Social Worker

REQUIREMENTS:

o Graduate degree in Social Work, Psychology, or related field.

o Current license as a social worker (LSW) or licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) issued by the Pennsylvania Department of State and a Pennsylvania School Social Worker Educational Specialist Certificate.

o Ability to travel and possess reliable transportation.

o Successful completion of all required background checks, physical (as required by the PA Department of Education), TB test, professional/personal reference checks and any applicable pre- employment requirements of the position.

OBJECTIVE:

To promote and enhance the overall academic mission by providing services that strengthen home, school, and community partnerships and address barriers to learning and achievement.

To significantly contribute to the development of a healthy, safe, and caring environment by advancing the understanding of the emotional and social development of children and the influences of family, community, and cultural differences on student success along with the implementation of effective intervention strategies.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Conduct formal and informal assessments of student functioning, developmental history, family and community structure, interpersonal relationships, adaptive behavior and cultural factors that may influence learning.

2. Coordinate the student admission process from referral to placement, as assigned.

3. Use student, family, school and community assessment to develop appropriate interventions to improve student learning.

4. Develop intervention plans consistent with curriculum, student needs, strengths, social and cognitive functioning, and cultural experiences.

5. Assist in the planning of therapeutic, remedial and behavioral modification activities provided by the school.

6. Provide direct interventions to students, including individual and group therapy, counseling, and educational and informational programs.

7. Provide supportive case work to children and their families, including parent education and self-advocacy.

8. Provide parent counseling and training to help them acquire the necessary skills to support the implementation of their child’s specialized educational program.

9. Monitor student attendance and complete the Attendance Improvement Plan (AIP) process for students as assigned.

10. Assist students and their families in gaining access to formal and informal community resources.

11. Consult with stakeholders to facilitate understanding of factors in a student’s home, education agency and community that affect their educational experience.

12. Consult and collaborate with educational agency personnel, parents and community resources in areas that impact student learning (e.g. mental health, behavior management, school safety, diversity, crisis management, child abuse and neglect).

13. Assist staff in collaborating with community agencies and organizations.

14. Work with individuals, groups and organizations to develop programs and systems that promote student welfare and achievement.

15. Promote collaboration among community health, mental health, and welfare service providers and facilitate greater access to these services for students.

16. Participate in interagency panels to assist effective integration of services to students.

CRISIS PREVENTION/INTERVENTION:

1. Performs high risk assessments according to Pace guidelines and as requested/required.

2. Understands and implements Pace policy and procedure regarding emergencies and mandated reporting requirements.

3. Conducts and/or participates in behavioral assessments for patients as directed.

4. Utilizes physical restraint/management techniques and procedures, in accordance with Pace policies, as a last resort intervention to keep a child/adolescent safe from harming him/herself or others.

5. Maintains certification in and the Physical Crisis Management System.

6. Perform and/or assist on an as needed basis, to the students’ physical needs, and personal hygiene needs (e.g., diapering, toileting, grooming, feeding, etc.), following safety standards. Additionally, follow proper procedures in handling and disposing of body fluids.

DOCUMENTATION:

1. Maintains records for students assigned to his/her caseload that meet the established accuracy and time line requirements.

2. Oversees and updates documentation related to parent contact information, changes in custody/care relationships, legal status, and consent to treat and release information.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Maintains familiarity with Pace policies and procedures, and complies with established employment procedures (i.e., use of sick leave, dress code, use of personal cell phone, Internet and email acceptable user policies).

2. Implements and adheres to all established policies and procedures, not limited to the Pace policies and procedures, procedural manuals and the Emergency Response Plan.

3. Serves as an appropriate role model to children/adolescents and families by remaining calm and objective through the execution of all duties.

4. Participates in work groups and Action Teams involving policy development, quality improvement, or enhancement of services.

5. Interacts with others in a professional manner that demonstrates understanding of Trauma Informed Care.

6. Participates in continuing education activities as required by licensure or program needs.

7. Contingent upon staffing needs, you may be required to provide services for the Extended School Year (ESY) Program. Providing services during the ESY program does not impact your assignment for the Academic School Year.

8. Performs other duties or responsibilities as may be assigned by supervisor.

SENSORY ABILITIES:

• Visual acuity to read written material, computer screen, multimedia screen
• Auditory acuity to be able to use the telephone, interview child/adolescents/families, participate in staff meetings, listen to questions/concerns
• Ability to speak clearly and distinctly

Pace is an Equal Opportunity Employment, Educational/Service Organization.