TITLE:          SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER - GENESIS

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Eligible for State Certification as a School Social Worker
• Such additions and alternatives to the above qualifications as may be appropriate and acceptable

REPORTS TO:         Building Principal(s)

JOB GOAL:              To help students achieve a successful learning experience through direct casework service, drawing on family, school, and community resources as appropriate.  This role will support our Genesis Program, an alternative program focused on project-based learning and social-emotional development through Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist staff in the identification of children with emotional or social problems interfering with their satisfactory school adjustment and performance.
• Consult with principal, classroom teacher, support staff, parent, child or others involved to assess and develop an action plan
• Serve as Case Manager when assigned:

-Serve as key liaison to larger community of learners and families for students on caseload.

• Communicate pertinent information about teaching and learning for individual students to other teachers and service providers.
• Maintains communication to parents and colleagues over time as needed to support and promote student services in the regular program.
• (a) Request assistance from (b) make referrals to related services staff, e.g., counseling, psychology, speech/language, etc., as needed.

-Assist in the design and implementation of behavior management plans for students whose needs extend to this domain.

-Maintain a schedule of annual reviews and triennial (re-evaluation) reviews consistent with law and district practice.

-Plan and schedule Planning and Placement Team Meetings for assigned students as needed to comply with legal and district policy requirements.

-Coordinate meetings with staff and/or parents as needed to share information

regarding students’ programs and progress.

-Ensure that all required paperwork is distributed to parents.

-Ensure all paperwork for student transportation needs is completed in a timely fashion.

-Assist in the transition process of students from building to building and/or program to program.

-Determine if additional training of staff is required and assure implementation of same

•  Provide direct individual or group services to the child and/or his/her parents, assisting with an action plan that allows the student to enhance school learning and behavior.
• Maintain list of current community resources and referral sources.
• Assist student and family in obtaining appropriate outside referrals and community resources
• Serve as liaison between school and community agencies and resources.
• Consult with classroom teachers and support staff regarding children who may not need direct service but present behaviors of concern.
• Consult with teachers when appropriate in an attempt to improve classroom climate for all children.
• Serve as a member of the Early Intervention Team and Pupil Study Team and serves as a member of the Planning and Placement Team.
• Serve as a regular member of Student Assistance Team.
• Prepare a social history on each child was recommended by the Planning and Parent Team.
• Participate in the early identification of pre-Kindergarten children with potential learning problems through the Wilton Preschool Services.
• Offer casework services to pre-Kindergarten children and their parents on a selective basis.
• Participate in staff orientation programs, faculty meetings, PTA functions, and any other group meetings to further the general understanding of children.
• Maintain case notes on each child referred for services.
• Work cooperatively with and effectively utilizes the special services of the school psychologist, school counselors, language, speech and hearing clinicians, reading teachers, nurses and physicians.
• Maintain professional contacts through organizational meetings, conferences, and informal contacts with school social workers in other school systems and social work consultants.
• Serve as mandated reporter for cases of abuse, neglect and truancy and liaison with Department of Children and Families and truancy officer.
• Keep informed on current educational trends, practices, and research by advanced study, by visiting school systems elsewhere, by attending educational conferences, and by other appropriate means.
• Accept additional assignments in the role of School Social Worker as directed by the Director of Special Services, and/or the building principals.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:       11 Months

EVALUATION:                   Performance of this job will be evaluated annually in accordance with the provisions of the Wilton Staff Appraisal Program.

Reviewed by the Board May 4, 2004

Revised August 15, 2006

Wilton Public Schools is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all qualified persons.

Wilton Public Schools does not discriminate in any employment practice, education program, or educational activity on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability (including, but not limited to, intellectual disability, past or present history of mental disorder, physical disability or learning disability), genetic information & testing, Family & Medical Leave status, protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by Connecticut state and/or federal nondiscrimination laws.

Wilton Public Schools prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or otherwise oppose discrimination.