SpED Social Worker – Elementary Schools

SUMMARY:
Provides professional level casework services; screens, identifies, assesses and refers students, as well as provides support services, crisis services, and social/emotional skill instruction; connects students to appropriate external resources as necessary.
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive.  Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.
 

• Performs special education due process related duties and responsibilities; serves as administrative designee on Individual Education Plan (IEP) team; facilitaties meetings, takes notes, and completes due process paperwork. 
• Provides direct social/emotional skill service to special education students; evaluates and assess students with suspected disabilities.
• Contacts parents of special education students with information regarding meetings and due process rights; conduct parent interviews; responds to parent questions and concerns.
• Assists special education team members with due process timelines.
• Provides direct social/emotional evidence based and culturally responsive intervention for students; consults with staff regarding support and interventions for students, interpreting behaviors for staff.
• Collaborates with community mental health providers and case managers.
• Connects students and families with basic needs resources; communicates, problem solves, and shares information with community partners.
• Provides individual and group support for students and families around issues of grief and loss, trauma, suicide ideation, etc.; provides classroom lessons on grief and loss; psychoeducation; collaborates with crisis assessors – talks with families about crisis assessment resources, arranges for crisis assessment.
• Prepares Child Protective Services referrals reporting abuse and neglect concerns.
• Implements attendance interventions and support.
• Acts as the coordinator for 504 law accommodations plans.
• Intervenes in student alcohol/drug issues.
• Promotes and supports the overall mission of the District by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with public and staff; acts in a manner that promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment. 

QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
 
Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, or a closely related field.

 
Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:
Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• Driver’s license.
• License as a School Social Worker by MDE.

 
Required Knowledge and Skills
Required Knowledge:

• District policies and procedures.
• Principles, practices, and ethical standards of social work.
• Laws, codes and regulations related to assignments.
• Disabilities and accommodations.
• Community resources and programs available to clients with identified needs.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.

 
Required Skills:

• Creating and administering individualized treatment plans.
• Interpreting, and applying state and Federal statutes, codes, rules, and regulations. 
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Operating a personal computer using standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities. 
• Commitment to the District mission, which is to ensure high quality, innovative, challenging education where all learners are valued and respected.
• Performing assigned responsibilities in a manner consistent with the District’s established Core Values.
• Advancing the District’s mission and values through careful attention to the key issues of Learning, Environment, and Resources.

 
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 
 
Work is performed in a school environment, using standard equipment and stamina to sit for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.  
 
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a school setting.
Travel required to locations throughout the District.