School Social Worker

Brief Description of Position

As part of the school staff, School Social Work Counselors work with school-aged children, their parents, teachers, and school administrators to help students cope with a wide range of issues and perform well academically. SSW Counselors work full-time in the school setting but may need to travel to serve multiple schools in the area.

Major Duties and Responsibilities 

School social workers aim to help students grow socially and academically. Depending on the student, they may do this by helping students resolve issues like bullying, school absences, and other conflicts. They may also help students cope with disabilities, behavior management, and mental health issues. Other job duties for a school social worker may include: 

1. Counseling students 
2. Creating individualized plans to help students improve 
3. Managing case records 
4. Reporting any child abuse or neglect
5. Educating parents on available resources to help their child 
6. Providing some teacher training (i.e. in behavior management) 
7. Attending educational planning meetings 
8. Advocating for students, families, and resources 
9. Counsels with students and teachers in an attempt to prevent/solve discipline, attendance and learning problems. 
10. Assists in the arrangement of necessary conferences with students, parents and teachers. 
11. Assists in the development and implementation of school codes of behavior.
12. Refers students and parents to appropriate social agencies when needed.
13. Confers with juvenile courts, police officials and probation officials as necessary.
14. Arranges and participates in conferences with parents and teachers as necessary.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

1. Assists with the in-service training program for the certificated staff. 
2. Assists in liaison with community groups.
3. Assists in the development of individual and school-wide programs of study and intervention based upon the needs of others.
4. Assists in the development of social emotional learning programs based upon the needs of others
5. Assists in campus supervision as designated by building prin­cipal.
6. Assists with the in-service training program for the certifi­cated staff.

Supervision Exercised and Received

Under the immediate direction of the site administrator/designee.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Credential Required-Pupil Personnel Services: School Counseling or School Social Work
2. Education-Bachelor's degree, including all courses needed to meet credential requirements.
3. Personal Qualities-Appearance, grooming, and personality which establish a desirable example for students.  Ability to meet District standards for physical and mental health.  Better than average recommendations from intern or counselor supervisors or other professionals who have observed the per­sonal characteristics, scholastic attainment, and performance of the counselor.  Must have a friendly, outgoing personality, with particular emphasis on diplomacy and tact. Must have more than superficial understanding of the needs of adolescents. Must have tolerance for the youth who need several opportunities to adjust successfully to the school situation. Must possess knowledge of school and District policies, including the courses of study.