School Social Worker

Purpose and Scope

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

The essential function of the position within the organization is to facilitate the provision of services to students and families regarding social, behavioral, emotional, and academic challenges. The position is responsible for evaluating students' needs, assisting in preparing and implementing plans to assist them with behavioral/social/psychological issues, proving individual and group counseling, providing consultation to teachers and other professionals, maintaining accurate and complete case records, and performing related work as required. The position works independently, reporting major activities through periodic meetings.

Essential Job Functions

This position description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, knowledge or abilities associated with this classification, but is intended to accurately reflect the primary job elements.

Coordinates and implements evaluations of students social-emotional functioning to determine need for the implementation of or continuation of specialized services.

Gathers information through psychosocial assessments and standardized measurement tools to establish diagnostic formulations, appropriate goals and related objectives to address the academic, social, behavioral and emotional needs of students.

Identifies factors in the students home, school, and community environments that may negatively or positively impact the students education.

Consults and collaborates with school psychologists, teachers, parents, and others to develop behavioral management plans, facilitate students learning, track progress, and promote social-emotional adjustment through direct or indirect intervention strategies.

Participates in student support, IEP, and 504 program meetings.

Provides individual and group counseling of students and family counseling as appropriate.

Observes students in the class room setting.

Provides parent and teacher consultation to address management of student progress in academics, behavior, and communication skills.

Serves as an advocate for students and a liaison between schools and appropriate agencies which can provide services to students in need of additional assistance; facilitates collaborative programs with social, community and mental health agencies; advocates for new and improved community/school services to meet the needs of students and families.

Prepares and submits accurate and complete documentation of all assigned cases; maintains required confidentiality.

Attends training, conferences, and workshops as appropriate to enhance job knowledge and skills.

Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints from staff, parents, medical personnel, and students regarding services.

Performs routine administrative/office tasks as required, including but not limited preparing reports and correspondence, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, sending and receiving faxes, and entering and retrieving computer data.

Performs other related duties as assigned or directed.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master's Degree in social work and one (1) year of related experience, or equivalent combination of education, training, or experience. Requires licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker by the Tennessee Department of Health, Tennessee Board of Social Worker Licensure (TBSWL) and Licensed School Social Worker by the Tennessee Department of Education. Licensed Clinical Social Work credential through the State of Tennessee is preferred. Requires a valid Driver's license. (PROOF OF EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND/OR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED)

Degree Equivalency Formula:

Bachelor’s Degree= 4 years plus required years of experience.

Master’s Degree= 2 years plus required years of experience. Where Master’s degrees are required, years for Bachelor’s Degrees must be included. 

Additional Job Details

Mental Health Department