Licensed School Social Worker

SUMMARY: 

The Licensed School Social Worker’s (SSW) primary responsibility is to facilitate the adjustment of students determined to be eligible for special education or Act 504 services. The SSW promotes communication between school personnel, families, and human service agencies. 

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: 
Salaried position based on the terms of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.   

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Work with students will be performed in classroom settings and in pull-out, small group, individual and community settings. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Ability to perform activities as assigned by supervisor 

• Ability to supervise pupils in the school and community as assigned 

• Ability to utilize positive behavior support strategies to effectively manage student behavior 

• Ability to work as part of a team – be able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with staff, families and students 

• Ability to display competence and good judgment in dealing with any mental health, physical and/or medical emergency which might arise 

• Ability to utilize technology 

• Ability to collaborate with the IEP team to assist in developing an educational program that will be directed toward the development of academic, communication, and social/emotional skills 

• Ability to adhere to Federal, State, IU, District, and other applicable procedures, policies, and regulations 

• Ability to adapt to student needs 

• Ability to perform other duties as assigned 

• Ability to work independently, solve problems and make work-related decisions 

• Ability to provide leadership in the development, implementation and evaluation of programs and services related to curriculum, instruction, assessment, including technology integration related to these areas 

• Reflects accuracy in attention to detail; promotes high aspirations and accountability 

• Demonstrates a strong work ethic, focused on excellence & improvement 

• Possesses superior organizational skills and dedication to seeing projects through completion in a timely manner 

• Customer service skills offer professional delivery, interpersonal skills - can inspire others 

• Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data related to educational programs and services 

• Ability to work cooperatively with district employees 

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing, for various purposes 

• Comply with the NASW code of ethics. 

• Current Act 34, 114, and 151 clearances; as well as Mandated Reporter training requirements. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:? 

• Master’s degree in social work (MSW) is required 

• LSW or LCSW required 

• Home School Visitor Certification is required 

• At least two-years’ experience is preferred 

• Special Note: After August 1, 2026, all persons employed as a School Social Worker must either 1) hold a valid, active Pennsylvania School Social Worker Educational Specialist certificate or 2) have an emergency permit, be a LSW or LCSW and be enrolled in a PDE-approved school social worker program. To become certified after August 1, 2026, one will need to successfully complete a School Social Worker preparation program at a college/university and then submit an application for certification to PDE. 

SPECIFIC POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:? In conducting this role, the essential duties of the Licensed School Social Worker (SSW) position shall include, but are not limited to the following:? 

• Assist the educational team in planning strategies and programs for the eligible students by explaining the students’ needs, motivations, and problems to the school staff; consulting with the student, family, and involved agencies to assist in developing an educational treatment plan; acting as a liaison between the educational team and the student’s family. 

• Assist the student in developing coping skills in the educational environment by assisting the student in developing better self-control, developing more adaptive social behavior and decreasing the frequency of maladaptive behavior; assisting and facilitating the student’s school adjustment and monitoring academic stressors; assisting the student in understanding and coping with his/her family; facilitating community based socialization and recreational opportunities by transporting, accompanying and monitoring student’s behaviors; facilitating linking and monitoring services with providers by transporting and accompanying the student and/or family. 

• Assist the parents and family in modifying and understanding the student’s behavior by consulting with the student’s parents in developing their sense of understanding of student’s behavior; assisting the parents to develop strategies to cope with the student’s behavior and facilitate change; identifying family dysfunction, assisting in remediating and/or referring to appropriate provider agencies for long term assistance. 

• Assist human service agencies in developing treatment plans by – understanding the student’s, family’s, and community’s resources to facilitate appropriate referrals; facilitating the information flow between agencies, the home and the school and then interceding to promote problem solving when communication difficulties develop. 

• Assist the school district with professional and program development related to social work services for eligible students; continue professional development by attending conferences, workshops, in-services, and staff meetings; maintain appropriate documentation; adhere to school district professional standards and regulations. 

• Acquire and maintain Safe Crisis Management certification. 

• Complete and submit appropriate records, reports, and data according to timelines established by supervisor and school district policies and procedures. 

• Maintain requirements for continued licensure in Pennsylvania. 

• Assist with Threat Assessment Teams, MTSS Teams, and crisis situations. 

• Connect families in need with appropriate community resources (based on the need of the family). 

• Other duties as assigned by District Administration