The filling of this position is based upon continued funding in the Board of Education budget.

Note: Teachers dually certified in TESOL, Bilingual Education or ESL, with experience in Sheltered Instruction or fluency in a language other than English, will be given preference for all Stamford Public School positions.

The STEPS Program provides academic, social, and emotional programming for academically curious students. STEPS students are more successful in a therapeutic setting, and the program includes both academic teachers and social workers to support student progress. STEPS Students participate in small-group academic sessions, individual counseling, and groups counseling. The experiential Friday curriculum provides project-based learning through a variety of opportunities to build community and support students in their academic engagement.


JOB DESCRIPTION – Social Worker

GENERAL STATEMENT:
The Social Worker provides assessments, and evaluations of students' special educational needs. The Social Worker reports to the principal and/or the District Department Head for Social Work and Home Instruction.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides daily support for students through casework, group work, and class meetings.
• Provides psycho-social assessment and family assessments for students enrolled in the program.
• Makes regular contact, i.e., home visits with parents or other appropriate family members to enhance communication and improve student performance.
• Develops a support program to improve family communications.
• Provides crisis intervention service to students and families.
• Facilitates referral to community based medical/psychiatric services for students in need of medical evaluation and hospital treatment.
• Refers students to community agencies for vocational training and employment.
• Conducts appropriate classroom based affective education programs.
• Meets daily with staff and assists staff with student management.
• Meets weekly in formal case conferences with program staff and psychiatric consultant.
• Meets or confers with staff from sending school.
• Participates in Child Study Team and Planning and Placement Team meetings.
• Maintains appropriate student case records.
• Prepares reports and develops record keeping procedures in accordance with district and departmental procedures that meet the requirements of the grantor (DCYS: Department of Children and Youth Services).

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A valid Connecticut teacher certificate with endorsement in Social Work (071).
• Minimum of three (3) years professional experience in social work.
• Possess a thorough knowledge of present practices and current trends in social work.
• Experience in working directly with students and families.
• A working knowledge of community resources.
• Proven ability to work effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Appropriate communication skills – both oral and written.
• Knowledge of and/or demonstrate the ability to learn and implement Operating Systems (i.e. Windows); Office suites (i.e. Microsoft Office, Google Docs); Presentation Software (i.e. PowerPoint, Keynote); Spreadsheets (i.e. Excel, Google Spreadsheets); Communication and Collaboration tools (i.e. Skype); Accounting Software (i.e. QuickBooks); Student Information Systems (i.e. Naviance, Power School); or any other technology deemed relevant for this position.

Union:
Stamford Education Association (SEA)

Salary:
Per SEA Contract

Application Procedures:
Online application is required.

Internal Applicants: Please upload a cover letter (summarizing your interest in and qualifications for the position) and resume as part of your Internal Application. In addition, be prepared to provide a two letters of reference to the interview committee.