School Social Worker Lead – 1.0 FTE

WORK CALENDAR:  Click link to view calendar with work days.
2024-2025 REA Calendar

SALARY: Based on level of education and full years of licensed teaching experience.
Click link below to review the 2021-2023 REA Contract containing salary schedule.
REA Contract 2021-2023

BENEFITS:  Benefits available for teaching positions .5 HTE (Half Time Employment) and higher.
Contact the Insurance office @ 507-328-4976 for detailed insurance information. Please reference the exact job posting.

If you have questions regarding a job posting, contact the Office of Human Resources @ 507-328-4321 or email arperrigo@rochesterschools.org. 

JOB DESCRIPTION: 
Rochester Public Schools is seeking a Lead Social Worker to actively contribute to the implementation of the RPS Mental Health Strategic Plan initiative and promote student success. In this role, you will also facilitate essential functions of the social work team. The successful candidate will foster a collaborative and positive climate and culture within and across school teams supporting an environment conducive to student achievement. This position requires close collaboration with the Mental Health Coordinator and other key leaders driving the strategic plan. The Lead Social Worker will demonstrate flexibility and a systemic approach to problem-solving support for the holistic well-being and academic achievement of all students. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Provide Guidance and Coaching:
  • Support and coach staff in effectively implementing Rochester Public School’s strategic plan, particularly focusing on initiatives outlined in the Mental Health DISC framework.
• Collaboration and Support:
  • Liaise with district Student Resiliency Specialists, Chemical Health Counselors and Specialists, and Clinical Social Work staff, offering support and fostering collaboration to ensure cohesive implementation of mental health initiatives.
• Professional Development Coordination:
  • Collaborate with the Coordinator of Mental Health to plan and deliver professional development activities for staff, covering topics such as tiered interventions, universal documentation, and screening protocols.
• Cross-Departmental Collaboration:
  • Work across departments to implement comprehensive mental health systems, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with broader organizational goals.
• Staff Recruitment and Onboarding:
  • Assist in the recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes for new social work staff, contributing to building a strong and capable team.
• Consistency in Programming:
  • Collaborate closely with the Mental Health Coordinator to maintain consistency in programming and services across the district, ensuring alignment with best practices and strategic objectives.
• Third Party Billing Procedural Oversight:
  • Provide ongoing support to staff for implementing billing procedures as outlined in legislation, fostering a thorough understanding and adherence to regulatory standards.
• Team Communication and Support:
  • Regularly communicate with the social work team, organizing and facilitating team meetings to foster collaboration, share insights, and address challenges collectively.
• Liaison Role:
  • Act as a liaison between the school social work team and district leadership, utilizing both meetings and written communication channels to convey important information and feedback.
• Intern Program Facilitation:
  • Facilitate the School Social Work intern process, providing guidance and mentorship to peers and interns to support their professional growth and development.
• Problem-Solving Support:
  • Engage in problem-solving processes to address individual social work needs within the district, offering tailored support and solutions where necessary.
• Complete additional tasks or responsibilities as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Current School Social Worker license with PELSB required.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience as a school social worker, with a preference for candidates who have worked across multiple levels in the EC-12 system
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, demonstrated through outstanding written and verbal communication abilities
• Proven capability to collaborate effectively within a team environment
• Thorough understanding of the scope of practice in School Social Work
• Keen awareness and up-to-date knowledge of community resources and agencies
• Firm belief in the potential for all students to achieve high levels of learning
• Proficient coaching skills and adept at fostering positive relationships
• Eagerness to consistently engage in and promote the development of culturally responsive practices
• Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing SPED forms

Additional Requirements: 
Prior successful experience in urban, multicultural education desirable.
Demonstrates continued professional development through course work, research, peer collaboration, and/or job-embedded staff development.
Working knowledge of the subject matter, classroom management techniques, current researched best practices and strategies, as well as students’ learning styles and needs, both academic and affective.

Commitment to Equity:
Rochester Public Schools is committed to diversifying its workforce to better reflect the community we serve.  We believe the practices used in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, supporting, and promoting staff must include and honor, at every level, those who represent the diverse identities of our schools and community.
https://www.rochesterschools.org/equity-statement

Common and Shared Accountabilities for All Positions 
Employees of the Rochester Public School District #535 are expected to support the goals, model and promote an environment that is respectful for all, and work collaboratively with other staff to focus on the needs of the learner. A quality, customer focus that conveys a welcome attitude, an adaptability to change, and a desire for continuous improvement is also expected of all employees. In addition, staff are to respect confidential matters, encourage a safe and secure environment throughout the schools, and be dependable and accountable employees.

District Information:  To learn more about Rochester Public Schools, visit www.rochesterschools.org.