Licensed Social Worker

SUMMARY:  Licensed Social Worker services are provided by staff holding a professional clinical license to provide mental health services in Pennsylvania. Licensed social workers develop positive interpersonal relationships between members of the school, parents, students and external agencies. They assist schools in case management, assist with family and student problems and may also serve as attendance officers.  School-based social work services are contracted with school districts. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES. Other duties may be assigned.

• Instructs individuals and groups in social skill areas as required by the Individualized Educational Program.
• Plans and delivers social skills lessons, using researched-based programs and        teaching methods.
• Documents and evaluates student progress based on progress monitoring techniques and observation.
• Monitors students adaptive/behavioral progress when appropriate
• Consults with classroom teachers and other staff as needed.
• Maintains contact with parents of students.
• Adheres to the home school and district’s procedures for safety and discipline.
• Assists in the preparation of: educational records, IEP forms, classroom observation records, and classroom attendance data.
• Conducts or assists in FBAs and the development of positive behavior support plans.
• Documents and evaluates student progress based on progress monitoring techniques and observation.
• Implement de-escalation techniques and physical interventions, in accordance with safety care certification competencies, to maintain a safe and supportive learning environment

Maintain a valid state driver’s license and ability to drive without advanced notice 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supervises students when in an individual or group setting.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree in a recognized discipline including, but not limited to, psychology, social work, counseling, psychiatry, or nursing.

Master's degree in social work or social welfare from an accredited school and qualified status as defined by state licensing standards.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

A license in Pennsylvania to provide social work services.

Pennsylvania certification with Home and School Visitor or School Social Worker endorsement, in addition preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: 

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports and professional correspondence. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of staff, teachers, parents, and the public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:  

Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, and fundamentals of plane and solid geometry and trigonometry. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY:  

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES:  Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on academic standards and individual objectives that meet the needs and abilities of students to whom assigned.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents, and community; ability to speak clearly and concisely in written or oral communication. Competent in the use of computer technology.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently walking and standing while performing the duties of this job. The employee may frequently bend or twist at the neck and back while performing the duties of this job.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include peripheral vision and close vision such as to read typewritten material.  The employee may occasionally lift up to 25 pounds such as student equipment and wheelchairs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.  The employee is frequently required to interact with students, parents, the public, and other professional staff.  The employee is directly responsible for the safety, well-being, and achievement of students. Driving is required. The employee must be able to maintain a vehicle and appropriate licenses to drive.