K-3rd Grade School Counselor/Social Worker - Northwest Indiana Lighthouse Charter School

Northwest Indiana Lighthouse Charter Schools is looking for a compassionate School Social Worker.

Our social workers are more than staff members. They help transform children’s lives by creating opportunities for a brighter future. We are seeking a social worker who will make the commitment to conduct their work with determination, integrity and purpose, embodying these essential qualities:

• A passion and ability to build and sustain our model in a high need, urban environment
• Work in schools that demonstrates a sense of urgency and the relentless pursuit of high academic student achievement
• Reflective, self-aware and adaptable to communication and work styles of others
• Critical thinker and problem solver who takes initiative
• Belief in the power of collaboration and works to build a collaborative culture with LHA network, community, staff, families and students

Essential FUNCTIONS

Our schoolsocial worker provides support services to students, staff, and parents. Support services include referrals, counseling, assessment, diagnostics, and report writing. This work takes place at the school site, in other public buildings, and in private residences. All social workers’ actions must always be aligned with our mission, vision, core values and education program. The essential functions for our social workers are as follows:

• Completes assessments, referrals, and counseling with students and families.
• Consults with other professional staff, outside agencies and other organizations.
• Completes assessments of home and family situations.
• Serves as a member of school-based teams to provide support to families.
• Counsels students and/or families individually, or in groups.
• Works collaboratively with the Family Coordinator to assess and meet the social needs of students and families.
• Maintains and protects confidentiality at all times.

Examples of Work:

• Completes written reports of all cases and meetings.
• Interviews students and families.
• Make oral presentations of assessments, diagnostics, home visits, and observations.
• Completes other reports as may be required by federal, state, or local agencies, laws, and regulations.
• Leads school-based social groups.
• Serves on the Response to Intervention (RtI) Team.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Master’s degree in field of social services, MSW preferred

Experience, KNOWLEDGE & Skills:

• Experience providing the service required by this position, including at least three (3) years of experience working with and counseling children.
• Holds a license from the State to provide services as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
• Oral and written communication skills; interpersonal skills; personal organization skills.
• Knowledge of appropriate counseling procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state statutes dealing with privacy, care and protection abuse.
• Ability to diagnose emotional, personal, and social issues.
• Ability to make referrals to appropriate staff members and other agencies and organizations.
• Computer skills including word processing, database, and spreadsheet.