Case Manager (Student Transition Center)

Note: This position is represented by the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT). If you are not currently a member of PFT and accept this position your salary will begin at the first pay step of $59,056.

The School District of Philadelphia is committed to becoming the fastest improving District in the country and transforming the educational opportunities it offers to our city’s more than 200,000 students. The District seeks leaders who have a passion for working with schools and communities who are committed to ensuring all students achieve. Serving a population as diverse as ours requires creativity, commitment and vision. Will you join us?

Job Summary

Coordinates the delivery of a system of transitional and supportive programs to meet the complete transitional and academic needs of at-risk students and students returning to the School District of Philadelphia. Monitors activities and services related to issues inclusive of, but not limited to, transition, assessment, student planning, Personalized Learning Plans, Graduation Plans, graduation and promotion requirements, employment, and continued education. Ensures adherence to guidelines which govern all related activities. Establishes and maintains contacts, partnerships and collaborative relationships with both District offices and external agencies.

Essential Functions

• Facilitates communication and coordinates programs to assist in the transition of children and youth from delinquent and dependent placements to the school environment; helps them remain in school to complete their education and assists with the monitoring of Personalized Learning Plans and Graduation Plans.
• Ensures the provision of interventions to improve career, technical and post-secondary education during and following placement.
• Identifies opportunities for students to secure employment and/or attain a General Equivalency Diploma (GED).
• Coordinates special programs to meet the unique academic needs of participating children and youth, including special education, mentally gifted education, career and technical education and college-readiness.
• Participates in dropout prevention and intervention programs and initiatives which serve at- risk children and youth, including children and youth who have come in contact with the juvenile/criminal justice system, children and youth at least one year behind their expected grade level, and students with limited English proficiency.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of comprehensive educational support services, including behavior, emotional, and social services, for at-risk students to assist them with remaining in school and completing their education.
• Facilitates programs providing mentoring, peer mediation, and counseling services. • Represents the District as a member of a collaborative inter-agency team composed of representatives from the colleges and universities, corporate and business community, Department of Human Services, Philadelphia Prison System, Family Court, Juvenile Justice, and aftercare provider agencies.
• Facilitates a comprehensive activity schedule and resource map which will provide students with resources and a network of supportive services in their communities that can assist in their social, economic, educational, and personal growth.
• Ensures adherence to all federal guidelines and mandates governing the provision of transitional and academic services and activities and prevention and intervention programs for neglected, delinquent, or at-risk youth.
• Meets with students one-on-one to learn about their skills, education, and employment preferences, and help them develop individualized graduation plans and identify other resources to overcome barriers to success and support educational goals. • Administers academic and social assessments.
• Supports students throughout the enrollment process for educational programs. • Works with education providers and staff to monitor participant enrollment and progress; communicate issues, ensure youth are connected with resources and individualized services to complete program upon enrollment.
• Communicates clear program expectations to students at the beginning of each new cycle and throughout the enrollment period.
• Conducts follow-up calls and site visits to education programs to follow up with students and staff around retention and additional supports.
• Maintains and updates client case files and records (e.g., goals, assessments, outcomes, contact notes, and information on dropout, placement, and employment); enters student data into program database and track student success.
• Refers students to social service programs and community resources as needed. • Stays abreast of best practices in case management and youth development and of the latest educational program options and eligibility requirements for re-engaged students. • Assists in the development and implementation of appropriate programmatic and administrative policies.

Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in social services, social work, psychology, social work administration, counseling or a related field at an accredited college or university.
• Two years of full-time, paid, professional human services experience which have included providing counseling and youth advocacy services to school-age children in a public or private school system or social service agency.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated knowledge of:

• the techniques and practices used when working with delinquent, neglected, and at-risk youth and families in crisis.
• the principles, practices and techniques of social work, counseling or social administration.
• the principles, practices, and techniques of working with children with emotional, educational, social, economic, and/or health problems.
• current social, educational, and economic issues as they relate to urban families.

Knowledge of:

• research methods and data analysis.
• relevant community resources.
• policies and procedures related to prevention and at-risk services and intensive treatment options.

Ability to:

• interpret and explain policies and apply them to individual circumstances and situations in an appropriate manner.
• exercise discretion and tact in dealing with sensitive situations.
maintain necessary records and files, compile information and prepare reports.
• understand and follow written or oral directions.
• review and proofread information.
• communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Nondiscrimination

The School District of Philadelphia provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, age, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, disability, pregnancy, marital status, gender identity, or genetic information. Please refer to Board Policy 348 for further information