General Summary: The School Social Worker completes comprehensive special education evaluations resulting in the recommendation of qualification for special education services and provides direct and consultative student services.. The school social worker participates in multi-disciplinary team meetings recommending special education programs and services to maximize student social, emotional, and educational success.

Qualifications: (Minimum)

Professional

Master’s degree from an approved Social Worker program, Full approval by the Michigan Department of Education
Licensed School Social Worker
Experience and knowledge of special education
Experience co-leading FBA/BIP planning
Experience in leading social skills groups
Ability to collaboratively work with all staff and students
Professional level writing skills
Ability to use or to learn new technology expediently
Demonstrates professional level organization and time management
Ability to implement Cognitive Behavioral therapy preferred

Curriculum

Demonstrates knowledge of the Common Core State Standards
Competent in using a variety of technology applications
Knowledge of a variety of diagnostic tools, skilled in their assessment and interpretation of results.
Support student and teachers by addressing behavior, academic goals and teaching /learning strategies that will help a child progress in the general curriculum

Compliance

Comply with all Michigan Special Education law/requirements
Provide Social Work services as indicated on each student’s IEP
Collect, record and report data relative to student performance
Conduct required formal and informal evaluations to measure students’ progress
Collaborate in the development of METS,, IEPs, Fab/BIPs and other special education paperwork
Comply with state and district policy on the use of seclusion and restraint
Maintain strict level of confidentiality at all times

District

Comply with all district procedures
Participate in building Students Assistance Teams and processes (RTI)
Support the ongoing improvement of a unified Multi -Tiered System of Supports
Engage in crisis prevention and intervention services
Participate in area meetings with the Special Education Supervisor as required
Participate in building meetings as directed by Special Education Supervisor and building principal.
Complete Medicaid documentation

Student Support

Utilize a variety of research-based intervention strategies, continually assessing students’ response to intervention and make modifications as needed to ensure all children are successful
Intervene directly with students and families through individual counseling, support groups, and skills training
Develop age appropriate lesson plans that reflect individual student goals and group needs
Provide home-based activities when appropriate
Evaluate and order instructional materials needed to provide quality programming
Serve as a member of interdisciplinary teams to address needs of at-risk students and to serve the needs of students with disabilities through the special education assessment, eligibility, and placement process
Provide support in the development of Positive Behavior Support Plans
Conference with parents and classroom teachers
Provide leadership and consultant services to the district’s professional staff on matters pertaining to educating special education students
Assist parents in identifying community resources
Work cooperatively with community agencies involved with students and families
Conduct initial and reevaluations of students suspected of having an Emotional Impairment or Autism
Assist in the screening process of all students referred for ADD/ADHD
Prepare professional written reports that shall include information needed to determine eligibility and educational data which identifies the student's current level of educational performance that informs recommendations.
Provide support for students in crisis.

Other

Stay informed about the field by participating in professional development opportunities including attending seminars, reading professional publications, and participating in field list-serves
Support School improvement plans
Perform other duties as assigned by the Special Education Supervisor or the Building Principal

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here 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.

Must be able to communicate with others and clearly understand normal conversations in person and on the telephone. Employee may be required to perform extensive work at a computer display terminal. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to have ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; and the ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of 10-50 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard. The employee frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, talk and hear. Requires regular attendance and/or physical presence at the job.

Special Education Social Worker