Social Worker

Under direct supervision of the Social Work Lead, the incumbent is responsible for providing a full range of social services to students with varying cognitive, social and behavioral abilities. Duties of this position require weekly meetings with students, individually and in groups, to work on improving social skills, self-esteem, problem solving and personal safety skills. Important aspects of the job include ensuring that all student counseling records are documented accurately and timely, and providing various staff development in-service trainings to school staff. It is important to note that while providing students’ with social services, the employee is responsible for the supervision of a student(s) which may require the ability to keep up with a running student and or to lift or assist with lifting the student. This is essential to perform this task. An important aspect of the job is gaining knowledge of and implementing the assigned student’s Individual Education Plan goals and objectives as well as ensuring accurate data collection and documentation of such.

In accordance with the federal wage-hour laws, this is a salaried position and is not subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act’s (FLSA) minimum wage and overtime pay requirements.

Other Performance Measures

Successful performance on the job requires following safety guidelines and policies to reduce accident or injury to self or students, school dress standards, proper attendance and leave policies and compliance with other policies set forth in the Employee Handbook. Creativity, initiative and effective problem solving is also important to the success of the incumbent. Attend and participate in weekly team, staff and development meetings; read and accept responsibility for weekly staff notes and all policies and procedures. Complete all paperwork accurately and timely. Perform bus duty detail as assigned. Support the overall school mission through volunteer opportunities and contribute to the smooth operation of the school day.

Examples of Essential Functions

• Provide direct clinical assessment, assistance and counseling to students, parents and school staff in dealing with crises; support students and teachers throughout the day and during crisis situations; and assist in resolving issues as needed.
• Develop, write and implement IEP goals for counseling services.
• Administer, score and interpret the Vineland Adaptive Measurement tool for teachers as needed; make appropriate referrals for outside assessments as needed.
• May assist in planning, developing; and presenting in-service training programs; instruct in techniques and procedures in crisis intervention and counseling; prepare reports as required by the various jurisdictions.
• Contribute to the functional behavioral assessments and the development of behavior intervention plans; assist students and families in transition planning as needed.
• Maintain accurate and up to date counseling notes and phone logs of contacts with students, parents, and outside agencies.
• Monitor student attendance and intervene in truancy cases in accordance with policy and procedures documenting accordingly.
• Participate on the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Education Committee as needed.
• Provide training to staff and parent groups including PTO, parent support groups, etc. on topics such as Family Life Education, Child Abuse/Neglect recognition and reporting, etc.
• Facilitate Peer Mediation Program as assigned.
• May oversee or supervise BSW or MSW student interns as assigned
• Ability to exert moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of bending, stooping, squatting, reaching, kneeling, crouching, crawling and brisk walking, and which may involve lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (45 lbs.).
• Ability to lift and position physically disabled individuals may be required.
• Most tasks require oral communication, visual and hearing perception, and the ability to get around the classrooms, cafeteria, gym, campus, etc.
• The ability to keep up with running children and or to lift or assist with lifting students is essential.
• Maintain confidentiality of parent, student and staff personal identifiable information.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of students with cognitive disabilities, autism and multiple disabilities.
• Knowledge of the current Federal guidelines for Special Education.
• Ability to independently problem solve and navigate the steps needed to accomplish the tasks of the position.
• Ability to maintain required documentation of student records and complete appropriate Medicaid documentation.
• Licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker in the District of Columbia. DCPS School Social Worker/K-12 Grade Level preferred.
• Requires strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
• Successful completion of the required training courses within a specified period of time
• Tuberculosis screening to assure no significant risk to the health and safety of others.
• Successfully passing a criminal background investigation and pre-employment and random drug screenings.
• COVID-19 Vaccination

Examples of Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the ethical considerations involved in the practice of licensed clinical social work.
• Knowledge of individual and group therapy techniques and theories.
• Knowledge of counseling techniques.
• Knowledge of available community resources and of their organization and use.
• Skill in establishing trust and rapport with students and families.
• Ability to identify personal, educational and vocational needs of students.
• Ability to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of various social work treatment practices, techniques and procedures.
• Ability to interpret and follow instructions furnished verbally, in writing, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence using English grammar and spelling.

Sensory Requirements
Most tasks require visual perception and discrimination. Some tasks require oral communications ability. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds.

Minimum Acceptable Education and Experience

Master’s in Social Work from an accredited college or university, and Licensed as an LGSW in the District of Columbia as of date of hire.

Hours of Work
7:50 AM to 3:10 PM – Wednesday
7:50 AM to 4:00 PM – Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday

Job Type: Full-time