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