School Social Worker

A special education School Social Worker (SSW) is a person who has been trained to provide
evaluation, counseling and consulting services to students who have behavioral or emotional
difficulties in the school setting. SSWs possess a licensed masters degree in social work with
school endorsement. Special education social workers assist students to develop positive
social skills and behavior choices to help them in accessing, participating and progressing in
the general curriculum.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct diagnostic evaluations, writes reports, and participates fully in IEPs with parents and school teams.
• Report on student progress towards goals and objectives during each reporting period.
• Provide/uses data collection system for functional assessment/positive behavior support.
• Collect, analyzes and graphs data.
• Participate/provide professional development in the implementation of PBIS schoolwide process.
• Comply with timelines, laws, and regulations as it relates to district, state, and federal policies and procedures.
• Work cooperatively with staff in the development of goals and objectives.
• Comply with Special Education referral and IEP timelines.
• Provide social work services as indicated on each student’s IEP.
• Report progress to parents as scheduled in individual student IEPs.
• Maintain accurate records/timelines of progress and service.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Conduct classrooms and small group social skills building teams. Conduct individual therapy sessions tied to IEP goals.
• Collaborate with teachers to support positive practices within the classroom.
• Conduct observations of student behaviors and provide feedback using feedback protocols.
• Lead behavior intervention teams in assigned schools. Provide professional development and coaching to staff on PBIS and support plans.
• Comply with Master Agreement between the GRPS Board of Education and Grand Rapids Education Association.
• Participate in building Instructional/Intervention Strategies.
• Participate in meetings as directed by Special Education Administrator.
• Participate in district-wide School Social Work meetings, as directed by Special Education Administrator.
• Provide “Crisis Intervention” support throughout the district, if assigned to the Crisis Team.
• Complete Medicaid documentation, monthly.
• Support school leadership with developing and implementing Positive Behavior Support structures within the school.
• Use technology tools to support student self-management needs.
• Conduct parent training sessions related to student needs.
• Work collaboratively with school initiatives that support intervention strategies for student success.
• Conduct initial evaluations of students suspected of having an emotional impairment or with social-emotional concerns.
• Conference with parents and classroom teachers.
• Collaborate with all service providers, general education teachers and other staff to support and provide documentation for the review of existing evaluation data (REED) process.
• Establish communication systems between social worker and individual buildings, teachers, and parents.
• Provide home-based activities, when appropriate.
• Provide support to teachers in the development of Positive Behavior Support plans.
• Work cooperatively with community agencies involved with students and families.
• Provide professional development for school-based staff on data collection and PBIS structures that impact student learning.
• Participate in professional development opportunities.
• Support individual School Improvement Plans.
• Driving personal car to various school districts.
• Regular, in-person attendance.
• Other duties may be assigned by Director of Special Education.
• Attendance is an essential part of employment.

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 the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

• A Master’s Degree in social work, with temporary or full-approval as a Social Worker in the State of Michigan.
• School Social Work endorsement, with approval as a SSW from MDE or willingness to enroll is a social school work certificate program to submit for a temporary endorsement approval.
• Valid Michigan driver’s license
• Experience in a school setting preferred.
• Familiar with current Special Education eligibility criteria, preferred

Employment Date, Salary and Work Year

Anticipated start date will be determined upon hire.
Salary is determined as per the current bargaining agreement. Workdays will be 185 per the master contract or prorated as necessary based on hire date. 

Visit www.hillsdale-isd.org click on employment opportunities to apply online- All required documentation must be submitted to be considered for the position.  This position will be open until a suitable candidate is found. 

Hillsdale County Intermediate School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.