School Social Worker - West Orange, NJ

JOB TITLE

 SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER

DEPT/LOCATION

Fedcap School- West Orange, NJ

REPORTS TO

Rebecca Borg, Principal

JOB PURPOSE

School Social Workers have a master’s degree in social work and are licensed to practice School Social Work in a school setting as per NJ DOE. Their expertise lies in mental health, and they provide counseling to students experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addiction, etc. School Social Workers assist students by offering guidance on handling challenging life situations and providing necessary resources to enhance their academic. They play a crucial role in helping individuals work through behavioral disorders, mental illnesses, and other personal challenges. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.

·         To assist in carrying out the mission of the school to empower positive behavior in our students, assist them with coping skills, assure that all elements of each student’s Individual Educational Plan (IEP) is updated regularly, followed and remains in compliance.

·         To provide individual and/or group counseling with students to help them improve the quality of their lives.

·         The School Social Worker will oversee the case management work of case managers and advocates who provide direct support and advocacy services geared to enhancing the development, problem-solving, and coping capacities of people; provide resources and services to people; linking students and their families with systems that provide them with resources, services, and opportunities; information and referrals to outside agencies and to the legal department as appropriate.

·         Conduct brief, non-stigmatizing screenings to evaluate the needs of students for mental health and support services, based on direct interview and interaction with the family and/or discussion with other staff members who interact with the student and family. Assess, evaluate, formulate and implement treatment plans for students. Perform comprehensive assessment for mental health, substance abuse, co-occurring disorders, domestic violence and medical needs. Conduct follow-up as appropriate based on results of evaluation.

·         Provide early interventions and referrals to specialty mental health services, including referral for more intensive psychological or psychiatric support services, if needed.

·         Document findings in client records according to established protocol. Submit monthly reports on number of students, behavioral health consultations, screenings, assessments and brief treatment encounters provided.

·         Maintain student records, including all mandated agency forms in accordance agency policy, state confidentiality and HIPAA laws. Keep all records and information confidential. Maintain confidentiality regarding privileged administrative and client information in a professional manner.

·         Keep case load as required and ensure case documentation is up-to-date and reflective of services provided.

·         Participate in program development and evaluation, collect and compile data as required by program and funding sources.

·         Attend IEP, parent conferences, and other meetings, as needed

·         Report suspected child abuse and/or neglect as per protocol and follow up on all such reports.

·          Other duties as assigned by supervisor, service providers, and other relevant agencies.

• Protecting against outbursts or behavioral issues that may arise if a special education student is over stimulated, frustrated, or otherwise needs a break from the classroom.

2.

Function as an ambassador for The Fedcap Group.

3.

Contribute to organization success by accepting new assignments, helping team members, learning new skills, and striving to improve team results.

NOTE

The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Certification

Licensed School Social Worker in New Jersey

• Education Requirements: MSW from a CSWE-accredited program
• NJ DOE Certification as a School Social Worker
• NJ LSW License

Job Experience

·         Experience working with students with special needs, particularly those with behavioral challenges, is preferred.

·         Minimum two years of full-time social work experience under direct supervision of an LCSW, psychologist or other licensed mental health professional, preferably in a school setting and/or with adolescents.

·         Bilingual in Spanish (preferred).

Software Skills

·         Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, and other related software.

Work Conditions

·         Work is typically performed in an office environment but may be required to perform job duties outside of the office setting (i.e. home visits, DMV appointments, Social     Security, etc.).

Special Schedule

·         Normal business hours.  At times, must be willing to work beyond normal business hours as needed by operational needs and event schedules.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

·         Build strong interpersonal relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

·         Work cooperatively with others on a team.

·         Excellent verbal/written communication and presentation skills.

·         Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

·         Maintain the highest level of confidentiality, integrity, and ethical practice.

·         Analyze, make decisions, and resolve situations/problems effectively within the scope of responsibilities.

·         Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply the appropriate sections of applicable laws, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, and policies.

·         Be patient and sensitive to individuals with disabilities.

Other

•       Demonstrable knowledge of and commitment to the mission, vision and goals of The Fedcap Group and execution of relevant policies and procedures.

STATUS

Part/Full-time

Full-time

Term

Regular 12 month