Job Description

The Portsmouth School District is seeking a School Social Worker to serve students and families across all three elementary schools. This is a grant-funded position.

The primary role of the School Social Worker is to identify and assist students, families, and school systems in overcoming social, emotional, behavioral, and environmental barriers that interfere with learning and school success. Services may include assessment, brief counseling, consultation, case management, family support, coordination of school and community resources, crisis intervention, and program development.

The School Social Worker will establish and maintain strong relationships with students, families, school personnel, and community-based service providers. The position will have a particular focus on strengthening family supports and connecting families with appropriate community resources.

The School Social Worker will provide direct brief counseling services on an individual, small-group, or family basis and will participate on multidisciplinary teams addressing the needs of students with and without disabilities.

Job Summary:

Responsibilities will include, but not limited to: behavioral observation and assessment, intervention planning, risk assessment; crisis intervention, attendance support, case management, family consultation, referral to community-based services, and collaboration with school personnel and outside providers.

The position requires knowledge of local and state resources that support the unmet needs of students and families. The School Social Worker will help families access resources related to mental health, substance use, housing, food insecurity, healthcare, family support, and other social service needs.

The School Social Worker will collaborate with administrators, school counselors, school psychologists, nurses, teachers, special education staff, and other school personnel to address factors affecting student learning and well-being.

The position will also participate in appropriate community coalitions, committees, and outreach opportunities and will contribute to the development of district-wide resources and prevention initiatives.

The School Social Worker will conform to the ethical and professional standards established by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

Minimum Qualifications

• New Hampshire certification as a School Social Worker or eligibility for certification
• Master's degree in Social Work (MSW)
• Demonstrated knowledge, competence, and interest in working with children and families
• Knowledge of local and state community resources
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently across multiple school settings
• Experience with case management and community resource coordination preferred
• Knowledge and/or experience in addiction prevention, intervention, or recovery services preferred
• Experience working with children and families experiencing complex social or environmental challenges preferred

Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility.

Equipment

• Uses standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone.

Travel Requirements

• Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Works in standard office and school building environments.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Pay Rate: Follow Negotiated Pay Rate (See Teacher's Agreement)