Social Worker - Manor Independent School

Primary Purpose: 

The school social worker provides unique services to children, youth, and their families to help the student attain maximum benefits  from their school programs. School social workers have knowledge and a concern for the wide range of social, emotional, cultural, and economic differences among children, families, and communities. The Social Worker will assist the school principals and counselors but will report to the Director of the Whole Child Department. 

Education/Certification 

Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree preferred, must be licensed 

Special Knowledge/Skills: 

• Must be familiar with the community and support agencies
• Must be adaptable to meet the needs of the families in the program in addition to working flexible hours to accommodate work in the evening
• Preferred- ability to communicate in native language(s) of program recipients 
• Experience working with families that have diverse cultures and economic backgrounds
• General knowledge of Academics, Behavior, and Attendance Supports 
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills, able to work in collaborative team based environments 
• Strong computer skills
• Experience working in an educational, social service, or family support service setting 
• Experience with child development 
• Knowledge of individual and group counseling skills  
• Knowledge and skill in casework management,investigation and intervention theories and practices
• Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills, interviewing and analytical skills and interpersonal skills 
• Strong consultation skills for conferencing with teachers, parents, and students
• Knowledge of social work theories, practices and procedures
• Knowledge and understanding of all pertinent legislation and policies
• Knowledge in the areas of needs and risk assessment, crisis support, family dynamics, the impact of trauma, psycho-social functioning  theories and practices and child protection theories, models and practices
• Flexible, adaptable and able to work effectively in a variety of settings and in a cross-cultural situation 

Experience: 

Must have 3-5 years experience working with youth, families, schools, and/or community outreach and at risk youth 

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Provide case management services to elementary – high school students who have been identified as having chronic school absences, behavior problems, or other barriers to learning
• Assess family needs and make home visits
• Establish and follow through with resource referrals
• Attend scheduled ARD and other academic meetings that assist with advocating for scholars well-being 
• Continue on-going case management documentation
• Provide crisis intervention, individual and group counseling as well as parenting groups as seen necessary  
• Support Student Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams
• Notify appropriate agencies when abuse or neglect is suspected
• Refer school staff and parents to resources in the community
• Consult with administrative and instructional staff as well as mental health partners
• Consult parents regarding their children’s academic performance, behavior, and needs
• Collaborate with Truancy team for cases of unexcused and excessive absences and tardies and enforce provisions of compulsory attendance laws  according to Texas Education Code §25.091
• Conference regularly with teachers, counselors, principals, and other staff to identify problems of tardiness, attendance, and student truancy; work closely with counselors, teachers, and other staff to identify and counsel students at risk of dropping out, as well as  their parents; confer with students in matters of attendance and tardiness and make a reasonable effort to gain their cooperation to  improve attendance; conduct home visits and parent conferences on student truancy and attendance problems; maintain contact  and act as liaison to local law enforcement agencies and courts in the area of student truancy
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other documents required, including records of all cases investigated and reports required by the commissioner of education; implement and comply with policies established by  federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and local board policy in the area of student attendance
• Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations
• Assist with coordination of holiday support for families
• Assist with coordination of district wide events for Whole Child such as the annual school resource fair
• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and board policy
• Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations  
• Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment 
• Facilitate professional development District Wide to assist with increasing awareness on trauma-informed schools
• Coordinate the Department’s resource referral process, which can be used to assist children and families from each school
• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisor, colleagues and partners
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, parents and partners  
• Maintain confidentiality  
• Dependable performance requires reliable and dependable attendance
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or other administrator that are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position.  

Supervisory Responsibilities:  

Supervise Interns 

Equipment used:  

Personal computer, printer, copier, fax machine, shredder  

Working Conditions: Physical Demands /Mental Demands/ Environmental Factors:  

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to  successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable  

individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations. 

Daily attendance and punctuality at work on time every day are essential functions of the job. Work successfully with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress. Repetitive hand motions; daily lifting/carrying of 5-50 lbs., and exerting up to 20 lbs of force to move objects. Prolonged and irregular hours including multiple evenings and occasional Saturday hours. The employee may spend long hours in intense concentration which requires attention to detail. There are a number of deadlines associated with this position, which may cause significant stress. The employee must also deal with a wide variety of people on various issues. Occasional travel. Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written); interpret policy, procedures, and data and assist with coordination of events. 

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Employee’s Printed Name  

  Employee Signature  

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