School Social Worker

RESPONSIBLE TO: Executive Director of Special Education and/or Supervisor of Special Education

Salary:  Per SIFT CBA

SUMMARY OF POSITION: The School Social Worker provides direct and/or indirect social work services to students with IEPs (meets eligibility for special education programs/services). Direct service, as identified in the IEP, will vary in form, length, intensity, and methodology depending upon the students’ identified needs. Indirect service will consist of serving as a liaison, consultant, and advocate on behalf of the student, family, and/or school. The School Social Worker may assist
teachers, principals, counselors, and parents in understanding and treating the social and emotional behavior of students in special education or those suspected of having a disability. School Social Workers are a crucial member of the behavior intervention planning team.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assessment/Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team Responsibilities
1.  The School Social Worker participates with the Multidisciplinary Evaluation of students suspected of having a

     disability as required by law or as identified in the Evaluation Review process.
2.  Assist with the coordination of referrals, and pre-referral consultations.
3.  Explain parental rights as part of the referral process.
4.  Review the contents of the Parent Handbook with parents/guardians.
5.  Secure parental permission (consent) to test students suspected of being a student with a disability.
6.  Gather developmental data and write a social history with parental input.
7.  Observe students suspected of being emotionally impaired in various settings.
8.  Assist with the initial and re-evaluation process as specified in rule.
9.  Assist in completion of Functional Behavioral Assessments as per operational procedure.
10. Assist in the development of Behavioral Intervention Plans.

Counseling
1. Help special education students who are experiencing adjustment problems, by providing direct therapy as written in the

    IEP or by referring them to a community agency.
2. Attend IEP Team meetings as necessary for special education students needing and/or receiving services.
3. Utilize resources found in the school and community to meet the needs of special education students.
4. Work with parents who need assistance in understanding child growth and child management techniques.

5. Share with the school staff knowledge of child growth and development and principles of human behavior as they affect

     the child in the school setting.
6. Help classroom teachers, administrators, counselors, and parents understand and plan for the social-emotional

    problems that special education students experience.
7. Assist in conducting in-service training programs for parents, teachers, and/or administrators on request.
8. Serve as a liaison to community agencies.
9. Provide crisis intervention on behalf of special education students.

Reports and Records
1. Complete necessary and appropriate reports.
2. Write goals and instructional objectives for all students receiving direct service.
3. Complete and/or assist in the completion of student progress reports.
4. Maintain appropriate and orderly student files.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Carry out Primary Caseload Provider responsibilities for students where the SSW is identified as the only service

    provider.
2. To use proper phone etiquette at all times.
3. Maintain professional competency by attending staff meetings, conferences, workshops, and participating in

    professional organizations.
4. Willingness to learn and utilize basic keyboarding computer skills.
5. Willingness to receive additional training to improve job skills.
6. Participate in the District Planning Process and Work Teams.

MINIMAL QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Meet the State Special Education requirements to be a School Social Worker as listed in Rule 340.1012.
2. Demonstrate oral and written communication skills.
3. Demonstrate conflict resolution skills.
4. Demonstrate skills to work effectively with staff, school administrators, and outside agencies in the delivery of special

    education services.
5. Demonstrate the ability to work successfully with students, parents, staff, community, and advocacy groups.
6. Demonstrate the ability to function in a total organizational context.
7. Must have a valid driver’s license and acceptable transportation.

NOTICE OF NONDISCRIMINATION

Saginaw Intermediate School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender and gender identity, disability, age, or national origin in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Executive Director of Human Resources

Saginaw Intermediate School District

3933 Barnard Road, Saginaw, MI 48603

Telephone: (989) 799-4733, Fax: (989) 249-8756

Email:  personnel@sisd.cc  Web:  www.sisd.cc