Social Worker

The Guadalupe Centers Charter Schools serve 1600 students from preK to 12 and is a free, open-enrollment public charter school. Over 92% of our students are Latinx. Our school system consists of Guadalupe Centers High School, Guadalupe Centers Middle School, and Guadalupe Centers Elementary School. Our system grew out of Guadalupe Centers’ educational programming. Guadalupe Centers is the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the US since 1919. Our roots in our community run deep.

There are many benefits to working at GCCS ,with some of them being:

• 
  Student and Families: GCCS teachers strive to form strong relationships with our students and their families. Our organization grew out of Guadalupe Centers, the longest continuously operating agency serving the Latinx community in the US. These community ties are integral to who we are.
• Staff Autonomy: Teachers at GCCS appreciate having the autonomy to try proven and new approaches in their classrooms and are encouraged to innovate. Teachers' experience is valued, and they are given space to collaborate and share their best practices with each other.
• Coaching and Development: Staff at GCCS collaborate with their leaders on their growth and development. GCCS teachers set a professional development goal in collaboration with their coaches, colleagues, and in district initiatives. All staff are aligned on working on their development over the year.

Additional benefits include, but are not limited to: Competitive compensation and benefits, a qualifying relocation stipend upon hire, a bilingual (Spanish) stipend upon hire, and tuition reimbursement. GCCS has also expanded our benefits around well-being and mental health.

Summary:

The job of a Social Worker is done for the purpose/s of facilitating administrative processes; ensuring operation in compliance with county, state and/or federal requirements; providing information on services available to eligible students and families and conveying information regarding school and/or district activities, and referring students and families to other agencies.

Reports To: Director of Student Services & School Principal

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Communicate effectively in verbal and written form.
• Work agreeably with students and parents, as well as associates, consulting professionals, community, and state agency personnel.
• Utilize motivational techniques.
• Able to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/or ratios.
• Review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement Essential Functions. Assesses student and family needs (e.g., financial, medical, parenting skills, etc.) for the purpose of developing and implementing individualized plans of services to support life and educational objectives.
• Consistent interaction with students to educate students.
• Coordinates workshops for parents and/or students (e.g., parenting skills, community resources, district programs, social skill development, etc.) for the purpose of assisting parents in maintaining a positive home environment, building trust between family and district, and supporting a child's educational program.
• Coordinates activities with a variety of outside services agencies, school sites, etc. (e.g., mental health, probation, medical, etc.) for the purpose of providing referrals for families and/or students.
• Maintains case records for the purpose of documenting activities and complying with mandated requirements.
• Mediates conflicts between parents, teachers, and/or students (e.g, parent/teacher, parent/student, etc.) for the purpose of resolving issues that could impede students' success.
• Provides one-on-one, individual or group counseling sessions for students (e.g., social, behavioral, grief, teen pregnancy, violence, suicide, school attendance, etc.) to give emotional and psychological support.
• Responds to all inquiries from students, parents, teachers, and administration for the purpose of providing information on district support services, potential intervention methods, and/or educational programs; and ensuring compliance with public education laws.
• Serves as a liaison between school and outside agencies (e.g., Division of Family Services, Juvenile Court, substance abuse counselors, physicians, etc.) to provide therapeutic options for individuals and families to explore.
• Satisfactorily perform the functions of the job, including emotional and behavioral issues, treatment methods, relationships with community agencies, and restraining methods.
• The ability to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events.
• Gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use basic, job-related equipment.
• The flexibility 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.
• Able to work with a diversity of individuals and/or groups.
• Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans.
• Able to work under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods.
• Leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others.
• Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent observational and listening skills.
• Patient demeanor with the ability to relate to, empathize with, and show compassion for a variety of personalities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a proven ability to maintain professionalism and tact in high-stress situations.
• Committed to working with underserved students.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Social Work or a job-related area.
• Missouri Clinical Social Work License is preferred.
• Missouri Masters of Social Work License is preferred.
• National Association of School Social Workers Certificate is preferred.
• Experience in an urban school setting is preferred.
• Bilingual ability; English required and Spanish preferred.

Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods of standing and walking throughout the school and classroom.
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate all areas of the school and other facilities as needed.

Application Process:

Please complete an application, which may be found at www.gck12.org/o/gc/page/work-for-gccs. If a position requires a degree, please upload a copy of transcripts and/or degree certification to your application. Other attachments, such as a cover letter or resume, can also be uploaded and attached to the application.

Guadalupe Centers, Inc. conforms to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, who fully and actively supports equal access for all qualified applicants, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information or Testing, Family and Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law, and prohibits retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint, or otherwise oppose discrimination.