would be determined, please feel free to contact Human Resources to discuss this in more detail.

ABOUT THE DISTRICT:

Bend-La Pine Schools (BLS) is the fifth-largest school district in Oregon and comprised of 33 schools, plus two charter schools, across an attendance area of approximately 16,000 square miles. We employ over 2,000 staff members in licensed and non-licensed capacities, making us the second-largest employer in Central Oregon. At Bend-La Pine Schools, we believe in educating thriving students and know the importance of supporting our students to become kind and thoughtful humans who engage with the world around them.

JOB DEFINITION:

School Social Workers work directly with students who experience difficulties in achieving their academic potential due to social/emotional, home, and community barriers through individual and systemic interventions. They serve as a liaison between the school, family, and community partners as they advocate for and align services to increase educational equity

NATURE AND SCOPE OF WORK (based on National Association of Social Workers (NASW)):

• Ethics & Values: The school social worker demonstrates core values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and

• Assessment: Performs systematic assessment, data gathering, and interpretation at multiple levels using a variety of methods (for example, interview, direct observation, standardized instruments, surveys, focus groups) to assess the needs, characteristics, and interactions of students, families, and school personnel. Assessments shall use ecological perspectives and functional approaches to enhance understanding of barriers to learning and the interventions that foster improvement of student well-being and academic progress.

• Intervention: Implements current school-based social-emotional and/or mental health intervention research and uses evidence-informed practices in service delivery. Interventions shall be designed to enhance positive educational experiences and involve the student, the family, other team members, school personnel, and community resources as appropriate.

• Decision Making and Practice Evaluation: Collects, analyzes, synthesizes, and disseminates data related to their Conduct ongoing evaluations to determine the level of effectiveness of all interventions.

• Record Keeping: Maintains timely, accurate, and confidential records that document services, demonstrate outcomes, and promote Records shall be maintained according to federal, state, and local laws.

• Workload Management: Performs roles and responsibilities across a multi-tiered framework for service delivery and uses technology to enhance communication, obtain and organize information, demonstrate accountability, and complete workload Priorities shall be established on the basis of the needs of students, professional skills of the school social worker, program needs, research, and availability of other resources.

• Professional Development: Adheres to the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Standards for Continuing Professional Education and follows Oregon’s professional regulation regarding continuing education Access ongoing supervision and consultation to increase professional proficiency and competence. Participate in professional development activities that enhance knowledge and skills and also contribute to the development of the profession by educating and supervising school social work interns when possible.

• Cultural Competence: Demonstrates self awareness, knowledge, and practice skills consistent with the NASW Standards for Cultural Competence in Social Work Continue to develop specialized knowledge about students and families to provide culturally appropriate resources. Recognize barriers to academic progress relating to cultural issues while supporting an environment that honors and celebrates the cultures of the population within the school.
• Interdisciplinary Leadership and Collaboration: Serves as a leader and consultant in promoting positive school Facilitate an understanding of factors in the home, school and community that affect students’ educational experiences. Provide training and engage parents, school personnel, other professionals and community members in the removal of barriers to learning. Provide leadership and collaboration in the implementation of comprehensive school-based and school-linked programs that promote student well-being and positive academic outcomes
• Advocacy: Advocates for students and their families in an effort to assist them in gaining access to and effectively use formal and informal community resources that enable families to self-advocate.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Develop and manage referral systems for students eligible for direct Social Work services within the district.
• Provide individual and group counseling as well as case
• Monitor student attendance and academic progress to support early identification and intervention with students furthest from opportunity.
• Provide strategies and preventative interventions for clinical issues related to all school-age children, including issues surrounding housing, substance abuse, physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, violence, health, and changes in the family system.
• Ensure protection of educational rights and access to resources for students from historically underserved communities.
• Develop trusting relationships with families, conduct home/shelter visits and partner with outside agencies to align support for students.
• Collaborate with Family Access Network (FAN) Advocates to provide support for students and families as well as facilitate parent workshops to promote parent engagement and empowerment in the educational process.
• Participate in and/or facilitate multidisciplinary intervention teams to provide coordinated support and intervention.
• Provide consultation and maintain collaborative relationships with faculty, administration, and families at multiple school sites.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s of Social Work from an accredited college or
• Meets the TSPC certification requirements for an Oregon School Social Worker TSPC licensure is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge:

• Understanding of social work principles, ethics, and
• Knowledge of child development, behavioral theories, and mental health issues in children and
• Familiarity with relevant laws, policies, and regulations related to child welfare, education, and special education.
• Knowledge of community resources and services available to support students and
• Understanding of diversity and cultural competency to work effectively with students from various
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques and ability to handle emergency

Skills:

• Assessment and evaluation skills to identify students' needs, strengths, and
• Ability to develop and implement individualized intervention plans for
• Excellent communication skills to collaborate with students, parents, teachers, and other
• Active listening skills to understand students' concerns and provide emotional
• Strong problem-solving skills to address social, emotional, and behavioral
• Skill in conducting group sessions and facilitating support groups for
• Ability to conduct home visits and engage families in the intervention
• Proficiency in documentation and record-keeping to maintain accurate case
• Skill in advocating for students' rights and accessing appropriate
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary

Abilities:

• Empathy and compassion to connect with students and families in a supportive
• Cultural sensitivity to understand and respect diverse backgrounds and
• Ability to establish trust and rapport with students while maintaining professional
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in a dynamic and fast-paced school
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple cases and
• Resilience and self-care strategies to manage stress and prevent
• Collaboration and teamwork abilities to coordinate services with other
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to develop effective intervention
• Ethical decision-making skills to navigate complex situations while maintaining
• Dedication to continuous professional development and staying updated on best practices in the

WORKING CONDITIONS

The School Social Worker works with groups of students and on a one-on-one basis, depending on the need. Responsibilities require the employee to be able to stand for up to 45 consecutive minutes and move rapidly to intervene in situations where a student’s safety is being jeopardized. The supervision may also occur during times of inclement weather.

The School Social Worker will work in a school environment, which may include exposure to noise, distractions, and challenging student behaviors. The position may also require some evening and/or weekend work to attend meetings or school events.

The School Social Worker will work in a fast-paced work environment that will include a need to be able to move around the building as required, including navigating hallways, crowded indoor spaces, outdoor areas, and stairs when needed. Occasional lifting and carrying items may be required in this position.

External applicants are required to provide two letters of recommendation with their application materials. If you would like to include more than the one required letter of recommendation, you may do so.