Elementary Social Worker/Counselor

JOB DESCRIPTION

Laramie County School District #1

Social Worker - Affective Needs Program

Purpose Statement

The job of Social Worker is done for the purpose/s of providing a comprehensive systems approach to meet the needs of students through early identification, prevention, intervention, counseling, family and community outreach; assisting students in achieving academic proficiency and positive behavioral outcomes by collaborating with the school, families and community; and promoting equal opportunity for all students to acquire the competence and confidence necessary to meet academic and social-emotional goals.

This job reports to Principal and Director of Special Services

Essential Functions

Collaborates with special education teachers, teams, and administrators for the purpose of interpreting assessment data related to the identification of possible educational disabilities.

Collaborates with school and/or district teams for the purpose of supporting professional learning communities to ensure students meet or exceed social/behavioral and academic proficiency.

Consults with staff regarding behavioral management techniques and strategies, functional behavioral assessments, affective development, and the early intervention/prevention of social and behavioral factors for the purpose of demonstrating to them how these can impact academic success.

Consults with parents, staff and students (e.g. parenting skills, community resources, district programs, social skill development, etc.) for the purpose of assisting in maintaining a positive home and school environment, and building trust between family and district and supporting the child's educational program.

Coordinates activities with a variety of outside services agencies, school sites, etc. (e.g. mental health, child welfare, medical, etc.) for the purpose of providing referrals for families and/or students.

Incorporates assessment data in developing and implementing individualized programs and interventions for the purpose of enhancing students abilities to benefit from educational experiences.

Maintains manual and electronic documents, files and records for the purpose of documenting activities, complying with mandated requirements, conveying information and providing an up-to-date reference and audit trail.

Mediates conflicts between parents, teachers and/or students for the purpose of resolving issues that could impede student's success.

Monitors student progress toward goals for the purpose of making adjustments that ensure student success.

Participates in the development of student IEPs measurable goals and objectives for the purpose of ensuring student access to the district curriculum and instruction on State standards and benchmarks.

Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars as assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.

Provides services to children and families that are within the context of multicultural understanding for the purpose of enhancing the familiesÆ participation and support of the student learning opportunities.

Responds to all inquiries for the purpose of providing information on district support services and/or educational programs.

Responds to requests for intervention in situations that could negatively impact the student's academic and social development (e.g. counseling, conflict resolution, problem solving, social skills, family and peer relationships, stress management, bullying/violence prevention, anger management, etc.) for the purpose of addressing needs of the student.

Serves as a member of the multidisciplinary team, building crisis team and as a consultant to the regular education screening committee for the purpose of providing services and input.

Serves as a liaison between home and school for the purpose of promoting parent involvement and building parent capacity opportunities.

Other Functions

Assesses student and family needs (e.g. financial, medical, parenting skills, etc.) for the purpose of developing and implementing individualized plans and services to support educational objectives.

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: analyzing; effective listening; facilitating meetings; guiding others; interpersonal aptitude; managing projects/programs; planning; problem solving; and training.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: age appropriate activities/behaviors; codes/laws/rules/regulations/policies; community resources; and safety practices.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adaptability/flexibility; communication with persons of diverse backgrounds/knowledge/skills; confidentiality; decision making; motivating others; prioritization; teamwork; and meeting schedules/deadlines.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 50% sitting, 30% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under minimal temperature variations and under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience: Job related experience within a specialized field is required.

Education: Masters degree in job-related area.