PITTSYLVANIA COUNTY SCHOOLS

POSITION DESCRIPTION

POSITION TITLE:  School Social Worker (2023-2024 school year only)

FLSA:  Exempt

REPORTS TO:  Assistant Superintendent for Support Services

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:  Ten-month employee

QUALIFICATIONS:  A Master’s Degree in Social Work.  Licensed Clinical Social Worker preferred.  Candidates must hold or be eligible for a Virginia license in School Social Work.

FOCUS: 

Candidate will perform specialized clinical support and counseling in an educational setting to enable students to achieve optimal learning using expertise in mental health counseling, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention.  The Clinical Social Worker collects, interprets, and synthesizes information about a student’s school and community environment, family dynamics, equity considerations and significant crises that influence mental health, academic and behavioral success in order to create and deliver or oversee intervention and support plans.  The Clinical Social Worker integrates and aligns with the school based tiered systems of support processes.  This position will be housed within the Support Services Department at the School Board Office.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct specialized individual and group counseling sessions and casework to address specific emotional, social, and behavioral needs of students
• Assess student and family mental wellness needs by gathering background information on students, conducting behavioral observations, making home visits, conducting interviews, and reviewing school records
• Consult with teachers, other school personnel, families and students to obtain information regarding the reason for referral for services
• Develop and implement treatment plans for students with consultation from the student, family, school and other important involved professionals
• Collaborate and liaison with professionals and community-based service providers, including but not limited to doctors, therapists, social services, court service unit and other community based providers working with families
• Facilitate multi-disciplinary meetings
• Implement evidence based interventions for students that meet their identified needs
• Conference and provide information and support to families
• Advocate on behalf of students and families for mental health and other needed services
• Demonstrate cultural competency and commitments to students and their families
• Counsel and provide crisis intervention for students, including assessment and treatment of emotional and behavioral problems
• Coach students on how to manage ongoing health conditions and provide therapy to help students make positive behavior changes
• Participate in school based tiered intervention meetings, monitor interventions, communicate progress and contribute interventions that positively impact mental wellness
• Maintain up to date knowledge of Medicaid and other insurance programs that may be accessed for services
• Maintain accurate and timely records, including clinical progress notes
• Serves as a resource to teachers and staff regarding family engagement, trauma support and the academic/social/mental wellness needs of students, including recommendation of interventions
• Provide professional learning for teachers and school staff regarding mental wellness topics, including but not limited to trauma awareness, resilience, and coping strategies

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Demonstrate proficiency in Word, Excel, and basic computer skills for effective data and record-keeping and communication
• Abide by State statutes, School Board policies and regulations
• Attend meetings and perform duties as assigned by administrators or supervisors
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities
• Maintain accurate, complete, and correct records as required by law, Division policy and administrative regulations
• Serve on school and Division committees as assigned
• Remain current on instructional practices in education (e.g. instructional technology)
• Perform other duties as assigned