QUALIFICATIONS:

Must hold proper Kentucky Social Worker licensure or certification by Kentucky Department of Education as School Social Worker

REPORTS TO:

Simpson County Schools DPP

PRIMARY JOB GOAL:

To provide a functional, comprehensive program of direct services for students utilizing the expertise gained through professional training in the areas of either counseling and guidance or social work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Comprehensive knowledge of principles and practices of modern public school middle and secondary grades education and the ability to apply them to the needs of the students; knowledge of research-based curriculum and programs; ability to plan, organize, and coordinate an assistance program; ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing; ability to develop effective working relationships with the entire school community; commitment to students and education reform; knowledge of the growth and development characteristics of the developing middle and secondary school child.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

-Maintains at all times an orderly working atmosphere and keeps the DPP and school Principal fully informed of any activities and/or problems concerning the school counseling programs.

-Serves as an advocate for all students.

-Conducts individual counseling sessions, small group sessions, and support groups.

-Promotes a positive, non-threatening school environment which actively stimulates the involvement of students, parents, teachers, administrators, and, if applicable, the SBDM Council.

-Enhances the curriculum of the school through curriculum planning, student observation, team meeting participation, SBDM Council subcommittee participation, behavior management, conflict resolution, and conferencing with all people involved in the school community for each individual student's success.

-Assists in the organization, collection, and dissemination of information to children that will assist them in attaining personal goals, including orientation to a variety of educational experiences.

-Collaborates with existing interagency organizations emphasizing the role of communication liaison with the public; serves as the school representative on various interagency committee meetings.

-Works closely with the school staff and other community representatives in assessing children's needs, then uses the data in planning and evaluating the program of services.

-Serves as a resource person for specific needs of the student, teacher, parent, and administrator as well as a resource for parent education.

-Stays alert for indications of child abuse (physical and psychological) and stays prepared to initiate the necessary legal procedures in dealing with the problem.

-Provides documented follow-up after referral or assistance to insure credibility and accountability.

-Works to promote the district's positive image through public relations.

-Conducts an assessment of the counseling program in collaboration with the stakeholders.

-Works closely with the principals in organizing and utilizing various student appraisal techniques and in interpreting student data to teachers and parents.

-Makes home visits as needed in order to determine family circumstances which may be interfering with the child's progress in school.

-Provides help for families whose circumstances may be interfering with the child's progress in school.

-Tries to cultivate relationships with teachers to help one another with student problems.

-Serves as a referral agent to other state and local agencies and aids in referrals to in-school programs.

-Serves as student assistance liaison.

-Serves as a resource person on ARC committees with special emphasis on related service needs of children.

-Assists the school administration in preparing for the opening of school and completing the records for the closing of school; maintains student records.

-Coordinates workshops for students and parents; leads staff development on areas pertaining to guidance.

-Maintains active membership is various professional organizations as they relate to social work.

-Performs related duties and assumes other responsibilities as may be assigned by the DPP and school Principal or Superintendent.