The job of the Family Service Worker is done for the purpose/s of facilitating administrative processes; ensuring operation in compliance with county, state and/or federal requirements; providing information on services available to eligible students and families and conveying information regarding program and/or district activities, procedures and referring families to other agencies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assesses student and family needs (e.g. financial, medical, parenting skills, etc.) for the purpose of developing and implementing individualized plans/family goals of services to support educational objectives.
• Conduct at minimum two home visits as required by federal guidelines.
• Coordinates workshops for parents and/or students (e.g. parenting skills, community resources, district programs, social skill development, etc.) for the purpose of assisting parents in maintaining a positive home environment, building trust between family and district and supporting child's educational program.
• Coordinates activities between the program and with a variety of outside services agencies, (e.g. mental health, probation, medical, etc.) for the purpose of providing referrals for families and/or students.
• Maintains case records for the purpose of documenting activities and complying with mandated requirements.
• Mediates conflicts between parents, teachers and/or students (e.g. parent/teacher, parent/parent, parent/student, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues that could impede student's success.
• Participates in meetings, workshops and seminars as assigned for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
• Assist families to access transportation for the purpose of receiving required services and/or attending meetings.
• Responds to requests for intervention in situations that could negatively impact the student's education plan for the purpose of addressing needs of the student.
• Responds to all inquiries for the purpose of providing information on district support services and/or educational programs.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Ensures that the program environment helps children develop emotional security and facilitates positive social relationships.
• Assist parents to become their child’s first advocate in the transition process as they move to and from different educational settings.
• Assist parents to communicate with teachers and other school personnel to participate in decisions related to their child’s education.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Meets the employment qualifications set forth by the Kansas City, Kansas Board of Education and the Kansas State Department of Education.
• Maintain a professional attitude with families and staff.
• Hold current and valid Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field.
• Possess and utilize excellent interpersonal skills and professional judgment
• Demonstrate collaborative and consultative skills

COMMUNICATION:

Maintains communication with teachers, other program personnel, and parents/guardians to enhance cooperative action that will meet the educational needs of students.

Provides health services, information, and counseling in an effective and positive manner to enhance the health and wellness of the program community.

Completes accident/incident reports for students/staff.

Compiles data for statistical purposes.

Maintains confidentiality regarding educational records.

ORGANIZATION

Maintains a daily log of site/staff visits and documentation.

Maintains the daily environment of the health office facility and supplies.

Utilizes existing technology effectively in the performance of duties.

Performs other related work as required.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and analyze and interpret general professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, general curriculum and learning theories, correspondence, and protocols. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of administrators, staff, parents, students, and the general public.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, walk, stand and talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee must occasionally push items of 50 pounds such as pushing on a bike ore wheelchair, or moving/rearranging furniture. While performing the duties of the job the employee occasionally may visit a child’s home. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually loud and is a standard acceptable level for this environment. Is directly responsible for students’ safety, work output and well-being.

OTHER SKILLS and ABILITIES: Ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory to instructional program; ability to plan and implement lessons based on division and school objectives and the needs and abilities of students. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents and community; ability to speak clear and concisely in written or oral communication.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 186 days

SALARY: $17.59 - $21.02/hour

FLSA STATUS: EXEMPT

REPORT TO: Family Service Specialist, EC Coordinator, EC Director

EVALUATION: Performance will be evaluated in accordance with Board of Education policy