Social Worker – At Risk - Hopkins ES - 2024 - 2025

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Perform casework service to help At-Risk students resolve personal, emotional, and social problems that interfere with their adjustment to school and their ability to enjoy the benefits of the educational process. Facilitate communication between the school and the community, community agencies and families.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Certification Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited college or university
• Valid licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) by the Texas State Board of Social Work Examiners or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of state and federal mandates, as they apply to social services
• Knowledge of individual and group counseling skills
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations governing confidentiality and ethical standards
• Knowledge and skill in casework methods
• Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students
• Knowledge of prevention and intervention strategies, including behavior management interventions
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Ability to present information in one-on-one, small group, and large group situations to students, parents, and district staff

Experience

• Two (2) years post-graduate experience in a social work setting in a public school and/or community agency

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

• Provide casework, individual, family and group work, community organization and consultation for At-Risk students, parents, and school personnel
• Prepare monthly case logs detailing At-Risk student and parent contact
• Conduct social service screenings and intake assessments on At-Risk students referred for services by students, parents, teachers, other staff or administrators
• Facilitate individual, family, and/or group counseling for At-Risk students and families
• Prepare and maintain social service records on all cases
• Assist in the development and presentation of parenting classes, support groups and parent involvement groups
• Provide crisis intervention for At-Risk students and their families

• Coordinate and integrate school and community resources and refer school staff and parents to community resources where appropriate
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of social work services and make changes based on the findings

• Work solely with the student population identified as At-Risk as noted in reporting under the Texas Education Code – State Compensatory Education program
• Assist with the maintenance of accurate student information for At-Risk programs as aligned with The Texas Education Agency and State Compensatory Education guidelines
• Collaborate with principals, teachers, parents and counselors regarding At-Risk students’ needs
• Execute appropriate motivational concepts to encourage and motivate students
• Assist with designing innovative and tailored learning opportunities for At-Risk students
• Work with Child Protective Services (CPS) and instruct staff on using CPS and other protective services to enhance At-Risk students’ social and academic success
• Conduct home and community agency visits as needed

• Disseminate ideas and information to other professionals; provides leadership in addressing the challenges facing the profession (e.g., active involvement in professional associations, professional presentations at conferences, etc.)
• Conduct oneself in a professional, ethical manner, in accordance with accepted community standards; complies with TEA code of ethics
• Articulate the school's mission to the community and solicits their support in making that mission become a reality
• Participate in professional development activities to maintain current knowledge of personnel rules, regulations, and practices

• Maintain a consistent professional demeanor and appearance
• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

Equipment Used:

• Office equipment – personal computer, printer, calculator, multi-line telephone, software programs and peripherals, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to position.
• Communication equipment – radio communication equipment, cellular telephone
• Video monitoring equipment

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands:

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Work with frequent interruptions

Physical Demands:

• Frequent: Sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs and/or ramps, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive hand motions, hearing, speaking clearly, visual acuity, distinguishing colors, driving, traveling.
• Occasional: Lifting, moderate, 15-44 pounds; carrying, moderate, 15-44 pounds

Environmental Factors:

• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination, vibration
• Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces, work alone, work prolonged or irregular hours.

Nondiscrimination Statement:

The Judson School District considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital or veteran status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status.