School Social Worker

                                                                                                                 Job Description:  School Social Worker

Primary Purpose: The School Social Worker provides comprehensive support services to students identified as homeless, in foster care, or at risk due to disciplinary placement.  This position is critical in removing barriers to student success by connecting students and families to resources and supporting their academic, social, and emotional well being.  The Social Worker will serve 16 WISD campuses, to collaborate with campus counselors, and work with the Director of Student Services to ensure that students have access to the services they need to thrive.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

• Preferred Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited program
• Licensed Master Social Worker )LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the State of Texas

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with at-risk youth, including in school, clinical, or child welfare settings

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Direct Student Support and Case Management

• Identify, assess, and provide ongoing support for students who are homeless, in foster care, or facing significant barriers to success
• Provide short-term crisis intervention and referrals to meet basic needs (housing, food, clothing, mental health care, etc.)
• Monitor student progress, attendance, and engagement, provide individualized support as needed

Campus Support & Transitions

• Collaborate with the district’s alternative campus, providing social-emotional support to students in disciplinary placement
• Collaborate with the alternative campus staff and home campus counselors to create transition plans that promote positive re-entry to students’ home campuses
• Support students and families in navigating disciplinary processes and advocate for continuity of services during and after placement
• Work collaboratively with campus counselors and administrators to coordinate community services to support family’s physical needs
• Serve as a resource and advocate to ensure equity and access for students experiencing homelessness, foster care, or transitions between campuses

Community Partnerships and Resource Referrals

• Serve as the district liaison with area food banks, connecting students and families with food resources
• Build and maintain relationships with community agencies, shelters, foster care organizations, and other partners to support students and family needs
• Assist families with access to wraparound services, including transportation, counseling, financial assistance, and school supplies

Training, Advocacy and Compliance

• Make home visits to help determine if a student meets the criteria for support under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
• Keep detailed records for each student served, including notes, housing verification forms, and service logs
• Help the district follow all state and federal guidelines for supporting homeless and foster students
• Ensure students have what they need to succeed, including access to academics, extracurriculars, transportation, and basic necessities

Skills:

• Strong advocacy, communication, and collaboration skills
• Ability to support students in crisis and create individualized support plans
• Knowledge of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently across multiple sites

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors 

The working conditions described 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 the essential functions and expectations. 

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, frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching 

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

Environment: Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel 

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

Salary : $56,975 - $68,645