Social Worker

Bismarck Public Schools is accepting applications for a School Social Worker.  This position will begin in the fall of the 2024-2025 school year.  Exact building placement is yet to be determined.

 

Bismarck Public Schools is a great place to work and Bismarck is a great place to live! Watch this video to see why: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amtSfWagQzA&feature=youtu.be

 

School social worker will serve as a liaison to families and community agencies in creating supports for students to be successful.  School social worker will assist teams in developing and implementing behavior intervention plans, monitoring attendance, and serving as a member of the student assistance team as necessary.  School social worker will provide social skills training to individual students and groups of students.

 

Information on benefits can be found on this page of our website: https://www.bismarckschools.org/Page/1701

 

Purpose Statement
The job of Social Worker is done for the purpose/s of serving as a liaison between school, home, and community; advocating on behalf of families and students; facilitating administrative processes; ensuring operation is in compliance with county, state and/or federal requirements; providing information on services available to eligible students and families; conveying information regarding school and/or district activities, procedures; referring families to outside resources; providing extensive counseling to identified students who are placed in the school programs for students with significant social, emotional, and behavioral challenges; and providing strategic services for students that identify and address the social emotional environmental issues that interfere with the educational process.

 

This job reports to Coordinator/Principal

 

Essential Functions

Assesses student and family needs (e.g. administers various evaluation protocols such as child/family/teacher interviews, behavioral scales, functional behavioral assessment, etc.) for the purpose of developing and implementing individualized plans of services to support educational objectives.
Assists with school and home crisis intervention plans (e.g. issues such as health, runaway child, abuse/neglect of a child, domestic violence, family member suicide, etc.) for the purpose of creating necessary support for students/families in crisis.
Coordinates training opportunities for staff, parents and/or students (e.g. parenting skills, community resources, district programs, social skill development, increased mental health awareness, etc.) for the purpose of assisting parents in maintaining a positive home environment, building trust between family and district and supporting child’s educational program.
Coordinates activities with a variety of outside service agencies, school sites, etc. (e.g. mental health, housing, probation, medical, youth camps, food banks, clothing/supplies, etc.) for the purpose of providing referrals for families and/or students.
Maintains case records and documentation (e.g. adhere to confidentiality standard on NASW Code of Ethics as well as Bismarck Public Schools Special Education policy, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities and complying with mandated requirements.
Mediates conflicts between parents, teachers and/or students (e.g. meetings to offer support and options based on need, provide community resources and assist in referrals, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues that could impede student’s success.
Participates in meetings, training and seminars as assigned (e.g. building level meetings with families and school personnel addressing student needs including assisting in the student evaluation process, intervention plans, behavior plans, building attendance team, and classroom management strategies, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information required to perform functions.
Provides resources for interim transportation for the purpose of assisting students and/or family members in receiving required services and/or meetings.
Responds to requests for intervention in situations that could negatively impact the student’s education plan (e.g. coordinate the wrap-around process to support identified higher risk students and families, provide social skill instruction to classes, provide meetings, resiliency training and motivational training for at-risk students, develop behavior intervention and support plans, etc.) for the purpose of addressing needs of the student.
Responds to all inquiries (e.g. serves on IEP team, makes home visits for head start students as well as students in transition, supports identified students through individual and/or group skill building instruction, participates in activities that increase parent involvement in schools, provide needed resources/support to families, etc.) for the purpose of providing information on district support services and/or educational programs.
Supports students (e.g. individual and group skill building instruction, etc.) for the purpose of providing necessary support for student achievement.
Other Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

 

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in
order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: excellent human relations, oral and written communication skills; and experience and training which demonstrates successful use of clinical skills in working with such students and/or their families, other programs, and agencies.

 

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: knowledge of Bismarck Public Schools and the local agencies providing services to youth and their families; excellent clinical knowledge and skill in working with students experiencing significant social emotional and behavioral issues and their families; and working knowledge of federal, state and local laws, policies and regulations related to special education in general and serious emotional disabilities specifically.

 

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is limited. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: assist in developing and monitor individualized education programs (IEP’s) that include appropriate social skills, behavioral and academic goals; and being familiar with surface management strategies, as needed.

 

Responsibility
Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of resources from other work units is often required to perform the job’s functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

 

Work Environment
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 40% sitting, 40% walking, and 20% standing. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.

 

Experience:  Experience in schools, preferred.
Education: Must have a degree in social work and be a licensed social worker.
Certificates and Licenses: ND Licensure
Clearances:  Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary Grade: PJ