Valparaiso Community School Corporation

3801 N. Campbell Street

Valparaiso, IN 46385

Position: School Social Worker

Reports to: Building Principal & Assistant Superintendent for Support Services

Location: Northview Elementary

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) with applicable work experience required; or
• Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) from an accredited institution preferred; and
• Licensing by the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Board preferred (LSW, LCSW, LMHC, LMFT); and
• Licensing or eligibility for Indiana Department of Education Title IV School Services License preferred

Job Description:

1. Services to Students

a. Provide individual or group sessions and/or skills training instruction in order to help increase school success by helping the student build upon his/her strengths.

b. Provide crisis intervention.

c. Develop long-term and short-term intervention strategies consistent with students’ social and emotional needs, strengths, background, and life experiences.

d. Use a variety of strategies, tools, and techniques to evaluate the progress and performance of students and families.

e. Engage students through a trauma informed and growth mindset lens.

2. Services to Parents and Families

a. Provides services to students and their families within the context of multicultural understanding and competencies that enhance families’ support of student learning experiences.

b. Help with the on-boarding of new students.

c. Connect families with community resources and supports, facilitating a wrap-around service model focused upon growth of the whole child.

d. Continuously assess and support the ongoing efforts of families to provide services to their students.

3. Collaboration and Consultation

a. Develop and provide training and educational programs for students, staff, and parents that address the goals and mission of the Valparaiso Community School District in promoting a safe, healthy, caring school climate.

b. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and other staff to develop least restrictive interventions and/or accommodations for students who qualify for a special services (i.e./ Section 504 Plan, Individualized Education Plan, Behavior Intervention Plan, etc.).

c. Collaborate with community mental health centers and other agencies that provide assistance to families for continuity of care.

d. Consult with school staff and administration on issues such as attendance, confidentiality, cultural competence, mental health, behavior management, peer conflict, anti-bullying commitments, discipline, crisis intervention, and child abuse and neglect.

4. School-Community Liaison

a. Assist students and their families with gaining access to community resources.

b. Consult with community stakeholders to facilitate an understanding of factors in home, school, and community that affect student school success.

c. Work with individuals, groups, and organizations that have different interests to develop programs or systems of care that support and enhance the health, and social-emotional well-being of Valparaiso Community Schools students.

5. Professional Expectations

a. Conform to the National Association of Social Work (NASW) Code of Ethics.

b. Maintain an accurate record and documentation of services provided.

c. Maintain all licenses required for the school social worker position by participating in appropriate professional development to improve knowledge and skills.

d. Organize time, resources, and workload in order to meet responsibilities.

Terms of Employment:

186-day calendar

Salary range $42,000 - $50,000, dependent upon degree and work experience