School Counselor SY

Description

OUR MISSION

Leman Academy of Excellence offers a rigorous, classical education based on the traditions of Western culture where all disciplines are interrelated allowing scholars the ability to think independently and critically. We purpose to partner with supportive parents, pursue excellence, provide a safe and challenging environment, and instill morals and values in order to produce tomorrow’s leaders today.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Master's degree in Social Work or equivalent professional social work degree from an accredited graduate school of social work

One (1) year of field instruction (internship) in a school system, or one (1) year of employment as a school social worker, or one (1) year of individual and group work with children and families

Required Licenses and Certifications:

- Valid Arizona Social Worker License and ADE Certification or ADE Certified School Counselor

- Valid Arizona Driver’s License

- DPS IVP Fingerprint Clearance Card / Background and Criminal History Clearance.

- First Aid and CPR Certification.

DESIRED

- Prior experience working with elementary and/or middle school scholars 

- Prior experience with community collaborations

- Strong knowledge of community resources

- Prior supervisory experience

- Prior experience with program development

- Bilingual skills in English/Spanish (optional)

SUMMARY

The Social Worker's primary role is to work with scholars, parents and related social service agencies to help Leman scholars achieve academic success. Counsels scholars and serves as the scholars' advocates. Additional functions include that of consultant, resource person and community liaison. The Social Worker is competent in the areas of social work, counseling, and consultation. He/she demonstrates the ability to use counseling theory and conducts himself/herself in accordance with district and school policies. He/she possesses comprehensive knowledge of the community's social service agencies.

*ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

- Aids scholars having difficulty in adapting to school life and assists when individualized professional help is appropriate

- Provides counseling to students as identified through behavioral plans or their IEP.  

- Participates in the development of IEPs to create behavioral and counseling goals. 

- Counsels scholars whose behavior or school progress indicates the need for individual guidance

- Consults with parents, teachers and other school personnel in determining causes of problems and effects solutions

- Arranges for medical, psychiatric or other examinations to disclose causes of difficulties and to coordinate remedial measures

- Exhibits patience, courtesy, and tact when dealing with others

- Promotes and supports district-wide educational advancement in 21st Century Skills.

- Integrates knowledge and skills that are relevant to the 21st Century (OPTIONAL) 

- Performs related duties as assigned

CONSULTATION

- Clarifies social and counseling services that are available through the school and the community

- Acts as a resource person for the growth and development of scholars

- Assists parents with developing realistic perceptions of their children's aptitudes, abilities, interests, attitudes, and development in terms of educational and occupational planning and social progress

- Shares appropriate information with staff members while maintaining confidentiality 

- Participates in staff meetings and case conferences

- Identifies pupils with special needs and makes appropriate referrals

- Assists teachers with gathering materials and planning activities for classroom guidance 

- Recommends changes of class(es) or school, special tutoring, or other treatment to effect a remedy

- Serves as a liaison between the school and community resources, such as family service agencies, child guidance clinics, protective services, doctors and ministers 

- Serves as a consultant to school personnel with respect to children or situations which are not referred for direct service

GUIDANCE

- Conducts family background profiles to illustrate social service needs

- Heads a guidance activity with a small group of scholars identified as needing social services

- Works with individual scholars in the area of guidance

- Articulates services available between the community's social service agencies and the school

EVALUATION

- Evaluates school social worker programs, using data retrieved from placements and/or agency referrals

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

- Ability to multitask

- Ability to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing

- Ability to concentrate for extended periods of time

- Ability to remain seated for extended periods of time

- Ability to prioritize and organize

- Ability to exercise judgment in accordance with established procedures 

- Ability to communicate with district personnel of all levels

- Ability to independently with limited supervision and as part of a team

*Essential functions, as defined under the American with Disabilities Act, may include the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. This list is illustrative only and is not a complete listing of all functions and tasks performed.