Valid NJ Educational Services Certificate and School Social Worker Endorsement
Knowledge of laws and regulations governing special education
Effective problem-solving, human relations and communication skills
Successful experience working with families and community health and social services agencies (desired)
Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed
Ability to organize and coordinate work
Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents
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
Must pass criminal background check and fingerprints, pre-employment drug screening and TB test
Reports To: Director of Special Services/Supervisor of the Child Study Team
Purpose: The School Social Worker's goal is to help students resolve such personal, emotional and social problems as interfere with their adjustment to school and their capacity to enjoy the fullest benefits of the education offered them.
Performance Responsibilities:
Participates in the evaluation, classification and placement of all pupils with special needs
Provides case management services
Assesses a student in terms of personal and family history, social-economic and cultural differences
Evaluates the configuration of factors within the home, community and school as related to a student's current social and academic adjustment
Develops and maintains appropriate written reports and records
Participates on multi disciplinary teams to facilitate an understanding of the educational abilities and limitations of the children referred for service
Plans home visits or office interviews with family members to assess past and present history and development, as well as family dynamics and interactions that are relevant to the child's adjustment
Maintains an ongoing relationship with families for the purpose of sharing information regarding educational planning and programming for the student; assisting the family in utilizing appropriate community resources; and assisting the family and/or students to facilitate social adjustment
Initiates, facilitates and maintains liaison with community agencies and other resources to meet special needs; refers parents and child to agencies when appropriate
Consults with administration and staff regarding social adjustment factors of students in schools, at home and in the community
May counsel groups of students and/or parents regarding social adjustment problems
Maintains appropriate case records and acts as case manager for designated students
Assists in upholding and enforcing department rules, administrative regulation and Board policy
Strives to maintain and improve professional competence and to keep abreast of the latest professional practices/methods
Assists in coordinating, developing, monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of Individualized Education Plans
Observes pupils in classrooms and/or playground, as appropriate
Interviews pupils, as indicated
Act as homeless liaison for children placed in temporary facilities in the community
Attends and participates in meetings as deemed necessary and consistent with the needs of the district
Performs all duties required as a member of the child study team by administrative code, state and federal laws and Board policy
Participates in district-wide communities
Additional Duties: Performs other related tasks as assigned by the Principal and other central office administrators as designated by the Superintendent.
Note: The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities. It is not meant to be all inclusive of every task or responsibility. Additionally, position does not exclusively service special education.
Evaluation: In accordance with Teach for NJ
Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards: Works in standard office and school building environments The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The duties of this job are normally performed in the following manner: the employee is regularly required to stand and is regularly required to talk and to hear. The employee frequently is required to walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit; to use hand to finger, handle or feel; to reach with hands and arms; to stoop; kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Note: Qualified candidates/incumbents must be able to perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodations. As required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions or duties. It is the responsibility of the incumbent in the position or the candidate once offered the position to inform the East Greenwich Superintendent of any and all reasonable accommodations that may be required. Candidates who need accommodations to complete the application process must inform the Superintendent of their need.
Equipment: Ability to use standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copy and fax machines, and telephone
Travel: Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required
Terms of Employment: In accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement
The East Greenwich Township School District is an Equal Opportunity Employment, Educational and Service Organization.