Social Worker

POSITION: Social Worker

CATEGORY: Certified

LOCATION: Schools

REPORTS TO: Secondary and/or Elementary Director

SUMMARY: To help students resolve such personal, emotional, and social problems as interfere with their adjustment to school and their capacity to enjoy the fullest benefits of the education offered them.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in the evaluation, classification, and placement of all students with special needs
• Assess students in terms of personal and family history, socio-economic, and cultural differences
• Evaluate the configuration of factors within the home, community, and school as related to a student's current social and academic adjustment
• Interpret the implications of significant social findings as a member of the child study team, and participate in educational planning for exceptional students
• Observe students in the classroom and/or on the playground
• Interview students as appropriate
• Observe children in special education classes on an ongoing basis
• Plan home visits or office interviews with family members to assess past and present history and development as well as family dynamics and interactions that are relevant to the student's adjustment
• Maintain an ongoing relationship with families for the purposes of sharing information regarding educational planning and programming for the student, assisting the family in utilizing appropriate community resources, and providing counseling to family members and students to facilitate social adjustment
• Initiate, facilitate, and maintain liaison with community agencies and other resources to meet students’ special needs, and refer parents and children to agencies when appropriate
• Consult with the administration and staff regarding social adjustment factors of students in schools, at home, and in the community
• Counsel groups of students and parents regarding social adjustment problems
• Assist in coordinating, developing, monitoring, and evaluating the effectiveness of individualized education plans
• Attend and participate in meetings as deemed necessary and consistent with the needs of the district
• Perform all duties required as a member of the child study team by federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy
• Serve as a case manager, as assigned, and maintain appropriate case records
• Assist in upholding and enforcing school rules
• 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 Code of Ethics of the Idaho Teaching Profession adopted by the Professional Standards Commission and the State Board of Education
• Adhere to the Statement of Public Policy and Code of Professional Conduct for social workers.
• Seek assistance should emergencies arise
• Represent the school district in a positive manner
• Know and follow 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:

• Holds a Pupil Personnel Services Certificate with a School Social Worker endorsement
• Minimum experience working with families and community health and social services agencies as determined by the Board
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Demonstrated knowledge of federal and state law, administrative rules, and Board policy governing special education
• Relates extremely well to students
• 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 (Access), 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. Be able to effectively supervise and support staff when consequences are implemented, including supervising physical restraint and seclusion if necessary for safety.

SALARY: According to Certified Teacher Salary Schedule

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: Certified staff 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.