School Social Worker - Detroit Academy of Arts & Sciences

Position Title: School Social Worker

Funding Source: IDEA/General Fund

Reports to: Special Education Supervisor

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW)

• Meets all criteria for temporary or full approval for School Social Worker in accordance with MARSE, including a minimum of a 500-clock-hour supervised social work practicum

• Experience working with children and adolescents in a K-12 school setting preferred

Required Competencies & Skills:

• Experience working with children who have been educationally underserved.

• Be able to demonstrate the academic progress of students under your leadership and articulate the methods used to achieve those results.

• Exhibit excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders

• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques, restorative practices, and trauma-informed care

• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in education

Position Description: The School Social Worker (SSW) provides direct and indirect (consult and collaboration) services for scholars whose social, emotional, and

behavioral status impacts their learning, development, mental health, and school success. The School Social Worker is an integral part of the Special Education and School Culture teams.

Position Responsibilities:

• Provide individual and group therapeutic counseling to students with IEPS or 504 plans.

• Collaborate with families, communities, school staff and other school system personnel to develop and implement interventions and strategies to support scholars’ social and emotional well-being.

• Participate as members of the IEP, MTSS, and other school-based teams to develop interventions for promoting scholars’ academic success

• Identifies and assesses academic problems through analysis of factors influencing student adjustment, including factors in the home, school and community.

• Serve as a liaison between families and the school to positively promote collaborative processes in educational planning for students by encouraging parent and/or guardian participation in the school setting.

• Complete psychosocial assessments to assist in the determination of special education services.

• Serve as a first responder in crisis situations, offering immediate support and counseling to students in distress.

• Coordinate crisis management plans and ensure the safety and well-being of students during emergencies.

• Advocate for students' needs and rights within the school environment and community.

• Consult with external agencies and community resources to provide comprehensive support services to students and families.

• Manage caseloads effectively, conducting assessments and developing individualized plans to address students' social and emotional challenges.

• Develop and implement educational programs and workshops on topics such as bullying prevention, conflict resolution, and mental health awareness.

• Facilitate training sessions for staff and parents to enhance their understanding of social and emotional issues affecting students.

• Maintain required clinical records and submit appropriate documents for statistical reports with adherence to program standards in school social work.

• Complete risk assessments on referred students.

• Complete functional behavior assessments and or behavioral management plans on identified students.

• Other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements: Light Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force as frequently as needed to move objects; Frequent standing, stooping, bending, pushing and pulling.

Terms of Employment: Salary benefits shall be paid consistent with the District's approved compensation plan. Length of the work year and hours of employment shall be those established by the District.

Evaluation: Performance of this job will be evaluated by the Special Education Supervisor in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on evaluation of personnel.