GENERAL DEFINITION OF WORK

Under the supervision of Director III - Student Support Services, the Social Worker is responsible for coordinating the efforts of the home, the school, and the community in resolving problems that prevent students from attaining optimal benefits from educational experiences.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Special Education Services

• Participate as a member of eligibility committees determined for special education services and provides follow-up as needed
• Obtain sociological information through parent interviews for special services evaluations and assist in obtaining other components of the evaluation
• Complete sociological reports which are presented at eligibility meetings
• Serve as a case manager for certain special education students and their families requiring support and assistance beyond the classroom

Drop-out Prevention

• Promotes and enhances the overall academic mission of the district by providing services that support students who are at-risk of dropping out of school.
• Collaborates with schools in identifying and contacting disengaged students and their families to address the issues and barriers associated with school attendance and credit accrual.
• Develops re-entry strategies and associated plans for identified students who have dropped out or are at risk of dropping out of school. Plans address completion of high school graduation criteria, career interests, and transition to post-secondary opportunities.

School and Home Services

• Perform home visits as requested

School-Community Relations

• Liaison between the student, home, school, private counseling, social services, community resources, etc.
• Liaison between the student, home, school, and court services
• Make court appearances to present data and perform court-requested evaluations

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and skills for direct and indirect intervention, including counseling on an individual, group, or family basis
• Ability to consult with administrators, teachers, parents, and other professionals about student problems and appropriate change strategies
• Ability to network with school programs and community agencies to provide essential services for families and children
• Understanding of the knowledge, skills, and processes for effective casework practice
• Understanding of the school social work profession including associated laws (IDEA, ADA, compulsory attendance, etc.), ethical issues, professional issues, and standards
• Knowledge of foundations of school psychology and the role and function of the school social worker
• Understanding of child development, psychopathology, social and environmental conditioning, cultural diversity, and family systems

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master’s of Social Work (MSW) degree
• At least one year of teaching experience (preferred)
• Teaching license issued by the Virginia Department of Education with endorsement as School Social Worker