McKinney Vento - Social Worker

POSITION: Social Worker McKinney-Vento (Program Specialist)

CATEGORY: Classified

DEPARTMENT: Federal Programs

LOCATION: District Office

REPORTS TO: Federal Programs Administrator

SUMMARY: To assist the homeless education liaison with ensuring students receive the same educational rights as any other student regardless of living situation with a focus on unaccompanied youth and case management supporting this unique and vulnerable population.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in the assessment and determine eligibility of McKinney-Vento homeless students.
• Assess student/family needs and refer to appropriate school and community based resources.
• Assist in writing reports as required by district, state, and/or federal agencies.
• Assist in professional development trainings regarding homeless education issues.
• Determine transportation needs to ensure academic, social and emotional stability.
• Represent Nampa School District on community task forces regarding homeless services and state/national conferences.
• Obtain resources necessary to promote educational readiness.
• Assist homeless liaison in completing a Needs Assessment and conduct continuing program improvement based on outcome of the assessment.
• Promote community awareness of the Nampa School District McKinney-Vento Program, through community presentations.
• Assist to prepare the Title X McKinney-Vento sub grant documentation and assist in writing the title I grant application.
• Maintain a daily outlook schedule of appointments and travel.
• Meet with students and families to support students and families in removing barriers to academic success.
• Provide information to students regarding higher education as needed while supporting them through college and career advocacy.
• Maintain an ongoing relationship with families for the purposes of sharing information regarding educational planning and needs for the student, assisting the family in utilizing appropriate community resources and conduct home visits as needed.
• Initiate, facilitate, and maintain liaison with community agencies and other resources to meet students’ needs, and refer parents and children to agencies when appropriate.
• Consult with the administration and staff regarding student and families needs for success in school at home and in the community
• Attend and participate in meetings and trainings related to the job role.
• Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information in student files.
• Assume responsibility for his or her continuing professional growth and development by such efforts as attendance at professional meetings, membership in professional organizations, enrollment in advanced courses, and by reading professional journals and other publications.
• Adhere to the Statement of Public Policy and Code of Professional Conduct for social workers.
• Communicate clearly and seek assistance when needed.
• Represent the school district in a positive manner.
• Know and follow the school district policy and chain of command.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

None.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:

To perform 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:

• Bachelors in Social Work or related field, such as education, psychology, sociology, counseling (required)
• Masters in Social Work (preferred),
• Prior experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness (preferred)
• Prior experience working with students, families, and/or vulnerable populations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy governing McKinney-Vento Act
• Relates extremely well to students and families
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, organizational, and leadership skills
• Ability to communicate effectively with non-school health professionals and social services agencies
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and work effectively with students, parents, staff, and community groups and organizations
• Able to work under pressure and deadlines
• Maintain confidentiality of staff and students

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

Ability to provide general district information and respond to questions from administrators, managers, employees, customers, and/or the general public in a professional and pleasant manner.

PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS:

Demonstrate sound judgment by taking appropriate actions regarding questionable findings or concerns.

PRODUCTIVITY/EFFICIENCY SKILLS:

Consistently demonstrate ability to respond to changing situations in a flexible manner in order to meet current needs, such as reprioritizing work as necessary; organize job functions and work area to be able to effectively complete varied assignments within established time frame.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral and diagram form. Ability to define problems collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing (Microsoft Office), spreadsheets (Excel), database, presentation software.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside and meets deadlines with severe time constraints in a fast paced environment on a daily, weekly and monthly basis.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit; occasionally walk and stand and reach with hands and arms; occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision; very good depth perception; and the ability to communicate through speech.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit; walk and stand and reach with hands and arms; occasionally lift and carry up to 20 pounds. May be required to block or redirect students during negative behavior.

SALARY: According to the Professional Classified Salary Schedule

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: McKinney Vento calendar assignment

Nampa School District #131 is an equal opportunity employer/educator with an alcohol, drug and tobacco free environment, and does not unlawfully discriminate in employment. Equal access to employment, services, and programs is available to all persons. Those applicants requiring reasonable accommodations to the application and/or interview process should notify a representative of the organization. The information contained in this job posting is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position. Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned. The employment relationship with the District is of an “at will” nature, which means that the Employee may resign at any time and the Employer may discharge the Employee at any time with or without cause.