<p>Job Description:</p> <p>Summary</p> <p>The School Social Worker supports students' academic achievement, social-emotional development, and overall well-being by providing comprehensive school-based social work services in alignment with Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) guidelines, state and federal laws, and ethical standards of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). This position facilitates access to school and community resources, provides direct and indirect services to students and families, and collaborates with school staff and external agencies to remove barriers to student success.</p> <p>Duties and Responsibilities</p> <p>Student Support & Intervention</p> <ul> <li>Assess student and family needs (e.g., social-emotional, behavioral, financial, medical, attendance, family stability) to develop and implement individualized intervention and support plans. </li><li>Provide individual and group counseling services addressing concerns such as social skills development, behavior regulation, grief and loss, trauma, attendance, teen pregnancy, substance use, violence prevention, and crisis response. </li><li>Utilize evidence-based and trauma-informed practices, motivational interviewing, and restorative approaches to support student growth. </li><li>Maintain consistent interaction with students to promote social-emotional learning and positive coping strategies. </li></ul> <p>Compliance, Documentation & Ethical Practice</p> <ul> <li>Ensure compliance with DESE regulations, IDEA, Section 504, FERPA, mandatory reporting laws, and other applicable state and federal requirements. </li><li>Maintain accurate, confidential case records and documentation in accordance with school policy and professional standards. </li><li>Participate in IEP, 504, MTSS, and student support team meetings, providing social-emotional and family systems input. </li></ul> <p>Family & Community Engagement</p> <ul> <li>Serve as a liaison between the school, families, and community agencies (e.g., mental health providers, Division of Family Services, Juvenile Court, healthcare providers, probation officers). </li><li>Coordinate referrals and follow-up services to ensure continuity of care and access to community resources. </li><li>Plan and facilitate workshops and informational sessions for parents and students (e.g., parenting skills, community resources, attendance support, social skills development). </li><li>Build trusting relationships with families to strengthen home-school partnerships and support student success. </li></ul> <p>Collaboration & Schoolwide Support</p> <ul> <li>Collaborate with administrators, teachers, counselors, and support staff to address student needs and improve school climate. </li><li>Mediate conflicts between students, parents, and school staff to resolve issues that may impede academic or social progress. </li><li>Respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from students, families, and staff regarding student support services and intervention strategies. </li></ul> <p>Professional Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Demonstrate professionalism, ethical practice, and cultural responsiveness in all interactions. </li><li>Work independently and collaboratively under limited supervision using standardized practices and professional judgment. </li><li>Schedule and coordinate meetings, services, and interventions effectively. </li><li>Analyze data, maintain records, and utilize school-based systems and technology to support service delivery. </li><li>Participate in professional development and continuous improvement activities. </li></ul> <p>Required Skills and Abilities</p> <ul> <li>Excellent verbal and written communication skills. </li><li>Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills. </li><li>Exceptional observational, analytical, and listening skills. </li><li>Ability to relate to, empathize with, and support students and families from diverse backgrounds. </li><li>Demonstrated ability to remain calm, professional, and solution-focused in high-stress situations. </li><li>Strong problem-solving skills and ability to develop action plans independently. </li></ul> <p>Education and Experience</p> <ul> <li>Master's degree in Social Work or a closely related field (required). </li><li>Missouri Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred, in accordance with Missouri licensing requirements. </li><li>National Association of School Social Workers (NASW) School Social Work Certification preferred. </li><li>Experience providing school-based or youth-focused social work services, preferably in an urban or culturally diverse setting. </li><li>Bilingual proficiency preferred (English required; Spanish strongly preferred). </li></ul> <p>You are navigating off of REAP site to the district's posting.</p> <p>OK</p>