Social Worker

The Davenport Community School District is an EEO/AA employer.

Position Overview:

As a School Social Worker supporting Special Education Therapeutic Classrooms, you will play a crucial role in addressing the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students with disabilities. Working collaboratively with a Principal, Special Education Teachers, Behavior Intervention Strategist, and other professionals, you will provide comprehensive social work services to promote students' overall well-being and academic success. Your primary focus will be on fostering positive relationships, facilitating interventions, and connecting students and families with resources to support their unique needs.

Duties & Responsibilities: 

(Essential Functions of Position, Major Responsibilities, Summary of Key Duties, Special Assignments, Relationships)

Key Responsibilities:

• Assessment and Intervention:
  • Conduct comprehensive assessments, including Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) to identify students' social, emotional, and behavioral strengths and challenges.
  • Collaborate with teachers and other team members to develop and implement individualized intervention plans tailored to students' needs.
  • Provide counseling, crisis intervention, and supportive services to students experiencing emotional distress or behavioral difficulties.
• •         Case Management and Advocacy:
  • Serve as a liaison between school, home, and community agencies to coordinate support services for students and families.
  • Advocate for students' rights and access to appropriate educational and community resources.
  • Assist families in navigating the special education process, including understanding rights and responsibilities under federal and state laws.
  • Serve as the Homeless Liaison ensuring students and families experiencing housing insecurity have access to school and community resources
•  Social Skills Development:
  • Facilitate social skills groups and other group interventions to help students develop positive peer relationships and communication skills.
  • Collaborate with teachers to integrate social-emotional learning activities into the curriculum and classroom routines.
•  Family Engagement and Support:
  • Build trusting relationships with students' families, providing education, support, and resources to address their needs.
  • Conduct home visits and parent conferences to assess family dynamics, address concerns, and develop strategies for supporting student success.
• Collaboration and Consultation:
  • Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings to discuss student progress, share insights, and coordinate services.
  • Consult with teachers, administrators, and outside agencies to develop strategies for addressing challenging behaviors and promoting positive outcomes.
•  Documentation and Reporting:
  •  Maintain accurate and confidential records of social work assessments, interventions, and progress notes.
  •  Prepare reports and documentation required for Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings, student evaluations, and other administrative purposes.

Physical Requirements of Position:

(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, stand, speak, hear, see, and walk to carry out routine duties.
•  Must be able to occasionally lift, move, or push items of 50 lbs. such as assisting children or moving/rearranging furniture.
• Must be able to supervise students in all types of weather.
• Meet multiple demands from several people and interact with the public and other staff.
• Must be able to implement Crisis Prevention Intervention strategies, including appropriate physical restraint procedures and escorting.

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.)

• Noise level is quiet to loud.
• Work may be indoors and/or outdoors.
• Work may be in non-air-conditioned rooms.
• Substance-free environment.
• Fast-paced atmosphere with constant contact with students, staff, or the public.
• Direct responsibility for the safety, well-being, and work output of student.

Special Qualification Desired:

(Personal Qualities, Education, Skills Needed, Experience, Etc.)

• Successful Candidate must possess strong interpersonal skills with a proven record of building rapport with culturally diverse students to ensure each child reaches his/her full potential
• Must hold a current Social Work license in the state of Iowa, and then apply/receive a Statement of Professional Recognition from the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners.
• Experience working with children and adolescents with disabilities, preferably in a school or therapeutic setting.
• Knowledge of special education laws, regulations, and best practices.
• Strong assessment, counseling, and crisis intervention skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
•  Cultural competence and sensitivity to the needs of students and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
•  Commitment to ongoing professional development and learning.