JOB LOCATION: This is an itinerant position requiring travel within the CSIU's five-county region.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP:  The Licensed School Social Worker is evaluated by/responsible to the assigned program supervisor and in their absence to the Director of Special Education and Alternative Programs and in their absence to the Assistant Executive Director/Chief Academic Officer (CAO).

JOB DEFINITION:  The Licensed School Social Worker’s (LSSW) primary responsibility is to facilitate the adjustment of regular education students and students determined to be eligible for special education or Act 504 services.  The LSSW promotes communications between school personnel, families, and human service agencies. The LSSW provides knowledge and competence required to provide school social work services for all students in grades PK-12 with a focus on preventative and/or problem-solving tools.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES:

• Conduct formal and informal assessments of student functioning, developmental history, family and community structure, interpersonal relationships, adaptive behavior, and cultural factors that may influence learning.
• Use student, family, school, and community assessment to develop appropriate interventions to improve student learning.
• Develop intervention plans consistent with School Social Worker guidelines to meet student needs, strengths, social and cognitive functioning, and cultural experiences.
• Assist in the planning of therapeutic, remedial, and behavioral modification activities provided by the educational agency.
• Provide crisis and emergency assistance including support to students in need and participation in threat assessment and related initiatives. Assist in training school personnel to be able to identify the signs and impact of trauma in students and families and coordinate or support initiatives to develop institutional culture and climate.
• Provide direct interventions to students, including individual and group therapy, counseling, and educational and informational programs
• Provide supportive case work to children and their families, including parent/caregiver education and self-advocacy.
• Provide parent/caregiver counseling and training to help them acquire the necessary skills to support the implementation of their child's specialized educational program.
• Assist students and their families in gaining access to formal and informal community resources.
• Consult with stakeholders to facilitate understanding of factors in a student's home, educational agency, and community that affect their educational experience.
• Consult and collaborate with educational agency personnel, parents, and community resources in areas that impact student learning (e.g., mental health, behavior management, school safety, diversity, crisis management, bullying prevention, child abuse, and neglect).
• Assist staff in collaborating with community agencies and organizations.
• Work with individuals, groups, and organizations to develop programs and systems that promote student welfare and achievement.
• Promote collaboration among community health, mental health, and welfare service providers and facilitate greater access to these services for students.
• Participate in interagency panels to assist with effective integration of services to students.
• Assist the intermediate unit with professional and program development related to social work services for eligible students; continue professional development by attending conferences, workshops, in-services and staff meeting; maintain appropriate documentation; adhere to intermediate unit professional standards and regulations.
• Acquire and maintain Safe Crisis Management certification and be willing to utilize the strategies.
• Complete and submit appropriate records, reports, and data according to timelines established by supervisor, and CSIU policy and procedure.
• Maintain requirements for continued valid licensure and certification in Pennsylvania.

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Performs other related duties as assigned by the clinical coordinator or program supervisor of Special Education.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED: 

• The minimum job requirement is a Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW).
• A valid Pennsylvania Social Worker license issued by the PA Department of State
• Pursuant to PDE CSPG #87-School Social Worker PK-12, a valid Department of Education 1851-School Social Worker Educational Specialist I or II certification is required.
• Computer experience using word processing, email, interne
• Adept at using virtual meeting platforms such as Skype, Zoom and Microsoft Teams. 
• Excellent organizational and time management skills to prioritize the task based on project deadlines. And must be able to type accurately and maintain a high level of productivity.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills with the ability to communicate and work effectively with colleagues, co-workers, community agency personnel, and students/trainees.
• Requires the ability to develop and maintain positive and collaborative relationships using tact and diplomacy and to remain calm in unpredictable situations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding education programs, students and parents at all times adhering to the Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) requirements to protect staff and student data.

ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Current, approved Act 34 (PA State Police), Act 151 (PA Child Abuse Registry) and Act 114-FBI Fingerprint clearances are required and must be renewed at appropriate, specific intervals pursuant to Act 153 of 2014 (revised Act 15 of 2015).
• Current, approved Act 126 Mandated Reporter Training certificate showing completion of a minimum of three (3) hours training every five (5) years.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS:

• Maintain active Act 48 continuing education hours by achieving 180 hours every five (5) years .
• Attendance at scheduled staff meetings and as directed by immediate supervisor.
• Attendance at workshop/conferences as approved by supervisor.
• In accordance with PA Chapter 14.133, staff will participate in training regarding behavior prevention, de-escalation, and/or safe physical management techniques.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Training in and the ability to implement fully all components of safe crisis management.
• Sedentary: Able to sit for extended periods of time, occasional walking, standing (as necessary) and able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.
• Dexterity: Finger movements (computer keyboard, calculator), eye-hand coordination (office equipment, etc.).
• Audio-Visual Requirements: Within normal range with or without correction.
• Is able to move throughout all buildings, floors and grounds.
• Worksite Environment: Primarily indoors-office setting with occasional exposure to outdoor elements/climate during the day.
• Mental demands: Steady response to unpredictable situations, ability to remain calm and productive during stressful situations. Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion and is able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to travel to various work locations and meetings is required.

TIME REQUIREMENTS:

• This is a full time exempt collective bargaining agreement position, working 188 days per year and requires some evening meetings.
• Attendance at work is a requirement of this position; any and all absences must be approved by the immediate supervisor.

CSIU PROPERTY AND CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS:

1. All property, including intellectual property, materials, equipment, or actual products and services developed or accrued as part of the job duties and responsibilities listed above, is the property of the CSIU. It may not be used for personal profit or gain and will be relinquished to the CSIU upon termination of employment from the CSIU.
2. The person employed in this position shall maintain confidentiality with regard to the personal and private information about clients and coworkers, programs and services and other proprietary information accrued as a result of CSIU employment or as required by state and federal laws and regulations.
3. The person employed in this position must adhere to all requirements identified in the code of professionalism entitled “Ambassadors Are Professionals, Too” and CSIU Administrative Regulation 317-AR-1 CSIU Service Standards.

The position holder must be able to perform the essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation.  It is the responsibility of the employee to inform their supervisor and the director of Human Resources of any and all reasonable accommodations that will be required.