Job Overview: Mundo Verde Bilingual Public Charter School is seeking a School Social Worker to provide interventions and support consistent with polyvagal theory and trauma-informed practices to students experiencing social/emotional/behavioral challenges. The School Social Worker will deliver individual and/or group counseling and therapy; consult with classroom teachers, behavior support staff, and administrators; and develop/ leverage partnerships and resources to support students and their families with unique needs that impact overall educational access and performance. The School Social Worker will participate as a member of various multidisciplinary teams to make informed decisions that will result in students being able to access the learning environment and the curriculum, while having the opportunity to make meaningful educational progress. The School Social Worker will also serve as the Homeless Liaison, the Attendance Liaison, and Member of the School’s Crisis Response Team.
Reports To: The School Social Worker is a member of the Student Services Team, and as a trained mental health professional under the supervision of the Director of Student Services
Responsibilities and Duties
Assessments and Case Management
- Gathers background information on students’ social history by conducting behavioral observations, making home visits, conducting interviews, and reviewing school records
- Selects and administers age appropriate assessment methods and materials in order to determine the needs of students
- Develops and submits comprehensive socio-cultural assessment reports that address the reason for referral and include appropriate recommendations, within established timelines
- Conducts risk assessments and develops corresponding safety plans, as appropriate
- Ascertain and address the needs of students and families in crisis
- Provides follow-up support and periodic re-evaluation services as necessary
- Compiles/submits monthly reports and service trackers and maintains accurate case records
- Carries out casework services with students and their families to help address students’ social/emotional/behavioral challenges
- Communicates case findings and recommendations to teachers and other school personnel as needed
- Conducts specialized individual and group counseling sessions to address specific social/emotional/ behavioral needs of students
- Maintains adequate and current testing materials
IEP / 504 / RTI / Gender Support Plans
- Participates in the Response to Intervention (RTI) Process to include referrals, RTI Team meetings, the development and implementation of RTI Plans, and the monitoring and reporting of progress toward RTI goals
- Develops, as necessary, gender support plans which create a shared understanding among school staff, parents and a student about the ways in which the student's authentic gender will be accounted for and supported at school
- Schedules and facilitates Student Support Team meetings for the purposes of gender support
Training
- Provides in-service training and workshops for teachers and staff regarding mental health issues and proper procedures for the identification and referral of students
- Organizes and conducts specialized programs to include parent training classes, student support activities, and identified social/emotional curricula
Behavior Support
- Provide age appropriate proactive behavior strategies to teachers (proximity, clear routines and expectations, taking a break, positive language, etc.) and students (self-regulation skills, mindfulness, role-play, etc.) to mitigate or manage possible disruptions or behavior challenges
- Functions as a member of the school mental health team
Referrals and Reporting
- Promptly reports known or suspected child abuse or neglect, consistent with Mandated Reporting requirements
- Makes required referrals of educational neglect to the Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA), consistent with compulsory attendance laws and procedures in the District of Columbia, as outlined in the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR)
- Serves as a liaison between the student, home, school, private counseling facilities, and community resources such as social services, court services, and family service agencies (acts as CFSA Liaison)
Homeless Liaison
- Ensures that families experiencing housing instability are connected with appropriate agencies for support, follows up as necessary
Other
- Provides relevant updates to Student Support Team regarding support for relevant populations (i.e. homeless, gender support, attendance)
- Models non-discriminatory practices and commitment to race and equity in all activities
Other duties as assigned
