School Social Worker (School Year 2024-2025)

Global Village Academy is an innovative charter school. Students learn core content through both English and language immersion in their choice of French, Spanish, Mandarin, or Russian (depending on the school). GVA is truly a "global village." Our immersion teachers come from all over the world, each bringing their unique culture and language into the classroom. United by a common core, students are challenged to become world class thinkers, capable of engaging ideas using multiple languages and cross-cultural perspectives, through internationally bench-marked curriculum spanning each language village.

Summary:

The principle tasks of the School Social Worker are to help students and families make the best use of available opportunities and resources and to fully develop each student's individual potential. The School Social Worker contributes to the educational process with a deep understanding of the psychosocial development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences as they interact with the educational process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct assessment of student needs
• Provide culturally competent services
• Provide appropriate services for homeless students
• Provide individual counseling
• Facilitate group counseling
• Provide crisis intervention services
• Complete social developmental case studies
• Participate in the evaluation of special education placements
• Participate in the development of behavioral modification plans
• Perform functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA), and MTSS/RtI Plans
• Provide short/long-term case management services to individual students
• Referrals to community agencies
• Coordination of services with community agencies
• Coordination of services with other disciplines within the school
• Participate in transition planning for students
• Coordinate pregnancy prevention programs
• Coordinate drop-out prevention programs
• Report suspected child abuse/neglect

Education:

• Master's Degree in Social Work or related field from accredited university.
• Coursework in the area of school and special education
• CDE license: Initial or Professional Special Services License with endorsement in School Social Work

Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience in elementary or middle school education and experience working with at-risk students and second language learners, with both classroom instruction and administrative experience

Qualities:

• Communication skills. Special education teachers discuss student's needs and performances with general education teachers, parents, and administrators. They also explain difficult concepts in terms that students with learning disabilities can understand.
• Critical-thinking skills. Special education teachers assess students' progress and use that information to adapt lessons to help them learn.
• Interpersonal skills. Special education teachers regularly work with general education teachers, school counselors, administrators, and parents to develop Individualized Education Programs. As a result, they need to be able to build positive working relationships.
• Patience. Working with students with special needs and different abilities can be difficult. Special education teachers should be patient with each student, as some may need the instruction given aloud, at a slower pace, or in writing.
• Resourcefulness. Special education teachers must develop different ways to present information in a manner that meets the needs of their students. They also help general education teachers adapt their lessons to the needs of students with disabilities.

Please note this description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Regular attendance is required for this position.

Global Village Academy shall not discriminate in its employment or hiring practices on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, creed, citizenship, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or any other characteristic prohibited by law. GVA is committed to cultural diversity among school personnel as a means of enriching the educational experience. GVA shall identify, solicit, and consider applicants for employment from a broad spectrum of qualified individuals who will contribute to that effort.