School Social Worker

LIMA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title:                   SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER                                                                                             File 328

Reports To:         Alternative Programs Principal and Building Principal

Job Objective:     To provide the duties required of school social workers that may include counseling students whose behavior, school progress or mental or physical impairment indicate a need for assistance; consulting with parents, teachers and other school personnel to determine the causes of problems to implement solutions; arranging for medical, psychiatric and other tests that might disclose the causes of difficulties.  Social workers are also responsible for conducting social research, interviewing clients individually and assessing their situations, capabilities and problems to determine what services are required to meet their needs.

Minimum Qualifications: 

        ·  Master’s degree in the field of Social Work or other relevant disciplines that are acceptable to

   obtain the State Department of Education School Social Worker license or School Counselor license.

                        ·  Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio.

                        .   Current valid State Department of Education School Social Worker or School Counselor license.

                        .   Valid State of Ohio driver’s license and proof of liability insurance

                        .   Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.).

                        ·  A record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.

                        ·  Complies with drug-free workplace rules and board policies.

                        ·  Keeps current with advances in technology and workplace innovations that enhance productivity.

                        ·  Training and/or experience in behavioral management techniques.

                        ·  Experience writing, implementing, and monitoring behavior management plans.

                        ·  Knowledge of district programs and community resources and the ability to facilitate student/family access to appropriate community resources.

                        .   Consistently dependable and flexible.  Accepts new responsibilities/assignments willingly.

                        .   Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Lima City Board of Education may find appropriate and acceptable. 

Essential Functions:  

             The following are typical work responsibilities. A reasonable accommodation may be made to 

         enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

                        ·  Performs casework service with individual students to correct those personal, social, or emotional issues related to their educational and social progress.

                        .   Performs casework service with parents as an integral part of the task of helping students, to increase the parents’ understanding, their constructive participation as partners with school staff to address barriers to their child’s successful participation in school, and their knowledge and use of appropriate resources available.

                        .   Consults and collaborates with other school personnel in establishing and planning for respective roles in the modification of the student’s behavior.

                        .   Makes student/family referrals to community agencies that service children and families.

                        .   Makes home visits for the purpose of gathering helpful information on a student’s background; assisting families as needed.

                        .   Acknowledges personal accountability for decisions and conduct.

                        .   Monitors the efficacy of interventions.

                        .   Facilitates family and student groups.

                        ·  Promotes effective communications and assistance.  Uses problem-solving techniques to tactfully address questions/concerns.

                        ·  Upholds board policies and follows administrative guidelines/procedures.  Refers questions about district policies to administrators/supervisors.

                        ·  Documents observations of students in classroom settings.

                        ·  Upholds the student conduct code.  Implements effective pupil management procedures.

                        ·  Maintains accurate records and submits reports and required paperwork on time.

                        ·  Respects personal privacy.  Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.

                        ·  Takes precautions to ensure safety.  Monitors situations that may indicate a problem.  Provides appropriate student supervision.  Works with supervisors to manage or eliminate risk factors.

                        ·  Reports suspected child abuse and/or neglect to civil authorities as required by law.

                        ·  Participates in staff meetings, conferences, and other required school activities.

                        .   Pursues growth opportunities that enhance professional performance and advance district goals.

                        ·  Strives to develop rapport and serves as a positive role model for others.

                        ·  Helps students understand and embrace ethical conduct and democratic values.

                        ·  Maintains a professional appearance.  Wears work attire appropriate for the position.

                        .   Advances the district’s professional image

                        ·  Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Abilities Required: 

             The following personal characteristics and skills are important for the successful performance of assigned duties.

                        ·  Acknowledges personal accountability for decisions and conduct.

                        ·  Acts in accordance with the professional code of ethics.

                        ·  Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.

                        ·  Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to a positive work environment.

                        .   Exhibits consistency, resourcefulness and resilience.

                        ·  Effectively uses active listening, observation, reading, verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.

                        ·  Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.

                        ·  Anticipates time constraints.  Manages tasks efficiently to meet deadlines.

                        ·  Skillfully manages individual, group, and organizational interactions.

                        ·  Uses diplomacy and exercises self-control when dealing with other individuals.

                        .   Has knowledge of counseling techniques, confidentiality procedures, behavior modification and intervention techniques and knowledge of legal procedural techniques.

Working Conditions:  

            To promote safety, employees are expected to exercise caution and comply with safety regulations and district policies/procedures when involved in the following situations/conditions.

                        .   Balancing, bending, crouching, kneeling, reaching and standing.

                        .   Exposure to adverse weather conditions and temperature extremes.

                        ·  Exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.

                        ·  Interactions with aggressive, disruptive, and/or unruly individuals.

                        ·  Operating and/or riding in a vehicle.

                        ·  Lifting, carrying, and moving work-related supplies/equipment.

                        ·  Traveling to meetings and work assignments.

Performance Evaluation: 

      Job performance is evaluated according to policy provisions and contractual agreements adopted by the Lima City School District Board of Education.

                            The Lima City School District Board of Education is an equal opportunity employer.  This job description identifies general responsibilities and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties performed.  This document is subject to change in response to student demographics, staffing factors, funding variables, modified operating procedures, and other unforeseen events.