Job Description

Social Worker II

REPORTS TO: Director II AND/OR Principal

SALARY: $63,426 - $76,417

PAY GRADE: 203

DUTY DAYS: 210

PCN: 14812

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent on availability of funds.

POSITION PURPOSE

Performs casework services to help students resolve personal, emotional, and social problems that interfere with their adjustment to school and their ability to enjoy the benefits of the educational process. Serves as a catalyst for bringing together school resources with targeted community resources. Acts as a liaison to resolve difficult and sensitive student support cases including trauma and emergencies.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Social Work

• Conducts individual and group counseling sessions to encourage peer support and enhance social development of students (such as developing ability to accept responsibility for their actions, resolving conflicts, developing decision-making skills, and handling crises).
• Works with students to improve attendance.
• Performs casework services with parents to increase understanding, constructive participation in resolving their child's problems, and their knowledge and use of available and/or appropriate resources.
• Provides crisis support and counseling to students, parents, and school personnel.
• Coordinates and integrates school and community resources; refers school staff and parents to community resources where appropriate.

Assessment

• Identifies and explores causes of students' dysfunction as it relates to the home, school, and community including making home visits to gather information relating to students.
• Arranges for medical, psychiatric, and other tests and examinations, which may disclose causes of difficulties, and indicate remedial measures.
• Participates in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist in interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students according to District procedures.

Consultation

• Works with school personnel to help students explore alternative education programs and career counseling.
• Works with community resources to identify services for youth and families; Acts as a liaison between schools and community resources.
• Serves as consultant to school personnel regarding students or situations that are not referred for direct District or outside services.
• Contributes to the planning and implementation of parent involvement activities; develops and conducts parenting training and support groups.
• Consults with parents regarding their children's academic performance, behavior, and needs.
• Informs students and parents of their rights and responsibilities under federal and state law including compulsory attendance.

Safety

• Follows established safety procedures and techniques to perform job duties.
• Corrects unsafe conditions in work area and promptly reports any conditions that are not immediately correctable to supervisor. Program Management
• Develops and maintains effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
• Develops and coordinates a continuing evaluation of social work services and makes changes based on the findings.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records, and other required documents.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS

• All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.
• Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer.
• Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and performs as a team player; promotes teamwork; responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.

OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED

• Performs all job related duties as assigned and in accordance to the Board rules, policies and regulations. All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of casework methods.
• Knowledge of multicultural diversity issues in the work place.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
• Knowledge of comprehensive guidance programs, counseling procedures, casework methods, intervention skills, student appraisal, and career development.
• Skill in collaborating with District and outside agencies and organizations.
• Skill in talking to others to convey information effectively one-on-one and in small/large group situations to students, parents, and district staff.
• Skill in interpersonal relationships, including using tact, patience, and courtesy.
• Ability to exercise discretion regarding matters of a sensitive or confidential nature; and to maintain confidential student records.
• Ability to effectively conference with teachers, parents, and students.
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior.
• Ability to use computer network systems, software applications, and do word processing.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written forms.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Travels to school district buildings, professional meetings, and student homes.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS, WORK HAZARDS

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office and classroom equipment including computer and peripherals; standard instructional equipment.
• Posture: Prolonged sitting and standing; frequent stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion: Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching; frequent walking.
• Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds and over); may be required to carry/transfer students to/from wheelchair or assist with positioning of students with disabilities.
• Environment: Works in an office setting; and may work outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance: Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands: Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:
• Master's degree from accredited college or university in Social Work.
• Certification/License:
• Requires one of the following licenses:
• o Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW);
• o Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
• Experience:
• 3 years' related work required;
• Experience working with "at-risk" youth and diverse populations preferred.
• Language:
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred in some settings.

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent on availability of funds.

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.