School Social Worker

School Social Workers serve as the vital link between home, school and community for all students coordinating services.  

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of Special Education and Student Services

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist families in obtaining outside supports for outpatient and in-home counseling services, food, clothing, shelter and connecting with community-based agencies that will support the student and family
• Partner with community agencies to case manage high risk students experiencing homelessness, foster care, abuse and neglect, and human trafficking
• Work collaboratively with Department of Social Services and schools to support Best Interest Determination meetings for all foster care students enrolling in OCPS
• Attend intervention team meetings and participate in developing interventions and strategies for students who are experiencing social, emotional, and/or behavioral issues that are impacting their learning and advocate in the student’s best interest
• Prepare social history reports for the social-cultural component of initial and triennial student referrals for special education and attend eligibility team meetings as needed
• Provide assistance to School Counselors with Risk Assessments and Referrals
• Participate on Threat Assessment Teams
• Mandated reporting of suspected child abuse or neglect
• ​Student, Staff, and Parent Prevention Education
• Provide in-services and presentations on Trauma, Parenting, Substance Abuse and Behavioral Interventions
• Provide staff and parent consultation
• School-Community Liaison​
• Coordinate service delivery and communication between schools, families, and community agencies
• Manage and follow through on the multi-agency services provided to students and their families (i.e., FAPT meeting, Best Interest Determination Meeting, Treatment Team meeting with DSS or Mental Health)
• Truancy interventions at the Tier III level
• Conduct home visits with school staff
• Provide assistance and management of services that are sensitive to clients’ cultures

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Master’s degree or higher in social work from an accredited college or university
• Possess license as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
• Must be willing to obtain a Virginia Board of Education (VDOE) Pupil Personnel Services License with an endorsement in School Social Work 
• Demonstrated skill in working effectively with students, parents, colleagues and administrators
• Demonstrated decision making skills and willingness to make difficult decisions in the best interest of students.
• Demonstrate knowledge of differences among people and cultural groups
• Knowledge of mental health, substance abuse, trauma and truancy
• Willingness to collaborate with all stakeholders